When the sea otters disappear, why does their kelp forest habitat disappear, too? Susannah Buhrman-Deever offers a beautifully written account of a trophic cascade, which happens when the removal of a single element affects an entire habitat. Back matter includes more information about sea otters and kelp forests, including their importance and current status, the effects of the international fur trade on indigenous peoples, and a list of books and websites for readers who wish to continue to explore. (NOTEWORTHY: HIPPOS ARE HUGE!) Ages 5 to 8