The animals of Greenriver are in danger. Can Sedge and Silken find their way along the river to each other in time to save their home? A gorgeously illustrated adventure story that readers aged 8+ will treasure.
Last spring, the otters’ home flooded. Now the water is high again.
Young otter Sedge believes he can save his holt from another flood – but he has to be brave enough travel downstream for help.
Downriver, the beaver lodge is also at risk. Silken – who is too small and weak to do the work needed to strengthen the beavers’ dam – feels something calling her up the river.
As the two animals unknowingly swim towards each other, they are drawn to the spirit of Greenriver, who takes the form of a snow-white otter, Lady River.
But will Lady River hear their plea for safety?
The Greenriver loved her otters, until she didn't...However much love and ceremony the otters poured out on the water, the river was always hard to predict, and sometimes, she could be cruel.
Holly Webb has written literally dozens of books about animals already, but they have usually been animal animals. The characters in this story, beavers, otters, swans and other wild animals, are more human animals - they use tools, wear sashes and decorations, have writing and music and histories and cultures. This isn't a criticism! I love this style of storytelling, and they are still very definitely wild animals living in a wild landscape.
Holly has a gift for writing touching but not over the top moments - I keep a running tally of how often I cry reading her books - and this book is no exception. I figured out the twist early on, but younger readers will probably not see it coming. The adventure was suitably perilous without being so awful that it will scare children.
I have no idea how Holly manages to write so many books, but I hope she doesn't stop for a long time yet.
The Story of Greeriver publishes on the 1st of September, 2022. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.
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