In what-s essentially a woodsy, rodent-themed take on the -Five Little Monkeys- nursery rhyme, Grasso follows the building efforts of five beavers that gnaw down trees to build a dam, despite their dwindling numbers (-Along came a turtle, who wanted to play./ And one little beaver waddled away-). Grasso-s rhymes aren-t always very imaginative, but they hit their marks and make for bouncy reading (-Four busy beavers chewing on some wood,/ chopping down trees as fast as they could-). Battuz creates an appealing cast of dumpling-shaped, easily distracted beavers, setting their hard work (and play) in a welcoming, multitextured woodland landscape. A collection of facts about beavers, herons, fireflies, and other animals from the story close out a cheerful tale that concludes with a surprise housewarming party for the -one tired beaver- who stuck around to finish the job. Ages 3-8. (Mar.)

PreS-Gr 1 Modeled in the style of a classic counting rhyme, this story tells the tale of five beavers working to build a dam. On each page, one of the crew leaves, drawn away by a distraction from a marshland creature. Finally, only one hard working, diligent beaver is left to finish the dam and trudge home by the light of a firefly. Happily, his friends try to make amends by surprising him with a party when he finally arrives. The end pages provide some factual information about a beaver pond and the animals that are featured in the book. The digitally rendered illustrations are bright and detailed. VERDICT This original take on a classic is recommended as a general purchase for a primary collection. Great for a number-themed storytime or a lap read. Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh