Frog and Beaver

Frog and his friends the ducks and the voles have a nice life on the river, it’s a beautiful place to live, which is what Frog tells Beaver when he says he’s looking for somewhere to set up his dam. Beaver insists on making the biggest dam he can, but it blocks up the river and the other animals have to move. When the dam bursts their homes are ruined again and it’s all Beaver’s fault but his traumatic accident has put things into perspective, and this time Beaver wants to make sure everyone has a home that they are happy with.

Simon James’ illustrations always look fresh and young, the colours are pretty pastels and the use of white space looks clean and appealing. This sweet simple story of a friend in need is gentle enough for the youngest readers.