Little Joe Otter
By Thornton W. Burgess
Published 1925
Little Joe Otter is perhaps the most cheerful animal in the Green Forest. He lives in the Laughing Brook and the Smiling Pool. Joe is famous for his love of sliding and his amazing swimming skills. He always seems to be looking for a way to turn a normal day into a big party.
In this story, we see how Joe spends his time playing games with his best friend Billy Mink. However, Joe sometimes gets into trouble because he likes to play tricks on his neighbors like Grandfather Frog. He also has to learn how to share the best fishing spots with Buster Bear. Through Joe’s adventures, we learn that while having fun is wonderful, we must also be kind to others. It is a story that shows how much joy we can find when we are active and friendly.
Main Themes: Fun, Generosity, and Teamwork
Nature & Character Connection
The River Otter: Built for the Water
Little Joe Otter is a North American River Otter. In the real world, otters are some of the best swimmers in the forest. They have very sleek fur that acts like a wetsuit to keep them warm and dry. They also have webbed feet and a very strong tail that helps them steer through the water like a boat. Burgess shows us how Joe is much faster in the water than he is on land. This teaches students that every animal has a special place where they feel most at home.
The Mud Slide: Playing for a Reason
One of Joe’s favorite things to do is build a slide on the muddy bank of the river. In nature, otters actually do slide for fun! They use their bellies to glide down snowy hills or muddy banks into the water. Scientists believe that otters play because it helps them stay strong and teaches them how to be better hunters. Burgess uses Joe’s slides to show his happy personality. It helps children understand that playing is a healthy part of growing up for animals and humans alike.
The Clever Fisher: A Smart Eater
Joe Otter is an expert at catching fish. In the wild, otters use their long whiskers to "feel" for fish in the dark or murky water. They can hold their breath for a long time while they dive deep to look for a snack. In the book, Joe has to learn that he cannot catch all the fish for himself. This teaches students about the importance of sharing resources in nature so that everyone has enough to eat.
Simple Activity Ideas
Slippery Otter Experiment: Put a little bit of dish soap on a plastic tray. Use a small toy or a rock to see how much faster it slides when the surface is "slippery" like an otter's mud slide.
Hold Your Breath Challenge: Have students see if they can hold their breath for ten seconds while pretending to dive like Little Joe. Discuss how otters can stay underwater for much longer to find their dinner.
Whiskers in the Dark: Put several different shaped toys in a bag. Have students reach in and try to "feel" what the items are without looking. This is how Joe uses his whiskers to find things in the water.
Discussion Prompts
On Being a Good Sport: Joe loves to play tricks. How can you tell if a trick is fun for everyone or if it is making someone feel bad?
On Practice: Joe is a great swimmer because he practices every day. What is something you are practicing to get better at?
On Sharing: Why was it important for Joe to share the Laughing Brook with Buster Bear?
Morals & Values Learned
The Importance of Play: We learn that being active and having fun is a great way to stay healthy and happy.
Sharing with Others: Joe teaches us that the world is big enough for everyone to have what they need if we are generous.
Friendship: Having a good friend like Billy Mink makes every adventure better and more exciting.
Joyfulness: Even when things are tough, a positive attitude can turn a problem into a game.
Public Domain Notice: The original text of this book is in the public domain. Site layout, study guides, and supplemental materials are © burgess-books.com.
