Goodnight, little sea otter

A tiny sea otter learns new life skills in the latest entry in the Baby Animal Tales series. It is time for Little Sea Otter to grow up and learn how to paddle down deep and find food. She is nervous. The water is dark and cold. In a nod to a sea otter's most endearing mannerism, Little Sea Otter's mother gives her a great big hug while floating on her back. Filled with the courage she needs, Little Sea Otter dives deep. Later, her mother shows her how to break open a clam on the rocks, but she is unable to do so. She struggles and struggles. Her mom tells her that "learning takes time" and she should try again tomorrow. When Little Sea Otter encounters an even smaller sea otter who is hungry and lost, she steps up and finds herself easily drawing on her newfound skills--especially the hugging part. The simple tale is wonderfully reassuring. As with other installments in the series, the art features a distinctive blend of photography and illustration, with adorable photos of the young protagonist set within watercolor-esque underwater scenes. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Filled with warmth, comfort, and irresistible baby animal photos. (Picture book. 2-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.