I Am Otter
#1 of 5 in Otter Series
on Goodreads (906)
What’s inside...
In I Am Otter, author-illustrator Sam Garton introduces readers to the curious, charming, playful, and internet-famous Otter. Otter narrates a story about her life with her best friends, Otter Keeper and Teddy, detailing the fun, messy, and slightly scary adventure they have while Otter Keeper is at work. Sam Garton's classic yet fresh illustrations complement Otter's endearing voice to create a hilarious and heartwarming tale of friendship.
Character compass
Otter
Teddy
Otter Keeper
Discussion points
Why do you think Otter started her own toast restaurant?
How do you think Otter felt when her best friend, Teddy, went missing?
What would you have done if you were in Otter’s place during her adventure?
What does this story teach us about friendship and solving problems?
Can you think of a time when you felt like Otter and had to make things right?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Otter's shoes, which helps develop empathy. Ask them to describe different characters' feelings and motivations to deepen their understanding of the story. Highlight the problem-solving aspects of the book, discussing any similar experiences they've faced. Use expressive reading to make the story come alive, changing your voice for different characters to maintain engagement. Lastly, tie the themes of the book back to your child’s own experiences, making the discussion relevant and relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: In 'I Am Otter', the character Otter starts a toast restaurant with Teddy after feeling lonely when Otter Keeper goes to work. The bond between Otter and Teddy highlights the importance of companionship.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of having friends to share experiences with, helping them develop social skills and emotional support systems.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Otter uses imagination to turn a mundane day into an exciting adventure by creating a restaurant. This showcases creativity in problem-solving and entertainment.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their creativity to transform simple objects or scenarios into imaginative play, fostering cognitive and creative development.
Example Lesson: Handling Responsibility
Explanation: Otter learns about responsibility through the process of managing the toast restaurant, dealing with challenges such as making a mess and running out of supplies.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the consequences of their actions and the importance of taking responsibility, applicable in their chores and schoolwork.
Example Lesson: Dealing with the Consequences of Actions
Explanation: After the toast restaurant adventure, Otter faces the consequences of making a huge mess. This helps Otter understand the impact of actions.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to cleaning up after play or taking responsibility for their actions in various situations at home or school.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Problem Solving
Explanation: Otter encounters many problems while running the restaurant but tries various solutions to keep it going.
Real-World Application: Instills resilience in children, encouraging them to find solutions to obstacles and not easily give up in the face of difficulties.