Otter Chaos - The Dam Busters. Michael Broad

dads seem strangely cheerful,” frowned Sooty.

      “That must mean they’ve got a plan!” exclaimed Woody, and the two friends shared a happy high-five, before diving underwater with a double splash and zooming after the others.

      

      ll otters gather in the central chamber!” yelled Papa Brown, leaping out of the river and on to the mooring pad, with Papa Black following close behind. The rest of the returning group clambered after them and hurried into Cottonwood Lodge.

      When everyone was assembled, Papa Brown called for quiet and then addressed the two families. Sooty and Woody sat at the back and couldn’t wait to hear their fathers’ plan of action.

      “Our meeting with the new neighbours did not go well,” said Papa Brown gravely. “In fact, it went very badly indeed. The beavers refuse to move their dam and we don’t know what to do about it.”

      The otters all gasped and stared, wide-eyed, at him.

      “However …” prompted Mama Brown, elbowing her husband.

      “Huh?” said Papa Brown, who was always bad at giving speeches.

      “The good news is that we all have different skills and talents!” Mama Brown continued, opening her arms wide. “And if we all put our furry heads together, we’re sure to come up with something brilliant!”