The Otter and the Kingfisher

A young brown otter makes his home in a snug burrow under the roots of a willow beside a wide, winding river, where he spends his days diving and splashing in the clear water. On a bright morning he encounters a kingfisher, a bird with blue wings and a sunset-orange chest, and the two soon become friends. Each one admires the other's abilities: the kingfisher can fly high and see far, while the otter can swim deep and explore below the surface.

Deciding to travel the river as a team, the bird scouting a safe route from above and the otter paddling ahead beneath the surface, they set off past tall reeds and darting fish. Their journey takes them through a narrow stretch where rocks break the water and the current runs strong, and onward toward a waterfall the ducks have described. This gentle tale by Jane MEADOW explores friendship, trust and teamwork, and it can be read on Kids Tale Book.