This lively book tells young readers everything they want to know about the life and behavior of the southern sea otter, its northern cousin, and lesser-known river otters. Forty color photographs by 13 exceptional wildlife photographers show the otter at work and play, while range maps show both current and historic locations of the otters. It's all here for the budding biologist or zoologist, or the just-plain-curious kid: otter methods of courtship and reproduction, eating habits, and the animal's complex relationship with humankind, including how these playful animals continue to be threatened by oil spills and the encroachment of human society. An "Otter Secrets" section presents "amazing but true" characteristics of the otter, while the "To Learn More" page points curious readers to related websites, books, organizations, videos, and DVDs.