A Raft Of Otters

Text and photographs reveal the physical characteristics and habits of the sea otter.

Sea otters are social creatures, sometimes found by the hundreds resting together on their backs. This is called a raft of otters! Otters sometimes tangle themselves in kelp to keep from drifting apart! Young readers will love learning more about how otters live and grow together. With photographs of otters enjoying their watery home, this volume introduces young readers to how baby otters are born and cared for. Approachable text aids in leaving lasting lessons for young scientists ready to jump into animal discovery.

A science journalist's journey along the Pacific Coast from California to Alaska to track the status, health, habits, personality, and viability of sea otters--the appealing species unique to this coastline that was hunted to near extinction in the 18th and 19th centuries. These adorable, furry marine mammals--often seen floating on their backs holding hands--reveal the health of the coastal ecosystem along the Pacific Ocean. Once hunted for their prized fur during the 1700s and 1800s, these animals nearly went extinct. Only now, nearly a century after hunting ceased, are populations showing stable growth in some places. Sea otters are a keystone species in coastal areas, feeding on sea urchins, clams, crab, and other crustaceans. When they are present, kelp beds are thick and healthy, providing homes for an array of sealife. When otters disappear, sea urchins take over, and the kelp disappears along with all of the creatures that live in the beds. Now, thanks to their protected status, sea otters are making a comeback in California, Washington, and Alaska.

“Sherlock and Watson come through again. The [corgis] are so cute!” – 5 star review, Amazon It starts out as a fun road trip to Monterey, California, for Zack, Jillian and the two corgis, but when a dead SCUBA diver washes up on the beach where they are walking, well, the group senses a mystery unfolding. Zack, Jillian, Sherlock and Watson, become embroiled in a race to discover what the diver had been doing, all alone in the bay, when he died. Compounding their investigation is the presence of a group of playful otters, who just so happen to be using what appears to be gold coins as tools to open shellfish. Are the two events related? Could the deceased diver have located a sunken treasure ship off the coast of Monterey? Readers are loving this cozy mystery series with its two indomitable dog sleuths. Zack, Jillian and the corgis, Sherlock and Watson, are at it again in this delightful series that pulls you right in. Praise for Jeffrey Poole and the Corgi Case files: “I can't wait for the next book. I love mysteries and animals, so these books are perfect reading for me. Sherlock is a small furry Jessica Fletcher.” – H. Dudley, 5 stars online review “A great introduction to the characters in the Corgi Case Files mystery series. Sherlock is brilliant!” J.D. – 5 stars on Amazon (on Case of the One-Eyed Tiger) “The best thing--this guy loves the corgis, as I do, and he describes their behavior very well. Looking forward to future stories.” – 5 stars, Amazon “An intriguing story with a wonderful cast of characters. The plot was excellent and filled with twists and turns it kept my interest to the very end!” – 5 stars on Amazon “I absolutely love this series. If you like a good story, great characters and seriously smart and lovable canines, you’ll love this book. Start with the first book and work your way through the Corgi Case Files. They just keep getting better.” – K. Underwood, 5 stars online review

Sea otters spend a lot of time together floating on their backs. It makes sense why a group of sea otters is called a raft. Young readers will learn how sea otters look, eat, and live in community.

Sea otters are social creatures, sometimes found by the hundreds resting together on their backs. This is called a raft of otters! Otters sometimes tangle themselves in kelp to keep from drifting apart! Young readers will love learning more about how otters live and grow together. With photographs of otters enjoying their watery home, this volume introduces young readers to how baby otters are born and cared for. Approachable text aids in leaving lasting lessons for young scientists ready to jump into animal discovery.