Jack: The Story of a Beaver

Marie St. Onge-Davidson is president of the Essential English Centre in
Ottawa.

This is a story about Jack, the youngest beaver in a family of four
kits. In the first two years of his life, Jack learns how to become a
working member of the beaver colony, and he loses two of his siblings to
predators. He swims, stores food for winter, cuts down trees, builds a
dam, and babysits. His survival can be credited to his great-uncle’s
experiences and knowledge. One summer, Jack runs into trouble with some
summer cottagers. The game warden is called in, and the young beaver is
captured. Fortunately for Jack, he is safely moved to a national park,
where he takes up new residence.

Shirley Woods is a well-known naturalist and the author of 10
non-fiction books for adults. Jack is her fourth book for children. It
is scientifically accurate, with factual information woven into an
interesting story that, although not terribly exciting, will nonetheless
hold the attention of young readers. Realistic pen-and-ink illustrations
by award-winning illustrator Celia Godkin show beavers at work, swimming
under water, working on a dam, and fending off foes. Recommended.