Read Up on World Wildlife Day

Spring has sprung across the province, and at Read Local BC we’re excited to enjoy the season! This week, we’re especially excited to get outside in recognition of World Wildlife Day. This March 3, artists, activists, storytellers and environmentalists across the globe will unite to celebrate our planet’s flora and fauna and discuss how we can protect wildlife all over the world.

This year’s theme is recovering key species for ecosystem restoration. BC is home to many unique species and ecosystems, which have inspired countless books on the subject. Here are just a few to get you started, including some old favourites and upcoming treasures to pre-order! 

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Inspire Little Environmentalists

It’s never too early to inspire the children in your life to appreciate nature, or to help them learn environmental stewardship. These books highlight the beauty of BC’s wildlife and ecosystems, as well as the important work being done by conservationists across Canada and beyond!

Bedtime in Nunatsiavut by Raeann Brown (Arsenal Pulp Press)

Coming April 26, 2022!

From the publisher: A little girl named Nya yearns to fly, swim, and wander like the goose, salmon, bear, fox, and other animals that populate her world. Each night, her loving Ananak (mother) tucks her into bed and gives her a kunik (nose-to-nose rub) to help Nya dream and transform into the animals she longs to be like.

Inside In: X-Rays of Nature’s Hidden World by Jan Paul Schutten, illustrated by Arie van’t Riet (Greystone Books)

From the publisher: Discover nature’s secret world with this amazing collection of X-ray photographs of animals and plants! Using incredible X-ray techniques, Inside In displays creatures and their natural habitats in a never-before-seen way.

Who’s Looking?: How Animals See the World by Carol Matas, illustrated by Cornelia Li (Orca Book Publishers) 

Coming April 12, 2022!

From the publisher: How do animals see the world? It turns out, very differently. In this nonfiction picture book, a young girl and her baby sister’s outdoor adventure (hiking through the forest, picnicking in the grass and swimming in the ocean) is overseen by the local fauna. 

Salmon: Swimming for Survival by Rowena Rae (Orca Book Publishers)

Coming March 15, 2022!

From the publisher: This book looks at the unique biology of salmon, their importance to many Indigenous communities, their cultural and economic impact, and the vital role they play in ecosystems.

Dolphin SOS by Slavia Miki and Roy Miki, illustrated by Julie Flett (Tradewind Books)

From the publisher: Based on true events, Dolphin SOS recounts the story of three dolphins trapped in an ice-covered cove on the coast of Newfoundland.

The Eco Diary of Kiran Singer by Sue Ann Alderson (Tradewind Books)

From the publisher: What can a kid do to help preserve the earth? In her diary, Kiran explores the environmental problems threatening her local wetland. Richly illustrated by Millie Ballance, Sue Ann Alderson’s poems are a celebration of life and our ability to make a difference.

Nature is an Artist by Jennifer Lavallee, illustrated by Natalia Colombo (Greystone Books)

From the publisher: For kids who love to draw and create, this captivating picture book fosters an appreciation for nature and features craft ideas to inspire young artists.

Celebrate Canadian Wildlife

Canada is home to many diverse wildlife species. The flora and fauna of BC are fascinating and have many lessons to teach us about our ecosystem. From the majestic wolves of the Kootenays, to the sharks and whales in the vast Pacific, to the birds and bats flying BC’s skies, each species is unique! Have you been lucky enough to spot any of these animals in the wild? 

The Canada Jay: The National Bird of Canada? by David Bird et al. (Hancock House) 

Coming April 22, 2022!

From the publisher: One could not find a more Canadian bird than the aptly named Canada Jay! This clever corvid breeds in every province and territory and its range almost mirrors Canada’s borders. It is extremely friendly, often landing on an outstretched palm even without food, and it is among the hardiest of all Canadian birds.

The Flora and Fauna of Stanley Park by Collin Varner (Heritage House)

Coming May 31, 2022

From the publisher: A concise, full-colour guide to more than 200 native and introduced plant and animal species found in Vancouver’s famed city park.

The Kootenay Wolves: Five Years Following a Wild Wolf Pack by John E. Marriott (Rocky Mountain Books) 

Coming March 30, 2022!

From the publisher: A spectacularly illustrated photography book full of behavioural observations and wolf tales that will engage those interested in the state of wild wolves in North America.

Whelks to Whales: Coastal Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest, revised and expanded 3rd edition by Rick M. Harbo (Harbour Publishing)

Coming May 28, 2022!

From the publisher: Newly revised and updated with additional photographs and up-to-date names, this full-colour field guide to the marine life of coastal British Columbia, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and northern California is perfect for divers, boaters, and beachcombers. 

Sturgeon Reach: Shifting Currents At The Heart of the Fraser by Terry Glavin and Ben Parfitt (New Star Books)

From the publisher: In the 20th book in the Transmontanus series, Terry Glavin and Ben Parfitt explore Sturgeon Reach—its geography, its history, its critical role in the coastal ecosystem, and the compelling story it tells about competing human needs.

Bats of British Columbia by Cori Lausen et al. (Royal BC Museum)

From the publisher: With more than 1,400 species worldwide, bats live on every continent except Antarctica and in virtually every type of habitat, from desert to forest. Around the globe, bats fill important ecological roles

Sharks, Skates, Rays and Chimeras of British Columbia by Gordon McFarlane and Jackie King (Royal BC Museum)

From the publisher: A comprehensive field guide to sharks and their cousins off the west coast of British Columbia.

Euclid’s Orchard and Other Essays by Theresa Kishkan (Mother Tongue Publishing)

From the publisher: In her new collection of essays Theresa Kishkan unravels an intricately patterned algorithm, a madrigal of horticulture and love.

Get Outside and Take Action

Looking to get outside and take extra steps to help celebrate and conserve BC’s beautiful wildlife? These guides include practical tips and tricks for trips, gardening, conservation, and celebration. With your help, we can protect BC wildlife and habitats.

Wildlife Weekends in Southern British Columbia: Day and Multi-day Trips from Vancouver for Wildlife Viewing by Roy Jantzen (Rocky Mountain Books) 

Coming May 31, 2022!

From the publisher: An astounding new guidebook packed with colour photographs, day trips, personal reflections, and a variety of activities for nature lovers of all ages.

The Prairie Gardener’s Go-To for Soil by Janet Melrose and Sheryl Normandeau (TouchWood Editions)

Coming March 8, 2022!

From the publisher: In this fifth book in the Guides for the Prairie Gardener series, master gardeners Janet and Sheryl provide the basics of soil science so that you can apply it to your gardening endeavours.

A Garden for the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee: Creating Habitat for Native Pollinators: Ontario and Great Lakes Edition by Lorraine Johnson and Sheila Colla (Douglas & McIntyre) 

Coming May 21, 2022

From the publisher: Saving the bees is an environmental cause that resonates deeply with Canadians. These pollinators are of crucial importance and are threatened by climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as disease and competition from non-native species and modern intensive agriculture.

Solid Air: Invisible Killer- Saving Billions of Birds from Windows by Daniel Klem Jr. (Hancock House)

From the publisher: Birds behave as if sheet glass is invisible to them. They kill themselves striking clear and reflective panes in all types and sizes of human-built structures the world over. Unlike the complexities of other environmental challenges, such as climate change, this important conservation issue for birds and people can be solved.

Operation Orca: Springer, Luna and the Struggle to Save West Coast Killer Whales by Daniel Francis and Gill Hewlett (Harbour Publishing)

From the publisher: In Operation Orca, winner of the 2008 Foreword Magazine Nature Book of the Year award, author Daniel Francis and long-time Vancouver Aquarium staff member Gil Hewlett give breadth to the complications, contradictions, and political posturing that twice engulfed the debate of whether to interfere or let nature take its course.

Outdoor School by Amish Morrell and Diane Borsato (Douglas & McIntyre)

From the publisher: For more than a decade, the Outdoor School project has provided a framework for interdisciplinary artists to come together and share projects that reimagine ways of relating with the landscape.  

Learn from Indigenous Knowledge

We are fortunate to have access to so many stories and books by Indigenous knowledge keepers. This World Wildlife Day, we look to these talented storytellers and activists to learn about local environments. Here are some of our favourite books by Indigenous authors that celebrate BC’s wildlife and the role it plays in our lives. 

Majagalee: The Language of Seasons by Shawna Davis, with photographs by Toonasa Jordana Luggi (McKellar & Martin)

Coming May 30, 2022!

From the publisher: Shawna Davis invites the reader to explore each of the four seasons through her beautiful words and lush, unforgettable, beaded illustrations.

Ben the Sea Lion by Roy Henry Vickers (Harbour Publishing)

Coming April 30, 2022!

From the publisher: Tsimshian storyteller and artist Roy Henry Vickers shares an adventure from his childhood in the Indigenous village of Kitkatla, on BC’s north coast.

kwu?c’?x?w?ntim t?l stunx sick wuls / Lessons From Beaver’s Work by Harron Hall, illustrated by Bill Cohen (Theytus Books) 

From the publisher: Beaver shares his teachings on how he shapes the land. The book depicts a conflict between Tapit, a rancher, and stunx (beaver), as they both try to meet their water needs.

Dawn Flight  by Kevin Locke, illustrated by Jessika Von Innerbner (Medicine Wheel Education) 

From the publisher: The eagle is a powerful symbol of courage, wisdom, and strength. In this book he shares an inspiring vision of unity and hope for a new generation teaching children to recognize the eagle in themselves and others, and always to soar above the darkness into the light.

A Magical Sturgeon by Joseph Dandurand, illustrated by Elinor Atkins (Nightwood Editions) 

From the publisher: Written and illustrated in the tradition of the Kwantlen people, Joseph Dandurand’s second book is an endearing tale of two sisters and their connection with nature.

How the Robin Got Its Red Breast: A Legend of the Sechelt People by the Sechelt Nation (Nightwood Editions)

From the publisher: These traditional teaching legends come straight from the oral traditions of the Sechelt Nation.

The Flight of the Hummingbird and The Little Hummingbird by Michael Yahgulanaas (Greystone Books)

From the publisher: The hummingbird parable, with origins in the Quechuan people of South America, has become a talisman for environmentalists and activists who are committed to making meaningful change in the world. The Little Hummingbird is a new edition of the bestselling book, revised for younger readers.

Nootka Sound in Harmony by Spencer Sheehan-Kalina, illustrated by Kim Nixon (Rebel Mountain Press)

From the publisher: Métis author Spencer Sheehan-Kalina uses poetry to highlight the beauty of the Nootka Sound and the animals that live there. Learn all about the traditional harvesting of the land, plants, and sea life by Nootka Sound’s Indigenous people the Mowachaht/Muchalaht.