Turtle's Race with Beaver by Joseph Brucach and James Brucach.

A.Bibliographic Data:
Bruchac, Joseph, James Brucach.Illus. Jose Aruego, Ariane Dewey. 2003. Turtle's Race With Beaver. Dial Books for Young Readers: New York, New York. ISBN 0-8037-2852-2.

B. Plot Summary:
Turtle's Race with Beaver is a witty story of two animals that come in conflict because they both choose the same spot as their home. Turtle awoke from her hibernation period one day to discover Beaver had changed the pond through his dam to adapt to him. They confronted each other, and Turtle suggested they share the pond, Beaver refused and challenged Turtle to a race which Turtle had to not choice but to accept. Soon through word of mouth all of the animals from the forest found out about the race. Since Beaver was a much faster swimmer Turtle's plan for winning the race was to bite onto Beaver's tail and hang on. Just as Beaver was getting close to the finish line Turtle chomped down on Beaver's tail causing Beaver to swing his tail up in the air where Turtle landed and crossed the finish line beating Beaver.

C. Critical Analysis:
This story is similar to story “The Tortoise and the Hare”. James Brucach includes an Author's Note which is read before the story is read which provides information about he origin of this tale. Without this note, it would be difficult to determine where it originated from because it doesn't make any reference to that in the text or in the illustrations. Jose Aruego and Arlane Dewey provide colorful illustrations that merge perfectly with the story. The climax of the story where Turtle is hanging on to Beavers tale, will surely keep students in suspense. The story shows how each animal has their own habitat and how their actions affect each other. This story can be related to the events that occured after North America was discovered and settler's started claiming land. The Turtle in the story was the Native Americans who lived comfortably in their land. The Beaver in the story are the settler's who came and changed the land.

D. Review Excerpt:
From School Library Journal:
“This appealing variant of the time-honored, cross-cultural tale conveys the need for cooperation, perseverance, and humility within group settings. Children will be so involved in the storytelling that they'll absorb these lessons effortlessly. Done in pen and ink, gouache, and pastel, the cheerful artwork is a wonderful match for this well-told tale.” By Rosalyn Pierini.


E. Connections
Have students draw alternative ending to story where Beaver and Turtle share the land, and have them brainstorm what changes each would need to make to accomodate each other.

Read the story “The Tortoise and the Hare” to the students along with this book and have them compare and contrast.