“Life on the Beaver River is about community, sharing, and caring.” It’s not about a beaver because there hasn’t been a beaver living in Beaver River in a very long time. In Paul Yanuziello’s Life on the Beaver River, Reddy is the main character. He’s a red squirrel and he’s out to make a home for himself, following all the helpful pointers shared by his parents. Things are a bit rough at first. This brave little red squirrel is game for the adventure, but what he doesn’t realize is that life in the wild, all alone, is not as easy as he thought it might be. His first night is rather scary as he can’t find a safe place to sleep. He has to face birds of prey and other creatures that see him as a good meal. He soon makes friends, though, and he learns how to fit in with the other creatures in this very diverse river sanctuary.

Paul Yanuziello’s early chapter book, Life on the Beaver River: The Blue Mountains, is a fascinating story about coming of age, in the animal world at least. The plot follows a red squirrel as he tries to make a home for himself, far from his parents' home. The brave little red squirrel is on an adventure of a lifetime and a huge learning curve as he quickly realizes that life isn’t as easy as he once thought it was. The language is simple to help young readers follow along and improve their reading skills. The illustrations by Joshua Miller are superb, adding another dimension to the story. The main theme is about community and working together, not giving up, and developing a good work ethic. Beautifully told.

Life on the Beaver River by Paul Yanuziello explores the balance of nature in a fun and educational way. Reddy, a red squirrel, learns everything he needs to survive from his parents: how to collect materials for his nest and choose the right place. So he begins his independence, settling in Beaver River, where he soon faces exciting adventures. He must escape from predators, collect his food, and store it in safe places. Fortunately, Reddy soon makes new friends. However, he still faces challenges, such as the envy of some animals who want to take his food. Joshua Miller's charming illustrations complement the story, helping children learn about nature.

I loved Paul Yanuziello's writing style because it is easy to follow, with clear explanations. The story is action-packed and not just limited to Reddy; it also covers the experiences of other animals, whether predators or friends, which enriches the story. The narration is entertaining and teaches readers about different perspectives. I am fascinated when real details are added, such as the description of a hawk following its instincts to hunt its prey. The story highlights several positive messages, such as the importance of effort, coexistence, and responsibility. In this way, children will better understand the need to protect nature and maintain the balance between species. In addition, I thought Joshua Miller's illustrations were fantastic; the black and white backgrounds make Reddy, the only one in color, stand out, highlighting his expressions and the action in each scene. Life on the Beaver River will reinforce young readers' respect for the environment.