British Columbia

On the longest day of the year, in the summer sun little Mia and her family stand on the shore, and look for orcas in the Salish Sea. Will they see Granny, great-great-grandmother who watches over three families of orcas? Gorgeous illustrations bring to life relationships and connections between these amazing marine mammals. (Picture book)

Explore habitats of the Pacific Northwest – forests with giant trees and diverse wildlife, beaches and tide pools, freshwater ponds with beaver and salmon, changing seasons throughout the year. 100 fabulous illustrations of animals, plants, and fascinating facts. (Guide)

A baby gray whale sleeps offshore, brown bats hang upside down in a cave, a black tailed fawn snoozes under the trees, brown bear cubs curl up in a snug den, a baby sea otter lies with his mom, drifting on a kelp bed, the stars overhead. Enchanting illustrations! (Picture book)

Primrose Squarp is an unconventional girl, who loves wacky foods – butterscotch noodle cookies, and waffles with everything. When her parents are lost at sea, Primrose adventures are just beginning with Miss Perfidy, her quirky Uncle Jack, and the snobby school counselor. A hilarious read, and a great British Columbia story. (Chapter book)

And, don't miss the next super adventure: One Year in Coal Harbor

When all was the world was in darkness, clever Raven stole the sun and gave it to the people. Raven flies to the shining house of the Sky Chief and tricks him into showing where the ball of light is hidden. Beautifully told, with fabulous illustrations. (Picture book)

The songs of the frogs are silent, but one frog calls to the chief’s daughter to follow her under the lake. There, a house shakes with fire and smoke, and the girl meets Volcano Woman. Gorgeously illustrated. (Picture book)

A storm washes the Haida chief's son into a strange village, the realm of the killer whale people. Finely dressed people give the boy a blanket to wear, fish to eat, and they dance and feast, until the boy thinks of his own home. This is a gem. (Picture book)

There are numerous Sasquatch (Bigfoot) sightings in southern British Columbia and Vancouver Island. Journalist Laura Krantz goes into the woods on the search for Bigfoot She interviews researchers and scientists, collects storytelling by Native Americans and eyewitness accounts (Sasquatch is stinky), bridging the gap between science and myth about this fascinating creature. Good for older kids. (Chapter book)

Tip: When you go for a hike in British Columbia forests, even the trees look like mysterious creatures.

Star is a white bear cub in the Great Bear Rainforest, coming out in spring to explore. Her mother shows her how to find food, plays in the meadows, meets other wildlife – raven, gray wolves, sea otters, humpback whales. When the days grow shorter, they find a new den, and curl up for long winter's nap. Includes legend of why grandfather Raven created white bears. Beautifully illustrated. (Picture book)

And read A Voice for the Spirit Bears, about a teenage boy who started a youth organization to help protect endangered spirit bears. (Picture book)

Learn about amazing life of the Salish Sea surrounding Vancouver Island – orcas, giant pacific octopus, birds, salmon, gray whales, sea otters, wolf eels and more. Fabulous photos, a super nature guide. (Illustrated chapter book)

Explore Vancouver from a kid's eye view – Granville Island, English Bay, Stanley Park, Kitsilano, Science World, Chinatown, Horsehoe Bay, in short poetic descriptions (Picture book)

Round and round
From dawn until dusk
Everyone loves
to circle the park