Appelt has a winning way of telling the story of Cardell, the coyote, who had a "mostly wonderful life" before Otis. But, since books for young children that touch on these themes are so rare, it must be said.
That said, When Otis Courted Mama is done really well, so well that I almost hate to mention that it even is a story about blended families, preferring to refer to it solely as the great story - magnificently illustrated - that it is. When Otis Courted Mama, written by Kathi Appelt and illustrated by Jill McElmurry, is a new book about blended families, something that is rare the world of picture books, and even more rarely done well.
Perfect Pairs: Using Fiction & Nonfiction Picture. It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 1/19/15. The One With Our Cardboard Creations #sol15. Ranger In Time: Rescue on the Oregon Trail. 
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 1/26/15. Read With: Always Mom, Forever Dad by Joanna Rowland, The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn There are definitely elements of folk literature to be recognized but differences as well. It would be great to have discussions with students about what they notice about this story and how it does compare and contrast with traditional folk tales. This book is great because it's a sort of modern folk tale. I also love how Cardell struggles to get used to a new suitor for Mama but that he finds there is enough room in his heart and hers for another family member. I love how Cardell is able to recognize that he's loved by both parents even though they aren't married any more. What I Think: It can't be easy having parents in separate houses but it's even harder to know that Mama might have another man in her life. And so Cardell waits for Mama to say " Adiós, Otis." But what will happen if she doesn’t? Otis can’t make jalapeño flapjacks or play Zig-the-Zag anything like Cardell’s daddy. Then Otis comes calling, and Cardell feels a grrr form in his throat. They live in different parts of the desert, but that’s okay-Cardell is mostly used to it. He knows he’s loved through and through by his perfectly good mama and his perfectly good daddy. GoodReads Summary: Apart from sticker burrs and sand fleas, Cardell’s life is mostly wonderful.
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