By cutting trees and building dams, beavers shape landscapes and provide valuable wetland homes for many plants and animals. These radical rodents were once almost hunted to extinction for their prized fur, but today we are building a new relationship with them, and our appreciation of the benefits they offer as habitat creators and water stewards is growing.
Packed with facts and personal stories and richly illustrated with photos, this book looks at the beaver’s biology and behavior and illuminates its vital role as a keystone species. The beaver’s comeback is one of North America’s greatest conservation success stories and Beavers: Radical Rodents and Ecosystem Engineers introduces readers to the conservationists, scientists and young people who are working to build a better future for our furry friends.
Beavers is written especially for kids ages 9 to 12, but adult readers will find lots to chew on too.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced in any form without permission of the author.
author intro:
In this short video, I talk about some of the background to Beavers and what I hope readers will take away from it.
REVIEWS and recognition:
Canadian Review of Materials: “This resource will serve as a valuable tool to encourage middle grade readers to know beavers better and to see the desirability for our coexistence with them. Highly Recommended.” – from April 2, 2021 issue.
School Library Journal: “An engaging book that will leave readers spouting facts about beavers. Students will have a new appreciation for these innovative builders and their significant impact on the landscape and ecosystems of North America.” – from May 2021 issue.
Children’s Book Council: Selected for the May 2021 Hot Off the Press list of “anticipated bestsellers.”
BC Books for BC Schools: Commended for grades 3-7. Subject recommendations: English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies.
National Science Teaching Association and Children’s Book Council: Selected as a 2022 Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K–12.
City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize: Finalist for the 2022 City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize.
Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award (Atlantic Canada) and Red Cedar Award (British Columbia): “Beavers” is on the 2022/23 shortlist for these two young reader-driven awards. Participants get a year to read as many of the selected books as they can. Then they vote for their favourites. There’s still time to get in on the fun. Go online to register for Hackmatack or become a Red Cedar Reader.
