Narrative non-fiction at its finest - a MUST BUY!
By the Beaver Pool is narrative non-fiction at its finest - a majestic picture book, which I absolutely loved reading and poring over. The tale of Beck - and the beavers - relocating to her Grandma’s farm in Scotland (and the contrasting emotions that accompany the fresh start) is captivating and heartwarming. Catherine Ward’s text is clever, sensitive, wonderful writing, which expertly weaves intriguing information about beavers into the characters’ dialogue, which, somehow, never feels forced, only natural - testament to the author’s storytelling skill.
Paired perfectly with the text, Phoebe Roze’s illustrations are sublime, and her atmospheric artwork is befitting of the grandeur and beauty of Scotland’s scenery.
This is a book worthy of a place on any child’s bookshelf. Nature-loving children in particular will delight in it, and the final spread-and-a-half, packed with fascinating facts about beavers, their habitats, and their role as ecosystem engineers, enhances the educational element of the narrative. Would thoroughly recommend!