Building
Building, building, that is what beavers do best. Through limited use of color and intricate detail, this true-to-nature story follows two beavers as they set out to build a home. These talented engineers use their teeth to gnaw the logs, create a dam, and build a lodge, providing a safe and warm home for their growing family as they explore the world around them. An author’s note at the end of the book highlights the natural skills beavers have as builders. This quiet, yet intricate book will prompt even the busiest beavers to pause, observe and wonder.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Children can become engineers by creating a beaver habitat of their own. Provide leaves, sticks, water, and mud or clay in a tray or low bin so that children can explore the materials and experiment to see what combinations work best to construct miniature beaver dams. Discuss what worked well and what did not. Foster curiosity by asking children what else they wonder about beavers that may not have been explored in the book, and research together using additional non-fiction texts or through an online search (e.g., National Geographic Kids).
The author’s note in the back of this book offers insights into the beaver’s role as an engineer, detailing how they can change their habitat to meet their needs. Children may have quite a few questions as they read this story, and previewing the facts prior to reading will help adults answer their questions and provide additional interesting facts. Consider providing additional nonfiction books for adults to peruse.