The LIttlest Voyageur, written by Margi Preus and illustrated by Cheryl Pilgrim. Holiday House, Penguin Random House. $22.99 ages 8 and up

"One morning the fog on the lake was as thick as Jean Louis's pea soup. And for a change our canoe was first in the brigade. The other canoes paddled in a line, each bow close to the stern of the canoe ahead. It was up to Jean Gentille to navigate the entire brigade through the fog - to keep us from running aground, or smashing into cliffs or submerged rocks. But how? The voyageurs, poor humans that they are, ... "

It is 1792 and a brigade of voyageurs are about to embark on the long and difficult trip from Montreal to Grand Portage on Lake Superior. One of the canoes, paddled by eight white human traders named Jean, looks inviting for a tiny red squirrel on a mission to be a voyageur himself. Once found and named Jean Pierre Petit Le Rouge, the stowaway gets his wish for travel and adventure.

He is very lucky that he has one voyageur willing to put up with his lack of skills for helping with the grueling journey in any way. He does become a warm and much appreciated hat for bald and empathetic Jean Gentille. There are many complaints about his constant chatter, and a few threats about being made into a ragout. He survives the trip, as they all do. Their stay at Grand Portage opens Le Rouge's eyes to the real purpose of their journey - pelts! He is astounded and furious.

Determined to have the voyageurs learn the error of their ways, he enlists help from nearby forest friends to ambush them and prevent them from leaving with a canoe full of furs. Monique, a flying squirrel, is part of their team and quickly becomes a love interest. Their ploy works for a short while; ultimately, the crew gets back in their canoe with hopes to catch up to the others. Le Rouge does not want to spend the winter away from Montreal. He and Monique do their best to catch the canoe. They fail, and must find the way on their own. The hopeful ending is perfect for the target audience.

Interspersed with French words, and describing both danger and adventure, this detailed story is straightforward and rewarding. Le Rouge's narration, short chapters, and winning pencil illustrations inform readers about a part of history that is not often explored for their age group. It is certainly told from a very unique perspective, which adds to the fun and learning.

Back matter includes an extensive pronunciation guide for the French words included, a clear description of voyageur life, and the fur trade itself which she reminds her readers "would not have existed had it not been for the Anishinaabeg, who lived and hunted in these regions." She ends the book with a note about red and flying squirrels, a recipe for bannock, and a list of sources.