This is a lovely and informative children’s book with beautiful, expressive, and scientifically accurate watercolour illustrations by the Rhode-Island-School-of-Design-trained artist Meg Sodano. The bulk of the book is dedicated to the story of Beaver’s arrival in a valley with a quick-moving stream. Over a period of a few weeks, he builds a dam, transforming the stream into a pond. He also constructs a lodge. In no time, a female beaver comes along . . . as does an otter . . . and then more otters. Other animals are also attracted to this hospitable new place.

In general, the other animals don’t much bother Beaver. But the otters? They’re a source of considerable irritation and extra work for him. The otters cavort on his lodge during the winter, sliding down its slopes on their backs. They also repeatedly create gaping holes in the dam, dropping the water level of the pond, forcing Beaver to come out multiple times to perform repair work. When the otters get too close to Beaver and his mate’s kits, he hisses and charges. The otters get the message—sort of, and Beaver learns to tolerate the otters—sort of.

The story of Beaver and the otters illustrates what is meant by a “commensal relationship” in nature, where animals, though occasionally annoyed by each other, ultimately get along, live and let live.

In the last few pages of the book, Collard describes some of the unique features of beavers and river otters. While I knew both could close their ears and nostrils while under water, I wasn’t aware that they have clear eyelids that serve as goggles when the animals are immersed. Collard also discusses the tails, feet, and teeth of these creatures, and the reasons for some of their behaviours. There’s even an explanation as to why otters create gaps in beaver dams. Ecological terms are also mentioned and explained: biodiversity, keystone species, and indicator species.

The book includes read-aloud guidance for parents and teachers, activities, websites, and a list of four other books for children to read.

Beaver and Otter Get Along . . . Sort Of is a gem. ( )