Beaver and Otter Get Along...Sort of: A Story of Grit and Patience between Neighbors

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Age range 4 to 8

A lovely educational tale about how animals live in harmony and benefit their ecosystem through commensalism.

A family of beavers love their pond, which they've worked hard to turn from a bedraggled landscape into a thriving wetland. But when a family of otters move in and start reaping the rewards of the beavers' efforts, the only thing the beavers can do is tolerate their new neighbours as best they can. Despite the fact that the otters can be rather annoying, the two species eventually strike a balance, and in the process benefit the rich new ecosystem around them.

Reviews

"A wonderful read aloud to share in the classroom as an introduction to the river ecosystem or for kid nature enthusiasts at home." - Youth Services Book Review
"Collard offers a light narrative to help young children connect with the scientific facts and ideas presented here, while Sodano contributes lively, attractive illustrations of animals within their habitat....An appealing, informative picture book." - Booklist
"Sodano's mixed media art, dominated by brilliant watercolors, creates a stunning world of wonder." - School Library Journal
"A visually appealing and scientifically informative introduction to beavers, otters, and their interaction. " - Kirkus Reviews

Author Bio

SNEED B. COLLARD III is the author of more than eighty-five books including Beaks!, Animal Dads, A Platypus Probably, and Birds of Every Color. In 2006, Sneed was awarded the prestigious Washington Post-Childrens Book Guild Nonfiction Award. In addition to his books, Sneed is a popular speaker and has given presentations and workshops at more than 600 schools and 100 conferences. He makes his home in Missoula, Montana where he often gets to observe beavers and otters. Visit him at sneedbcollardiii.com and follow the birding adventures of him and his son at fathersonbirding.com.

MEG SODANO is a natural science illustrator; equal parts artist, naturalist, and storyteller. She combines her biology background, technical drawing skills, and strong sense of design to translate scientific concepts into visual stories that are engaging and educational.