“This is the crunch in the darkening wood / of teeth against bark where the willow once stood / on the shore near the lodge that Beaver built.” A playful and informative patterned text modeled on “The House That Jack Built” follows the construction of a beaver lodge and the activity in and around that lodge over the course of a year. Beaver, its mate and subsequent offspring, and other creatures make appearances. There’s a musk turtle “burrowed down deep” under the lodge; a goose that builds a nest on top of the lodge; “buttonbush, alder, and sedge” that hide ducklings “from Hawk on her ledge … ” and more. Only the words “the lodge that Beaver built” are repeated with each new refrain, making for a spare and elegant narrative. Full of rich language and fascinating glimpses of the drama of the natural world, it is set against lovely, muted ink-and-colored pencil illustrations. An array of “Beaver Facts” concludes the volume.   (Ages 4-8)

A lush companion to The Nest That Wren Built brings to light the habits of a secretive creature with lifelike illustrations and a lyrical, informative text.

Resourceful Beaver and his family work every day to build the perfect lodge in the pond, made of branches from the shore willow and silty mud from the streambed. Secure and safe from the elements and all the forest animals who come by, the beavers sleep, play, and grow inside the lodge. But come springtime’s flood, this family of beavers will move on, leaving behind the remains of the lodge that Beaver built. Gently scientific and accessible, with soft, glowing illustrations from award-winning artist Anne Hunter, this lilting, poetic companion to The Nest That Wren Built introduces young children to the engineering feat of dam-building and the life cycle of beaver families. Budding nature lovers can explore more beaver facts, a glossary, and a list of suggested resources in the back matter.