A classic from Maine author Amy MacDonald, brought back for the Raising Readers 20th anniversary. Little Beaver's call for some friends is echoed across the pond, and in his quest to find the potential companion, he finds new friends--a duck, an otter, and a turtle--and adventures.
Identifying the beginning, middle, and ending sounds in spoken words like dog or sit
Saying new words by changing the beginning sound, like changing rat to sat
Starting to match words they hear to words they see on the page
Sounding out simple words
Starting to recognize some words by sight without having to sound them out
Asking and answering who, what, where, when, why, and how questions about a story
Retelling a story in order, using words or pictures
Predicting what happens next in a story
Your child likely will learn all the letters and their sounds this year. Some combinations of letters are still tricky for children to hear but they’re learning all the time. By making these connections, your child can also start to write and decode some easy words and begin reading short books to you. Their comprehension of what’s going on in the more complex stories you are reading to them will help them understand the simple stories they can read themselves. Continuing to read to your child, even when they’re able to read, will give you both a chance to talk about more complicated books and continue the beautiful relationship you started together 5 years ago. Reading together can still be the very best part of the day for you and your child!
Click here to see a full list of milestones for your 5-year-old as well as tips and activities for you and your child!
Why did we select this book?
Five-year-olds know what it feels like to be a little bit lonely. In this story by Maine author Amy MacDonald, Little Beaver jumps into his canoe hoping to find someone else who is lonely like him and looking for a friend. While Little Beaver does not find who he expects, readers are treated to the beauty of a Maine pond and the appearance of the his friends Duck, Otter, and Turtle. As Raising Readers celebrates 20 years of giving books to Maine Kids, this book celebrates 30 years of inviting readers to paddle across the pond with Little Beaver. What better way to celebrate these two anniversaries than with our five-year-old friends.
Listen to author Amy MacDonald read this book set to music by composer William Trevaskis, at Waterman’s Center in North Haven, Maine.
This custom Raising Readers edition includes a letter printed in the front of the book especially for Maine 5 year old’s from author Amy MacDonald and Governor Janet Mills.
Dear Friend,
When I was growing up, books were my friends. I found lots of them at the library. Little Beaver and the Echo is about a lonely beaver who is searching for a friend. I hope Little Beaver will become one of your friends–and that you find many more at your library. With books as friends, you (and Little Beaver) will never be lonely.
Amy MacDonald
Dear Reader,
You are celebrating an important birthday this year! Turning 5 is a big deal, and you know what — you get to share your birthday with the Raising Readers program AND the State of Maine! In 2020, Raising Readers turns 20 years old, and the State of Maine turns 200.
If you are holding this book, that means that you are graduating from the Raising Readers program. Since the day you were born, your doctor has been giving you Raising Readers books at each of your check-ups. Now you have read many great books over the years, and in your hands is your final Raising Readers book.
There are so many more books to read as you keep learning and growing. Books will take you on adventures, allow you to travel the world, teach you new things, make you laugh and sing, and so much more! Sign up for a library card and borrow books for free at your library or your school!
Happy birthday to you, to the Raising Readers program, and to our beautiful State of Maine! And happy reading!
Your fellow book lover, Janet T. Mills Governor of Maine
Reviews
My children love this book!
Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 13, 2022
My children all love this book. It’s definitely a favorite. We love that little beaver made friends and is no longer lonely.
