Are you bored? All you have to do is gather twelve boys and one Rikitan and go on an adventure with Hochy from Beaver River - you will definitely not be bored! In the iconic children's novel, Jaroslav Foglar follows the story of two best friends - Jirka and Vilík. Their lives change when they meet Rikitan, an older boy who brings many adventures into their everyday lives. Together with him, they form a group of Boys from Beaver Rivers, and following the example of the Indian Roy, they go on scouting expeditions, overcome their strengths in beavers, discover, learn, and most of all have fun.
Even though the book was first published back in 1937, I believe that it will win the hearts of (not only) young girls and boys even today, thanks to the new edition from 2018. The imaginative colorful cover from Ester Kuchynková's workshop will attract attention. Her illustrations accompany the entire book and draw the reader even deeper into the story. The new edition is tailored to today's times and content - some passages are translated into contemporary language so that today's youth can understand them well.
I appreciate the readability of the novel and at the same time a kind of educational character - the Boys from Beaver River do not only experience adventure. From Rikitan, he learns about the importance of friendship and work, but also about things that even boys and girls today should know - like how to give first aid or what to do when a fire starts.
From today's point of view, the book could also be criticized for some expressions that the author uses to describe girls - for example, Vilík's statement that "she won't cry like a whiny girl after all". On the other hand, it is understandable that more than 80 years ago there was not nearly as much emphasis on correct expression as it is today.
Despite the small flaws, I think that Boys from Beaver River is truly an unforgettable classic for readers of all ages.
Josefína Folprechtová
FOGLAR, Jaroslav: Hoši od Bobří řeky. Praha: Albatros, 2018.
The review was created at the Department of Journalism of FSV UK under the supervision of PhDr. Jana Čeňková, Ph.D.