By the Beaver Pool

by Catherine Ward

Published 20 March 2025

Beck is sad about moving to Grandma's farm and leaving their old house and friends behind. But Beck isn't the only one with a new place to live -- a pair of beavers have come to live in the stream nearby.

As Beck settles in, they watch the beavers busily gathering sticks to build a dam, which creates a pool and wetland habitat where lots of other wildlife can live. When the beavers have kits, Beck realises how happy everyone is in their new homes.

By the Beaver Pool is a tale of new beginnings, rewilding, connecting with nature and feeling at home. Catherine Ward's gentle story cleverly weaves in beaver facts to teach young readers about these incredible ecosystem engineers, which are being reintroduced in the UK due to their ability to transform their local environment and increase biodiversity. Phoebe Roze's characterful, warm illustrations show the parallel stories of Beck and the beavers, set in stunning Scottish scenery.