Beavers

Have you ever been curious about Canada’s national animal? The humble beaver is a very interesting and unique species and readers can learn EVERYTHING there is to know about them in Beavers: Radical Rodents and Ecosystem Engineers by Frances Backhouse, part of the Orca Wild series by Orca Book Publishers.

When I say readers can learn everything, I mean everything. This is a comprehensive text all about the amazing things beavers can do and how they contribute to their communities. Broken into four different sections, Frances Backhouse teaches readers about the life cycle and behaviours of beavers, their engineering abilities, the history of beavers in North America and their importance to Indigenous communities and how to coexist with beavers.

I specifically enjoyed the section about Archibald Belaney, who referred to himself as Grey Owl. Frances Backhouse shares with readers Archie’s importance as a beaver conservationist as well as shares the problematic history behind falsely claiming Apache ancestry and giving himself an Indigenous name. All of section three is quite fascinating as we learn about the fur trade and how the beaver was nearly wiped out because of the transatlantic fur trade and the relentless pursuit of beaver pelt for hats.

Another thing that stood out about this non-fiction book was the number of child scientists and conservationists featured. Readers will be inspired by the efforts of children just like them who are helping to protect beavers and beaver habitats. Even if readers are not especially passionate about beavers, they will see children just like them helping out and perhaps take up a cause helping other animals.

Finally, this book is FILLED with pictures of the most adorable beavers! Extensively researched and thought out, there are not only pictures of beavers today, but also of famous beavers from history. Up close looks at beaver dams, and the little rodents in action make this book a feast for the eyes as well as the brain.

If you have a reader who is a big fan of these delightful rodents, Beavers: Radical Rodents and Ecosystem Engineers is perfect!