• Age: 6 to 8
• Grade: 1 to 3
• Reading age: 6 to 8

After Morgan’s backyard is flooded by the nearby river, her dog, Shire, finds a baby beaver that has been washed out of its den.

Realizing that its parents aren’t coming back, Morgan must quickly learn to care for the beaver, which she names Sammy. Morgan’s parents warn her that he can’t stay with them forever. Will Morgan be able to find a safe home for Sammy?

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Eric Walters is the author of many acclaimed and bestselling novels for children and young adults. His novels have won numerous awards, including the Silver Birch, Blue Heron, Red Maple, Snow Willow, Ruth Schwartz, and Tiny Torgi, and have received honours from the Canadian Library Association Book Awards and UNESCO's international award for Literature in Service of Tolerance.

Eric lives in Mississauga with his wife, Anita, and three children, Christina, Nicholas, and Julia. When not writing or touring across the country speaking to school groups, Eric spends time playing or watching soccer and basketball, or playing the saxophone.

To find out more about Eric and his novels, or to arrange for him to speak at your school, visit his website at www.ericwalters.net.

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Eric Walters' profile page

Amy Meissner currently lives and works in Anchorage, Alaska. Her two, bad orange cats keep her company in the studio all day long where she paints, draws, writes, cuts fabric and moves cats off the things they aren't supposed to sleep on. Creating art for children's books is Amy's favorite job, but she also illustrates for posters and articles. She recently completed an MFA in Creative Writing and has undergraduate degrees in both Art and Textiles.

Amy Meissner's profile page

• Commended, Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee Best Children's Books of the Year
• Short-listed, The Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

"Valuable information about [wildlife conservation] agencies is seamlessly woven into the story which flows smoothly. Characterization is good for such a short story and Sammy is adorable."

Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group

"The story gives children an invaluable message. No matter how young you are or what your situation is, there is always something you can do. One of the wonderful things about this book [is] the illustrations...,tactfully drawn in classic black and white...Walters’ writing style and choice of words make this book an excellent choice for beginning readers and also for reluctant readers...The suspense that the plot offers, as well as the message of empowerment, will ensure that children aren’t bored or disengaged...Sure to please any young reader as well as keep listening parents entertained. This book would be a wonderful addition to any children’s literature collection. It could be a very good choice for reluctant readers or for older children reading at a lower grade level."

CM Magazine

"Morgan and her family, with their two dogs, are engaging, and their willingness to care for a small wild animal and make sure it has a safe future sets a good example for young readers. The story can also serve to introduce interactions with wild animals for children who live in larger urban centres and may not encounter wildlife regularly. Well-written, with a variety of vocabulary suited to the reading level."

Resource Links

"Young readers will be captivated with this adventure based on a true story. Not only does the book teach children what to do with a baby beaver that is found in one’s backyard, it also serves as a great introduction to animal shelters and wildlife conservation."

Library Media Connection

"A wonderful book that focuses on giving hope to those in need, whether they be human beings or animals that roam Earth...This short chapter book has easy to read text and is accompanied by illustrations that depict real life characters with rustic and rural appeal...Can be read by students who have a love for wildlife or by those who cherish and embrace the opportunity to make a difference for those that surround them. Within the classroom, teachers may find this book useful as a read aloud or a short novel study where concepts such as open and closed questions, personal connections and summarizing and visualizing can be strengthened and enhanced."

Canadian Teacher Magazine