"The novel bristles with details from the world of 18th-century fur trappers . Preus plumps up these historical facts with flesh -- and leaves the reader knowing what it might feel like to be a smart, intrepid squirrel finding his way as an adventurer while standing up for his fellow creatures" --The New York Times Book Review "In this spry novel, Newbery Honoree Preus deftly threads together a nature adventure, history lesson, cautionary environmental tale, and an animal love story. Evocative pictures by Pilgrim ( Big and Little ) augment the story's ample heart and humor, and an author's note contextualizes the fur trade, including its impact on indigenous people." --Publishers Weekly , Starred Review " Overall, a highly recommended, fast-moving story that will amuse, inform, and entertain young readers."-- The Historical Novel Society "Le Rouge relates his story with drama and flair, presenting a colorful prism through which to view the daily life of a voyageur. A rousing introduction to the life of a voyageur told from a unique perspective." --Kirkus Reviews "Preus' text is rich in setting detail, especially regarding the natural world that the voyageurs traverse. She also excels at integrating French vocabulary into the story and appends a pronunciation guide.

Pilgrim's frequent black-and-white illustrations help to clarify details and break up the text for younger readers. will please readers"-- Booklist "a boatload of information and entertainment. Softly sketched black and white illustrations, a French pronunciation guide, and historical notes are included." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books.