For young readers, an engaging and beautifully illustrated story about the return of beavers to the Detroit River. When Detroit was settled over three hundred years ago, beavers (then known by the French name "castors") were one of the most numerous and important animals in North America. Yet the aggressive beaver pelt trade in Detroit and elsewhere decimated the animal's population, and the region's remaining beavers were unable to reestablish their homes in the city's industrial landscape once the trapping ended. In A Beaver Tale: The Castors of Conners Creek, author and illustrator Gerald Wykes tells the incredible story of one beaver family's return to the Detroit River in 2008, more than one hundred years after beavers were last seen in the area. Wykes shows readers how the beavers were discovered at the Conners Creek Power Plant on the city's east side, after people noticed trees were being mysteriously cut down. He combines real observations of this pioneering beaver colony with background about the important history of the beaver in Michigan, from its relationship to the Native occupants of the Great Lakes to its "discovery" by Europeans as a source of valuable furs. He explores some of the beaver's unique physical features, including its impressively webbed hind feet, delicate fingered "hands," waterproof fur, and famous flat tail, and also explains how today's strict pollution laws and shoreline improvements have turned the Detroit River into a hospitable place for beavers once again. Wykes's full-color illustrations and kid-friendly text tell a serious tale of environmental recovery in a fun and accessible way. Young readers aged 8 to 12 will enjoy the unique natural and cultural history in A Beaver Tale.

Long ago Beaver did not look like he does now. Yes, he had two very large front teeth, but his tail was not wide and flat. It was thick with silky fur. Vain Beaver is inordinately proud of his glorious tail. When he's not bragging about his tail, Beaver spends his time grooming it, while the other woodland creatures go about their business of finding food and shelter for their families. Eventually Beaver's boasting drives away his friends and he is left on his own. But when his tail is flattened in an accident (of his own making), Beaver learns to value its new shape and seeks to make amends with his friends. Based on an Ojibwe legend.

Just after World War II, the people of McCall, Idaho, found themselves with a problem on their hands. McCall was a lovely resort community in Idaho's backcountry with mountain views, a sparkling lake, and plenty of forests. People rushed to build roads and homes there to enjoy the year-round outdoor activities. It was a beautiful place to live. And not just for humans. For centuries, beavers had made the region their home. But what's good for beavers is not necessarily good for humans, and vice versa. So in a unique conservation effort, in 1948 a team from the Idaho Fish and Game Department decided to relocate the McCall beaver colony. In a daring experiment, the team airdropped seventy-six live beavers to a new location. One beaver, playfully named Geronimo, endured countless practice drops, seeming to enjoy the skydives, and led the way as all the beavers parachuted into their new home. Readers and nature enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy this true story of ingenuity and determination.

After being picked on by bullies and gang members, Chip, a young beaver, embarks on a mission to discover if the old myths his grandfather has been telling him are true. He meets and comes to rely on a host of new friends during his journey to find the great hall of the council. The group deciphers an ages-old message underscoring an upcoming event that greatly affects everyones future. Chip returns home and finds the leadership has shifted. As he tries to explain the urgency to build a new, stronger dam to protect their home, Chips naysayers continue to harass him. But Chips wise grandfather believes in the young beaver and what he can accomplish. A picture book for all ages, A Beavers Tale shares a tale of bravery and standing up to bullies as Chip works to unite and save his community.

Coyote and the other land animals devise a plot to steal fire from Curlew, the keeper of the sky world, and they successfully bring fire to Earth, protecting it against the month-long rain that Curlew sends down to extinguish it.

Five busy beavers building up a dam, closing up the river where the salmon swam. Gnawing down trees and ferrying the logs. Slapping on the mud that they gathered from the bog. Along came a muskrat who wanted to play, and one little beaver swam away. Five little beavers are hard at work on their dam until, one by one, their forest friends pull them away to play. After visits from a muskrat, a heron, a frog, and a turtle, there’s just one hardworking beaver left at the end of the day. But when the fifth tired beaver leaves her sticks and mud behind and heads back to the lodge, a big surprise awaits! With catchy, playful rhyme, irresistibly cute illustrations, and a supplementary page of facts about all the species featured, Five Busy Beavers makes counting and learning fun!

Introduces the physical characteristics, habits, and natural environment of the North American beaver.