When Beavers Move In

PreS-Gr 2–When a family of beavers starts building a dam near a community, the people consult the Tulalip Tribes for help. This nonfiction book follows the journey of the beavers as they are humanely trapped and transported to a mountain stream away from human neighborhoods. As they begin again, readers have the opportunity to watch as the beavers’ impact on the environment gradually creates a pond for fish and a wetland for animals. Because of the beaver’s dam, the area becomes a haven in times of drought, heavy rain, and even wildfire. Digital illustrations accompany the text and will help readers to make the connections between the beavers’ actions and their consequences for humans, animals, and plants. The first sentences of the book are repeated as a refrain three times throughout the story, giving structure to the text and engaging younger readers. Back matter includes additional facts about beavers, as well as context and credit for the work done by the Tulalip.