Think you know everything there is to know about BC? Think again! Broaden your knowledge of the stunning West Coast and all it has to offer from its wildlife to its rich, fascinating local history. These picks written by area experts will immerse you in the province’s most beloved scenery and take you behind the scenes of artists who spend their lives capturing the encapsulating essence of everything BC.
Heaven on the Half Shell:The Story of the Oyster in the Pacific Northwest; 2nd Edition by David George Gordon (TouchWood Editions)
Heaven on the Half Shell presents a richly illustrated history of the Pacific Northwest’s oyster culture, from ancient sea gardens to modern aquaculture. It highlights the resilience of generations of oyster farmers, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, and explores key historical moments such as Japanese immigrant contributions and landmark legal decisions affecting Northwest tribes. Updated with new insights and a focus on contemporary challenges and culinary innovations, this new edition also features a selection of historic and modern recipes from the region’s top chefs.
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50 Keystone Flora Species of Coastal British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest by Collin Varner (Heritage House)
Discover 50 essential plant species spanning the West Coast, from British Columbia to Northern California, in this compact field guide. Authored by renowned naturalist Collin Varner, this book showcases keystone trees, flowering plants, fruit-bearers, marine plants, and fungi crucial to the Pacific Northwest bioregion. Featuring clear photography, etymology, habitat details, and conservation insights, this user-friendly guide is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and emphasizes the vital role of these species in local ecosystems.
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Why We Need Vaccines: How Humans Beat Infectious Diseases by Rowena Rae, Illustrated by Paige Stampatori (Orca Book Publishers)
Infections like the plague, smallpox and other deadly diseases have affected and killed people for thousands of years, but the invention of vaccines forever changed our relationship with these diseases. More recently the urgency of developing an effective vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic brought vaccination to the public’s attention. Simmering tensions around vaccine hesitancy, misinformation and mistrust of science came to the forefront.
Why We Need Vaccines explores the history of vaccine discovery, the science of how vaccines work and the public-health achievements that vaccines have made possible. It challenges young readers to take responsibility for themselves, their families and their communities so we can all be part of the solution to take down infectious diseases.
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The New Beachcomber’s Guide to the Pacific Northwest: Second Revised Edition by J. Duane Sept (Harbour Publishing)
A new edition of the bestselling beachcomber’s companion, updated with additional species, new information and photographs of West Coast seashore life, sure to enhance any trip to the beach!
The Pacific Northwest coast is home to one of the most diverse displays of intertidal marine life in the world, including sponges, clams, snails, crabs, sea stars, sea anemones, jellies, fishes, seaweeds and more. The New Beachcomber’s Guide to the Pacific Northwest is a portable and easy-to-use reference for searching out and identifying the hundreds of species of seashore life found on the beaches of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Northern California and Southeast Alaska.
Covering the Pacific Northwest’s most common shoreline-dwelling flora and fauna, the guide gives in each entry a detailed description of appearance and habitat accompanied by colour photos for easy identification of any creature you might encounter as you explore your local beach. Simple but essential information on tides and the various habitats within the intertidal zones is also provided to assist beachcombers in exploring safely without harming the creatures they are watching. This guide belongs in the beach bag or backpack of any avid naturalist, amateur beachcomber or adventurous family.
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Medicinal Perennials to Know and Grow by Dan Jason, Rupert Adams, illustrated by Lyn Alice (Harbour Publishing)
Learn how to grow your own medicine with plant activists Dan Jason and Rupert Adams.
Many common, easy-to-grow plants can energize or soothe, stimulate the immune system, aid in sleep or digestion, help to heal injuries, change blood pressure, reverse inflammation, soothe a sore throat—and more. But how do you find or grow them, and how do you use them?
This compact book describes some of the best-known medicinal plants and provides expert information on their care and use. Accompanied by the beautiful watercolour illustrations of Lyn Alice, Dan Jason and Rupert Adams explain the nature of each plant, how to grow them, their medicinal properties and other potential perks, such as their ability to produce dyes or attract pollinators. The medicinal perennials in this book would be beautiful, useful and environmentally positive additions to any local garden.
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Owls: Who Gives a Hoot? by Frances Backhouse (Orca Book Publishers)
Dive into the world of owls with Owls: Who Gives a Hoot? These incredible creatures can see in the dimmest light, hear the faintest of sounds, fly silently and rotate their heads to look straight backward. Most owls are nocturnal, more often heard than seen. Even those that are active during the day stay largely out of sight.
Owls: Who Gives a Hoot? reveals the secrets of these mysterious birds and the important role they play in our lives and their ecosystems. Learn about the 19 species that live in Canada and the United States—from the tiny elf owl to the hefty great horned owl. And meet the scientists, activists and young people who are working to keep these iconic birds in flight and turning heads for years to come.
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The Eventful Life of Philip Hankin: Worldwide Traveller and Witness to British Columbia’s Early History by Geoff Mynett (Caitlin Press)
Philip Hankin, a fascinating figure often overlooked in history, left a notable mark on Vancouver Island and beyond. Starting his adventurous life at 13 in the Royal Navy, he surveyed coastlines and learned Indigenous languages, crucial for his later roles. After leaving the navy, he tried prospecting but failed, later becoming Victoria’s Superintendent of Police and serving in colonial administration in British Honduras and British Columbia. His memoirs reflect on a life of highs and lows, shaping the Pacific Northwest’s early political landscape. In The Eventful Life of Philip Hankin, Hankin’s life unfolds as a tale of resilience and adventure.
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E. J. Hughes Paints Vancouver Island by Robert Amos (TouchWood Editions)
One of BC’s most beloved artists, E. J. Hughes, unveils photographs, sketches, and ephemera from the artist’s estate in this collection. His paintings, collected by every major gallery in our country, fetch more than $1 million at auction. Hughes painted scenes from all over BC, but he especially loved Vancouver Island, and lived most of his 93 years at Shawnigan Lake and Duncan. E. J. Hughes Paints Vancouver Island includes a biography of the artist, highlights more than 60 of his finest works alongside sketches and photos revealing his studio methods, and shares his handwritten notes. Featuring paintings from his beloved island home—from Sidney, past Goldstream and the Malahat to Cowichan Bay, Genoa Bay, and Maple Bay. Hughes recorded the passing of an era, capturing the coastal steamships, log booms, fishing boats, and the landscapes he treasured.
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