Beavers

Gibbons adds beavers to the list of the animals covered in her long-running series. The spreads combine illustrations, text, panels, insets, and captions to an almost graphic novel-like effect at times, as the beavers build both a dam and a lodge ("Next the beavers arrange branches and stones above the lodge floor. It is the beginning of a dome-shaped structure." Other sections describe what beavers eat, how they communicate ("They warn other beavers or enemies by whistling, hissing, or growling"), and beaver family life. In informative, succinct, and busy spreads, Gibbons highlights the animals' extraordinary instincts for structural engineering. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

PreS-Gr 3--Gibbons has a talent for bridging the divide between picture books and more detailed nonfiction. She provides information on two levels. An ongoing narrative at the bottom of each page includes general facts about beavers and is organized in sections with headings such as "Building a Beaver Dam." Then, on each full-page drawing, she labels important features of beavers, their habitat, and other animals that share the ponds and riverbanks. Most of the detailed information on each page is written in complete sentences as well, with vocabulary words in capital letters for easy identification. This allows the author to include a wealth of information within the picture-book format. The full-bleed pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are engaging but incredibly busy. A map is included along with a page of additional beaver facts at the end of the book. This inviting addition will definitely find a home in many collections.--Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ