Do Unto Otters
Laurie Keller
Henry Holt and Company (2007)
Do you want your cavemanish toddler to learn some manners? I do PLEASE! Do Unto Otters is a very fun foray into the world of social graces. There are so many special little things about this book, it's hard to know where to begin, but here goes. . .
Mirette laughs at the silly bunny singing doo-dee-doo. There's lots of puns using the word otters---such as co--otter--ate instead of cooperate and a picture of the book Harry Otter. Please, Thank You and Excuse Me are translated into five languages--Spanish, French, German, Japanese and Pig Latin (C'mon don't you think the Pig Latin part is kind-of cute). There are lots of things going on and little pictures on the sidelines that are fun to look at--very cartoon-style. Finally, and most importantly in Mirette's opinion, one of the otters farts which Mirette finds hysterical. But mostly, I like it because I think the author found a really fun, non-preachy way to explore manners.
Well, what do you know, Laurie Keller also wrote Arnie, the Doughnut which Steve got as a gift from a family. Her website: http://www.lauriekeller.com/aboutme.html
Her blog: http://lauriekeller.com/wordpress/open-wide-tooth-school-inside-classroom-ideas/
Lots of activity ideas on both these sites.
Here's an interesting interview with the author: http://www.kidsbookreview.com/2010/07/authorillustrator-interview-laurie.html
Laurie lives with her boyfriend and two cats in a little cottage in Michigan. She likes Peanut M and M's and is inspired by Maira Kalma (my favorite too!).
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