Kathy-jo Wargin

"A playful otter follows two children home and eats popcorn for lunch, swings on the curtains, and eventually encounters the ranger who reminds everyone this otter belongs in the water"--

"Gitchee Manitou sends Nanabush the Giant Hare to the new north country to give the first animals their names and special markings. Legend says a game between the Nanabush and Amik the Giant Beaver etches out the islands, ponds, and lakes of Wisk-on-sin, which means place of the beaver"--Provided by publisher.

After being shown the wonders of nature by Granmother Lom, two children venture out in her boat alone, find themselves in danger, and are rescued by a mysterious bird.

Illustrations and rhyming text introduce people, places, and things associated with the state of Illinois, each accompanied by a more detailed explanation.