The autumns in BC tend to be dark and rainy, but that’s not enough to stop intrepid British Columbians from getting outside and enjoying the lush and rugged terrain. Lace up your hiking boots, zip up your waterproof layers, and load up your backpacks! Let these BC-published books inspire your next outdoor adventure.
FOR KIDS
Welcome, Dark by Charis St. Pierre, illustrated by Rachel Wada (Orca Book Publishers)
Help children find comfort instead of fear in the dark. In this poetic picture book, they’ll meet nighttime animals, explore the stars and learn about all kinds of overnight jobs.
Who’s Looking? How Animals See the World by Carol Matas, illustrated by Cornelia Li (Orca Book Publishers)
“In this delightfully original nonfiction picture book…the readable text offers understandable science, while the engaging illustrations promote careful investigation. A valuable addition to science and nature collections. Highly recommended.” — School Library Journal, starred review
Luminous: Living Things That Light Up the Night by Julia Kuo (Greystone Kids)
Another glimpse into the mysterious world of the night, focusing specifically on the phenomenon of bioluminescence. Readers aged 4-8 will marvel at the brightly glowing creatures and other living organisms in this stunning, poetic and science-based picture book.
On My Swim by Kari-Lynn Winters, illustrated by Christina Leist (Tradewind Books)
A rhythmic rhyming book that features a young tot exploring Vancouver’s beaches. What will baby see on their swim?
FOR GROWNUPS
The Sky and the Patio by Don Gayton (New Star Books)
In 25 engaging essays, Summerland-based writer Don Gayton fuses the personal with the ecological to portray the geography and the natural and human history of his adopted Okanagan Valley homeland.
A Season on Vancouver Island by Bill Arnott (Rocky Mountain Books)
From the bestselling author of Gone Viking, A Season on Vancouver Island features a collection of stunning images and short travel essays highlighting the unique nature of Vancouver Island and the attraction it has for travellers and tourists from around the world.
The Sacred Balance: 25th Anniversary Edition by David Suzuki (Greystone Books)
A special 25th anniversary edition of a beloved bestseller by renowned Canadian geneticist and environmentalist, David Suzuki, this commemorative edition includes a new foreword from Robin Wall Kimmerer, New York Times-bestselling author of Braiding Sweetgrass—and an afterword from Bill McKibben.
Deer Man: Seven Years of Living in the Wild by Geoffroy Delorme, translated by Shaun Whiteside (Greystone Books)
Geoffroy Delorme is a nature photographer, writer and deer expert. Struggling under the weight of the human world’s expectations, he left civilization behind at nineteen to live among them for seven years.
The Art of Misadventure: The Outtakes and Mistakes Of An Adventurous Photographer by Dave Brosha (Rocky Mountain Books)
“The Art of Misadventure is an autobiographical fun ride. Author Dave Brosha provides us with a merry-go-round of escapades, insight, humour and, obviously, misadventure. An engaging journey into the wonder of things that occasionally go horribly wrong for all the right reasons.” — Bill Arnott, bestselling author of the Gone Viking travelogues and A Season on Vancouver Island
Hiking Canada’s Great Divide Trail – 4th Edition by Dustin Lynx (Rocky Mountain Books)
This updated version of the definitive hiking guide for trekking the Continental Divide from the US border to Kakwa Lake includes new information, contemporary photos and trail details, and a selection of alternative routes.