"Soon, a small dam is built across the stream.
The dam holds the water back, and a pond forms.
As the beavers make the dam bigger,
the pond grows larger too.
Building, building,
That is what beavers do best."
In this companion book to Nesting (Harper, 2020) Henry Cole uses Micropens and acrylic paints to create a stunning natural habitat for a pair of beavers as they set about building a dam. It will lead to the formation of a pond. Mr. Cole situates the pair in exactly the right place; near a stream where the trees they need are plentiful.
They get right to work, cutting down the trees needed and making each piece the perfect size for construction to begin. They haul each of the cuts into the stream and place them where they are meant to be. As their dam grows, so does the pond. Now, they have the water they need to build their lodge; a perfect place of shelter for the mother to birth her three babies.
It isn't long until the family finds its way outside the lodge, ready to examine their surroundings and learn about dealing with any danger that might cause concern. The family grows; the parents continue construction on their home. When a storm threatens, they know what they have to do.
"The pond is large now.
Other animals make the pond their home.
There are ducks and blackbirds, butterflies
and swallows, dragonflies and turtles."
Then comes winter. The family remains safe and warm in the lodge while they wait for the warmth of spring.
Beautifully illustrated in fine, detailed lines and with a masterful setting, this is perfect nonfiction about the natural world for young listeners.
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