Paddy: A Naturalist's Story of an Orphaned Beaver

Really enjoyed this book--and it's not just about beavers! Other animals also covered. Insight into how a naturalist thinks, things they wonder about, how ideas come about for new research topics. Author's curiosity, observational (and survival) skills, are shown, all while he tries to keep his emotions at bay and remain scientific about the orphan beaver he rescues from a predator and decides to raise. I really enjoyed his human side and the wonderful descriptions--articulate writing but easy to read. You get the feeling it would be great to sit at this man's feet to soak up his field knowledge and listen to his adventure stories. I love this book and will not loan it out except to trusted friends! Learned a lot about beavers and the marsh environment--you feel like you are really there. Am now looking for all his other books, hope they are this good!

this book is about the canadian wilderness. lawrence represents the last of a dying breed of writers who are not afraid to show emotion in the midst of scientific observation. in this book you will learn the biology of the beaver, but from the perspective of a human being--a storyteller. and yet lawrence maintains a factual distance which gives this book the weight of a historical document, a picture of backcountry of ontario circa 1950 (where the story takes place) that will endure and inspire.

This has been one of my five year olds favourite books -- for the last two years!Not really a young childrens book, but the appeal of the subject makes it attractive to all ages. Defintely a book to have and revisit.

R. D. Lawrence as always gives a heart rendering account of his travels and times in the wild. A chance adoption of a wild beaver kit in the wild and how this wild animal can show love to a person who saved him. Lots of laughs and good insight into the wild nature here in Canada.

The book is a touching story about a man who saves a baby beaver and nurses it until maturity. The author does not try to impress you with lingo rather you get the impression that he is just down to earth . If you love beavers this is a wonderful book . P.S,. Really good for young readers.