Otters Under Water

Under the watchful eye of their mother on the shore, two otter pups glide, dive, hunt and explore their underwater world. Arnosky's watercolor illustrations deftly entice even reluctant, landlocked readers into his aquatic underworld as these lovable otters take a gulp of air, sneak under floating ducks and muskrats, race after minnows and perch,stet comma and then rise again to greet a butterfly. Shallow waters--and the book's radiant pages--shine in sunlight; kids are given an otters-eye perspective that includes above and below water views at once. However, because the text lacks the traditional narrative elements that might draw readers in, perhaps the book is most appropriate for the otter-curious or confirmed otter-lovers. Ages 3-6. (Sept.)