Book Review: I AM OTTER – by Sam Garton

Book: I AM OTTER

Author: Sam Garton

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Date: April 29, 2014

Genre: picture book, ages 4-8; Preschool – grade 3

Pages: 32

Price: hardcover $16.99 US suggested price, but can be found for less

My Rating: amusing, amazing illustrations to go with a delightful story. Love it!

 

If you have never met Otter or Otter Keeper (Sam Garton) through the blog I am Otter: The Unheard Ramblings of a Modern Day Domestic Otter, then you really must remedy that situation and go there. (But wait! Please read my review first, of course.)

I don’t remember how I was introduced to Otter, but I’m glad I found her and Otter Keeper because I always enjoy reading about what new antics have occurred. The best news yet is this book: I AM OTTER. I had to pre-order and be patient, but when it arrived it was certainly worth the wait.

I AM OTTER by Sam Garton is a gorgeous book! Sam is both the author and the illustrator, and he certainly has found his voice and artistic talent. Otter has attitude and determination which come across in amusing mishaps. The detail worked into each illustrated page is amazing and entertaining.

Otter Keeper is very patient and tolerant. Otter is such a loveable character who is always getting herself into trouble of one kind or another, and Teddy is always getting the blame. For example, on the jacket cover Otter says: I hope you like the story! (And if you don’t it’s probably Teddy’s fault.)

Small spoiler alert … enough to tempt you: Because Otter Keeper, no matter how much Otter tries to prevent it, goes to work every Monday, and Otter and Teddy don’t have jobs, they decided to open a toast restaurant. Unfortunately, they immediately ran into problems. Here’s an excerpt: Next, Teddy hadn’t told anyone how much our toast would cost. As a result, no one brought any spending money, which led to some embarrassing situations. Finally, Teddy got several of the toast orders wrong. Some of the customers complained and had to be asked to leave the restaurant.   The customers are toys from Otter’s toy box, and the illustration is of a few toys having been escorted (tossed) out the window. Too cute!

There are such pleasing and amusing surprises to this story, I laughed out loud. When my grandson was here for a short visit the day my book arrived, he and I enjoyed reading I AM OTTER together. Every page has so much to see, and the situations created are truly funny. I love books like this.

Check out this book trailer and get a taste of I AM OTTER by Sam Garton.

If you are looking for a fun and entertaining picture book for a little someone special, I urge you to consider I AM OTTER by Sam Garton. When I asked my grandson to read my copy with me he didn’t want to then, so I suggested we take turns reading the pages. That was acceptable, but he got so into the story he forgot a couple of times it was my turn and kept reading. 🙂 Now that’s a great recommendation.  😉

You can find I AM OTTER listed on my BUY THE BOOK! page.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings!