Beavers - (Orca Wild) by Frances Backhouse (Hardcover)

About the Book

Part of the Orca Wild series, this nonfiction book for middle-grade readers explores the important role beavers play as a keystone species. They were nearly driven to extinction for their furs, but today beavers are valued for their role as habitat creators and water stewards.

Book Synopsis

By cutting trees and building dams, beavers shape landscapes and provide valuable wetland homes for many plants and animals.

These radical rodents were once almost hunted to extinction for their prized fur, but today we are building a new relationship with them, and our appreciation of the benefits they offer as habitat creators and water stewards is growing. Packed with facts and personal stories, this book looks at the beaver's biology and behavior and illuminates its vital role as a keystone species. The beaver's comeback is one of North America's greatest conservation success stories and Beavers: Radical Rodents and Ecosystem Engineers introduces readers to the conservationists, scientists and young people who are working to build a better future for our furry friends.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Review Quotes

"Frances Backhouse, a naturalist and environmental journalist, provides extensive information about beavers' origins and habitats, unique physical and behavioural features, dam building, and importance to ecosystems."

-- "BC Books for Schools"

"An engaging book that will leave readers spouting facts about beavers. Students will have a new appreciation for these innovative builders and their significant impact on the landscape and ecosystems of North America."-- "School Library Journal"

"A valuable tool to encourage middle grade readers to know beavers better and to see the desirability for our coexistence with them. Highly Recommended."-- "CM: Canadian Review of Materials"

About the Author

Frances Backhouse studied biology in university and worked as a park naturalist and as a biologist before becoming an environmental journalist and author. Frances loves exploring the natural world both close to home and far away, especially when those explorations involve tent camping. If there's a beaver habitat nearby, it's even better.