HOW TO SAVE AN OTTER (Wildlife Rescue), by Kate Messner, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, Oct. 21, 2025, Paperback, $8.99 (ages 6-9)
How to Save an Otter is the first book in a new series by Kate Messner about a family dedicated to rescuing animals.
Ivy and Ezra are “critter couriers” whose family volunteers to transport injured and orphaned animals to their local wildlife hospital.
When they discover a baby river otter with a hurt leg, Ivy worries about the little otter being separated from its family–a feeling she knows all too well. She’s struggled to make new friends since her twin cousin BFFs moved away.
Taking on a big project for the wildlife hospital keeps her busy, but can she find the confidence she needs to make it a success, build new friendships, and help the otter heal enough to return to the wild? —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury Children’s Books
How to Save an Otter is an excellent option for emerging readers. It’s short with short chapters and charming illustrations throughout. The story is sweet with good information for interacting with wild animals. Helpful backmatter offers more about author Kate Messner’s inspiration and tips for how readers can do to help with local wildlife rescue efforts.
The second book in the series, How to Save an Owl, is already out, and a third book, How to Save a Tortoise, is set to come out March 3, 2026. All of them are sure to have broad appeal and could easily be incorporated into school curriculum.
Copyright © 2025 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
