The story line is an child Otter that loves to slide down into the pond decides to venture into the mountains to make a really big, great slide and gets chased by a wolf - but keeps his wits about him. There are morals to the story, when the parent warns you of danger there is a reason; and be resourceful when faced with a challenge.
The State of California, Dept of Education, has this book on their reccomended "level 1" readers list. It deserves it.
"Best of the Best" Books 1966?1978 (SLJ)Children's Books of 1966 (Library of Congress)