Little Fuzzy
Little Fuzzy is the name of a 1962 science fiction novel by H. Beam Piper, and is now in public domain. 
Synopsis: One day Jack Holloway, prospector on the planet Zarathustra, finds what seems to be a small monkey with golden fur; these new introductions (for the first brings a family) are tiny hunters, and prove to be curious and capable tool users. Why is this so important to the new human settlers? - Because a planet inhabited by a sapient race cannot be monopolized by the Zarathustra Company.
Little Fuzzy is generally seen as a work of juvenile fiction. It was nominated for the 1963 Hugo Award for Best Novel. More on Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Fuzzy
Classic Literature, Fiction, Science Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Extraterrestrial beings