Chip: The Dam Builder

by Jim Kjelgaard, Ralph Ray (Illustrator)

Compelling story of wild life, with black and white illustrations.

Genres: Animals

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1950

About the author

an American author of young adult literature.

Born in New York City, New York, Jim Kjelgaard is the author of more than forty novels, the most famous of which is 1945's "Big Red." It sold 225,000 copies by 1956 and was made into a 1962 Walt Disney film with the same title, Big Red. His books were primarily about dogs and wild animals, often with animal protagonists and told from the animal's point of view.

Jim Kjelgaard committed suicide in 1959, after suffering for several years from chronic pain and depression.
- Wikipedia -

Reviews

[Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read many books by Kjelgaard when I was much younger and they're still as good as they were then. A great outdoor story for young people which raises awareness of the natural world and the other species with which we share this planet.

[Linh Lương · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hesitant to continue this book, yes, continue not "start". Long story short, I was given this book by my homeroom teacher in 4th grade. I was not a reader back then and this book killed my interest for reading, until 8th grade when there was a reading catalyst with the theme of "Nature" and I had no option but to go with this one because I couldn't afford to buy another. Yeah, so that was a brief history of my convincing myself to read this.
Through the perspective of a 9-year-old, this was a "difficult" book. It was nowhere near relatable and suffocating to some extent. Apparently your taste changes after a few years (at least for me). I found this book more approachable and somehow intriguing. Unfortunately, it wasn't big enough motivation to keep me going and this book was once again left in the "To be read" shelve.
Now, after finishing this presumably "boring" book, I actually find myself enjoying this book much more.
Basically, this book revolves around Chip, an old wise leader with his mates. We also witness the appearance of different wild animals and their lives. This book highlights the difficulties that beavers face and their vital roles in the ecosystem and the environment. This part is particularly informative for someone is deeply interested in nature.
This would be a great book if you want to start investigating the importance of dams, or just be more aware of beavers and nature in general!

[Binky Bowberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really captures the perils of being a beaver, along with highlighting how they create aquatic communities.

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as easy of a read because the author focuses on multiple 'characters' to show how each effects the other 'characters' as well as the environment.
First read back in Junior High.

[Ron Sanderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as a kid

[Larry Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim Kjelgaard was one of my favorite authors back in 5th grade or so. I'm sure y'all can imagine the fun we had changing word emphasis on the title of this book given that we were all pre-adolescent boys back in those days. Whatever, although more of a youth read than a geezer read, Chip is still a good read, even for a geezer.

Basically, it is a nature book about the habits and activities of beavers (and some other animals, trout, deer, muskrats, etc.), clothed in a story line. So, while reading, and becoming engrossed in the story, one learns the basics of beaver life: how beavers scout out locations for their ponds; how beavers build their dams and lodges; how beavers store up food for long winters; how beavers interact with other animals in the wild; how beavers protect themselves; the important ecological benefits that stem from beavers' careful management of the flow of water along streams; and so forth. Reading this is a great way to learn a bit of science all the while thinking you're reading a fun story.

[Scott Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elk Lake's secondary librarian, Mrs. Hulslander recommended Kjelgaard's books to me as a junior higher. Loved them because I loved animals and learned so much from his imaginative portrayals of wildlife.

[Christy Dunning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't ever remember reading any of this authors books when I was younger... but I'm so glad I did! Descriptive, fun and definitely something to take you away from where you are! I feel like I've taken a trip into the woods and watched everything as it happened! Loved this book!

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful portrayal of the life of beavers, trout, and other forest wildlife.

[P.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason I really loved this one as a kid. All of Kjelgaard's books are fantastic for any nature-loving or parent-wants-them-to-be nature loving youth.