Wychwood Wildlife and Five Busy Beavers

January 11, 2023 | Andrea

Have you visited Wychwood Branch recently? It reopened in October 2022 to much excitement after a four-year renovation. When you have a chance, go check out the expanded space, beautifully preserved architecture... and the beaver lodge!

Large panels painted with a beaver lodge, animals, water and reeds. A beaver chews on a branch while birds perch beside it. There are moving, interactive parts attached or built into the panels.

Beaver lodge themed installation in the children's area at Wychwood Branch.

Yes, you read that right: there is a beaver lodge in the children's area. The books are safe though, because it's one of our KidsStop early literacy centres! KidsStops are fun, hands-on learning and reading spaces created for you and your child to enjoy together. Some KidsStops also feature Big Books, which are oversized, floor-mounted books designed for children and their parents and caregivers to read together.

An oversized book mounted on wooden millwork with two orange stools placed before it.

Wychwood's Big Book is Five Busy Beavers.

Five Busy Beavers by Stella Partheniou Grasso and illustrated by Christine Battuz

Read the story in the branch or scan the QR code on the book to watch or listen online. The story can be experienced in multiple accessible formats, including Braille, audio, video and American Sign Language versions. The beaver lodge theme was chosen to complement the local ravines surrounding Wychwood Branch and to encourage kids to explore and discover nature, plants and animals.

Large wooden panel painted with four tree trunks on a deep dark blue background. A beaver is chewing through one of the trunks.

Another view of the KidsStop. There is a curving wooden bench on this side. The panels are painted with reeds on top of water, populated with animals such as fish and ducks. On the left is a beaver with a face circle cutout where people can take photos.

Close-up of the circle cutout of the beaver's face where people can pose for photos. The beaver holds a branch which is painted with the words #TPL Toronto Public Library.

Enjoy your visit to Wychwood Branch? We'd love to see your photos! Tag us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

More books on wildlife

Looking for more stories starring beavers? We've got those and lots more books for all ages about wildlife:

Animal Hospital: Rescuing Urban Wildlife by Julia Coey

How does the Toronto Wildlife Centre help sick or injured animals? Kids can get tips on how to protect and support urban wildlife, and find out what to do if they encounter an animal that needs help.

Big City Bees by Maggie de Vries and Renné Benoit

Sophie and Matthew are worried about their garden. Would bees be able to find it in the city? They set out with Grandpa to look for bees.

Chasing Bats and Tracking Rats by Cylita Guy and Cornelia Li

What are ratmobiles and bug vacuums, and how do scientists use them to study urban wildlife? Learn fascinating animal facts and ways to help make cities healthier.

Explore Rivers and Ponds! by Carla Mooney and Bryan Stone

From building their own field kit to designing a watershed model, these 25 hands-on science projects will help kids dive into learning about lakes, streams and wetlands.

Going Wild: Helping Nature Thrive in Cities by Michelle Mulder

How do we balance living in an urban environment with a connection to nature? Kids can get inspired to help plants and animals while contributing to a better city.

Lake by Kate Moss Gamblin and Karen Patkau

Dragonflies, fish, geese, moose: many different creatures appear throughout the changing seasons of a lake.

The Superpower Field Guide: Beavers by Rachel Poliquin and Nicholas John Frith

Chainsaw teeth! Paws of power! Discover the amazing abilities of Canada's favourite rodent.

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