Ash of Willowy Meadow is a young beaver who one day gets carried away by the water.
Transported far from home by the strong currents, she soon gets lost. Frightened and alone, she searches for a way back, and has many adventures along the way. She meets a fascinating, protective moose, and a gang of cunning old beavers who don’t want to let her go; fortunately, Ash finds a way to escape. As she journeys home, she overcomes her fears, learns to be cautious, and above all, makes new friends.
The author, in his close observations of nature, creates an inviting tale, describing the beaver’s world intricately and with great empathy. In addition, he plays with language, coming up with names that fit the world of the beavers, such as Ash and Burdock. Readers thus gain access to the characters’ fictional dialect, while also encountering some puzzles to solve. Even though the story is told from the perspective of animals, it touches on several important issues for humans too. We are reminded of the importance of courage and following one’s own path, and of the fact that one’s family is a safe haven that will always be there, even when differences arise.
Alina Januszczyk, translated by Kate Webster
