“Squirt the Otter” Teaches Love, Trust and Letting Go

As the world of nature disappears faster than we appear to be doing enough to stop it, stories of this part of life teach important lessons. Squirt the Otter is a true story of an orphaned baby critter who was found, in all places, in a farmer’s field. Tracy, a zookeeper, together with her dog Muffin, befriended the baby otter and took her into their home, caring for her to enable her to grow into a healthy adult.

This warm tale by Tracy L. Mikowsky, the actual Tracy of the story, shows how compassion and friendship transcend the species, giving concrete examples of the bond between humans and animals and the benefits to both of forming close, caring connections. When writing the book, Mikowsky drew on her personal reminiscences as zookeeper of the beloved Clinch Park Zoo in Traverse City, Michigan, where she tended to all manner of animal residents, including otters, wolves, mountain lions and porcupines.

When tiny Squirt is first rescued, she lacks all the normal responses of one of her kind. Not only does she need bottle feeding, but Tracy even has to teach her to swim, dive and hold her breath. Squirt is introduced to another otter living at the zoo, but when that animal sustains a serious injury, Tracy tries, but fails, to find another otter companion. Worse yet, the zoo has to close so Tracy must find a good home for all the animals under her care. The trials encountered are touching and show the power of determination, love and understanding.

Thanks to the charming way the story is told and for its inspiring messages, Squirt the Otter received the prestigious Silver Medal in the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards. The words are uplifting and acquire additional meaning from the wonderful illustration that accompanies them. Illustrator P. M. Richard has been an artist since early childhood, starting with crayons and graduating to graphite pencils, pen and ink and ultimately to oil paint. Pete, also a Michigan resident, is a family man and his love for people and animals is evident throughout the delightful pictures that fill the book.

Parents, grandparents and children will immediately grasp the messages while enjoying the story. Squirt the Otter is never cloying, and the animal’s troubles and the creative way Tracy solves them reaffirm the value of helping one another regardless of species. In her own words, author Mikowsky points out that “This is just the first of many stories I hope to tell about the animals I have known and loved. I chose Squirt’s story to be the first as she was particularly dear to me and was the last animal from the zoo I had to say good-bye to.”

Praise for the book comes from many quarters, including writers Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick, authors of the New York Times bestselling Into the Woods picture book series for children, “Squirt’s endearing story teaches children about love, trust, and the right time to let go. Tracy, Muffin, and Squirt show us the joy that comes from the companionship of others – both for animals and the people who love and care for them,” they point out.

With the current emphasis on the devastation of the earth, there has never been a better time to promote a book about the human and animal connection. Learning about love and the end of matters can be tough subjects, but Tracy Mikowsky has managed to strike the right note. The book is a heart-warmer, a lesson in compassion and a joy from start to finish.

For more information, visit www.talkingcrowpublishing.com