School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Respecting the wisdom and experience of the elderly is brought home in this gentle tale. Old Beaver has reached the point in his life when he'd rather rest in the sun than fell trees and build dams. The other animals grow concerned at this change and agree with Owl, who feels that "A proper forest needs a beaver who builds proper dams!" Upon hearing of plans to bring in a replacement, Old Beaver decides to leave the forest. When the young, strong beaver arrives, it is obvious that though he is eager he does not have the skills necessary to build a good dam. The animals realize they need their old friend's knowledge and training to help maintain the forest and river ecology. To the satisfaction of all, Old Beaver returns to partner with the newcomer. The soft watercolor illustrations mostly in blues, browns, and greens depict a friendly forest inhabited by otters, bears, rabbits, frogs, squirrels, mice, and a variety of birds. A pleasant lesson about recognizing strengths in others.-Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.