Little Otter Learns to Swim. Artie Knapp

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      LittLe Otter

      Learns to

      Swim

      LittLe Otter

      Learns to

      Swim

      Written by ARTIE KNAPP

      Illustrated by GUY HOBBS

      Little Otter started to quiver.

      She was scared of the mighty river.

      It was the first time away from her den,

      But Mother Otter told her to jump in!

      Then Little Otter was having fun,

      Splashing about in the summer sun.

      Her first swimming lesson was about to begin.

      Little Otter’s excitement caused Mother to grin.

      Mother Otter was patient

       and taught her pup with love.

      They swam underwater,

      And floated above.

      Diving practice came next,

       as Little Otter dove off logs . . .

      It’s a great way to sneak

       up on unsuspecting frogs.

      When lessons were done it was time for a rest.

      Little Otter lay snug against Mother’s chest.

      The next few weeks

       were more of the same:

      Swimming—diving—

       and playing water games.

      One morning Mother said she’d return in a hurry,

      But seeing a bobcat made Little Otter worry.

      The bobcat was young, too. It stared and hissed.

      Then an eagle swooped down,

       but luckily missed.

      Little Otter was frightened and dove underwater.

      Although afraid, she was a proud otter’s daughter.

      When she came up, Mother was still away,

      So Little Otter ran home . . . to hide for the day.

      When she came up, Mother was still away,

      So Little Otter ran home . . . to hide for the day.

      Mother Otter returned, and listened intently.