Apo the Otter is an illustrated book I wrote that’s full of adventure, dancing, friendship and life lessons for children aged between four to ten.
I wanted to write this story for my four-year-old nephew to pass down a lesson I’ve learned from being a first-generation American Armenian. Soon it became a lesson I wanted other children to know as well that ethnicity isn’t about how well you speak the language or how you look; it’s about what you do to carry on the noblest traditions of your culture.
River otters are known to have a favorite rock that they use both as a tool for food and as a toy. On the birthday of a young river otter named Apo, his father gives him a rock that’s been in their family for generations, telling him to treasure it and keep it safe. Unfortunately, soon after receiving it, Apo loses it. This book answers the question: Will Apo be able to find his rock with the help of his forest friends?
