In late winter, two beavers begin to build a dam in a small stream. “The beavers haul the cut branches into the stream and stick them in the mud … Building, building. That is what beavers do best.” A pond forms behind the dam. The beavers continue to build. The pond grows. “Building, building. That is what beavers do best.” This repeated refrain punctuates a picture book that sees baby beavers, born in the lodge in spring, venture out into the water a few days later … until a slap from their parents’ tails indicates danger, and they quickly dive under the water for safety. When a storm damages the dam, the beavers repair it. By summer, the now-large pond becomes a home to “ducks and blackbirds, butterflies and swallows, dragonflies and turtles.” In autumn, the beaver family stocks up on twigs and branches to eat. In winter the beaver family stays in its lodge to wait for spring. A descriptive yet straightforward narrative is set against detailed black-and-white illustrations done in micro-pens and acrylic, with seasonal colors accentuating various scenes. (Ages 3-7)

This classic and beautifully illustrated picture book follows a family of beavers as they build their home. A companion to Nesting by celebrated author-illustrator Henry Cole, Building will be welcomed by young naturalists.

With stunning line art and a limited color palette, this simple text follows a family of beavers as they do what beavers do best: build! Two beavers find a stream, build a dam, and raise a family in their new lodge. When the dam is threatened by storms, the beavers work hard to rebuild it. Building is what beavers do best.

Building is perfect for parents and teachers to share with young children to introduce beginning life science concepts such as life cycle, feeding habits, caring for young, and the wetlands ecosystem. An author's note provides even more information at the end of the book.