Laura Timmermans
Laura Timmermans is the illustrator of several other west coast children’s books, including Hideaway Cove, A Night at Hideaway Cove, and I Am the Elwha (Riverby Award winner). Growing up in Ucluelet sparked Laura’s enthusiasm for the natural world. Her career as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer allows her to spend many hours in nature. Laura lives with her family on Vancouver Island and walks in the forest nearly every day. To check out more of her work, visit lauratimmermans.ca
Kids Books (6)

Synopsis:
A Night at Hideaway Cove is a sequel to Hideaway Cove, another exploration of the Pacific Northwest Coast during the daytime. Written by Brenda Boreham, and illustrated by Laura Timmermans, both books share with us the many interconnections within a healthy marine ecosystem.
"There are many thoughtful and charming details in both the text and illustrations, such as the moon’s movement across the sky in Laura’s illustrations and the subtle introduction of numbers as the narrative progresses. The moon is a large focus of the story—children will learn about how it affects the tides and what this means for beach creatures like raccoons, who are able to forage for an easy meal amongst the heaps of seaweed left along the shoreline as the tide goes out…. A Night at Hideaway Cove is sure to both delight and inform young readers." – Canadian Teacher Magazine, Winter 2019 issue
Readers with a sense of curiosity will find opportunities in these books to:
- use picture clues to predict the featured animal on the next page
- identify, count, and sequence numbers (1 owl, 2 deer, 3 squirrels, etc.)
- search for small creatures that travel from page to page
- discover patterns in the text and structure of the books
- track the movement of the sun, or moon, across the sky
Curriculum Links
Reading - Providing opportunities for guided practise in using reading strategies: visualizing, making connections, asking questions, transforming, and inferring.
Science - Supporting discussion and further exploration:
- characteristics of living things
- needs of living things
- connections between living and non-living things
- daily and seasonal changes
- animal growth and changes
- plant growth and changes
- weather
- habitats
- observable patterns in the sky
Numeracy - Counting and sequencing of numbers 1 to 10.
Social Responsibility - Initiating discussions about ways to take care of wilderness areas.
32 pages | ISBN: 9781771743303 | Paperback

Synopsis:
Join us on a bright, sunlit day in the middle of May as we wander the quiet trails of a secluded woodland. Here, we catch glimpses of the daily activities of many creatures—from a pair of black-tailed deer to a colony of carpenter ants—that make Fernwood Forest their home. We also learn about the three layers of the Pacific Northwest temperate rainforest and explore interesting facts about forest plants and animals.
Fernwood Forest is part of the By Day and By Night Nature Series. Books in this series focus on a specific habitat and explore the many connections within a healthy ecosystem. Through lyrical stories, supportive illustrations, labelled diagrams, and nature notes, readers learn about living and non-living parts of the ecosystem.
Additionally, readers can:
-
use a picture clue on each page to predict the animal featured on the next page
-
count animals as their numbers increase in each illustration
-
search for an animal that travels from page to page
-
discover patterns in the text and structure of each book
-
track the movement of the sun or moon across the sky
Readers with a sense of curiosity will find opportunities in these books to:
- use picture clues to predict the featured animal on the next page
- identify, count, and sequence numbers (1 owl, 2 deer, 3 squirrels, etc.)
- search for small creatures that travel from page to page
- discover patterns in the text and structure of the books
- track the movement of the sun, or moon, across the sky
Curriculum Links
Reading - Providing opportunities for guided practise in using reading strategies: visualizing, making connections, asking questions, transforming, and inferring.
Science - Supporting discussion and further exploration:
- characteristics of living things
- needs of living things
- connections between living and non-living things
- daily and seasonal changes
- animal growth and changes
- plant growth and changes
- weather
- habitats
- observable patterns in the sky
Numeracy - Counting and sequencing of numbers 1 to 10.
Social Responsibility - Initiating discussions about ways to take care of wilderness areas.
32 Pages | 8.5" x 11" | Hardcover | ISBN: 9781771745994

Synopsis:
Join us on a mid August day, on the wild and rocky shores of the Pacific Northwest Coast. From the orca to the tiniest barnacle, enjoy a colourful glimpse into the lives of the many creatures that live in, and around, Hideaway Cove.
Brenda Boreham and Laura Timmermans share with us, through words and illustrations, the many interconnections within a healthy marine eco-system.
Reviews
"Hideaway Cove is a must-have when teaching a seashore ecosystem unit. This book provides opportunities for students to share their connections with the seashore while they learn more about the interactions within the marine ecosystem.” – Cindy Haack, Canadian Teacher Magazine
“Hideaway Cove is a delightful, information-packed picture book that takes children through a day in the life of a west coast cove. Here, humans are noticeably absent, and the diverse plants and animals tell a wonderful tale. Brenda Boreham’s text is lyrical and rich in detail.” – Sheryl McFarlane, Hakai Magazine
Educator & Series Information
Readers with a sense of curiosity will find opportunities in these books to:
- use picture clues to predict the featured animal on the next page
- identify, count, and sequence numbers (1 owl, 2 deer, 3 squirrels, etc.)
- search for small creatures that travel from page to page
- discover patterns in the text and structure of the books
- track the movement of the sun, or moon, across the sky
Curriculum Links
Reading - Providing opportunities for guided practise in using reading strategies: visualizing, making connections, asking questions, transforming, and inferring.
Science - Supporting discussion and further exploration:
- characteristics of living things
- needs of living things
- connections between living and non-living things
- daily and seasonal changes
- animal growth and changes
- plant growth and changes
- weather
- habitats
- observable patterns in the sky
Numeracy - Counting and sequencing of numbers 1 to 10.
Social Responsibility - Initiating discussions about ways to take care of wilderness areas.
Search for a crab that travels from page to page in this story!
Additional Information
32 Pages | ISBN" 9781771741347 | Hardcover

Synopsis:
Join us on a mid August day, on the wild and rocky shores of the Pacific Northwest Coast. From the orca to the tiniest barnacle, enjoy a colourful glimpse into the lives of the many creatures that live in, and around, Hideaway Cove.
Brenda Boreham and Laura Timmermans share with us, through words and illustrations, the many interconnections within a healthy marine eco-system.
Reviews
"Hideaway Cove is a must-have when teaching a seashore ecosystem unit. This book provides opportunities for students to share their connections with the seashore while they learn more about the interactions within the marine ecosystem.” – Cindy Haack, Canadian Teacher Magazine
“Hideaway Cove is a delightful, information-packed picture book that takes children through a day in the life of a west coast cove. Here, humans are noticeably absent, and the diverse plants and animals tell a wonderful tale. Brenda Boreham’s text is lyrical and rich in detail.” – Sheryl McFarlane, Hakai Magazine
Educator & Series Information
Each book in the By Day and By Night Nature Series focuses on a scene typical of a distinct west coast habitat, showing how living and non-living things are connected in a healthy ecosystem. As readers, we observe animals going about their daily activities: caring for their young, searching for food, and responding to the changes in light, temperature, and weather conditions throughout the day or night. The last four pages of each book provide facts about the highlighted animals and plants as well as features that are unique to their habitats. The final page suggests ways that young readers and their families can be respectful as they visit wilderness areas.
Readers with a sense of curiosity will find opportunities in these books to:
- use picture clues to predict the featured animal on the next page
- identify, count, and sequence numbers (1 owl, 2 deer, 3 squirrels, etc.)
- search for small creatures that travel from page to page
- discover patterns in the text and structure of the books
- track the movement of the sun, or moon, across the sky
Curriculum Links
Reading - Providing opportunities for guided practise in using reading strategies: visualizing, making connections, asking questions, transforming, and inferring.
Science - Supporting discussion and further exploration:
- characteristics of living things
- needs of living things
- connections between living and non-living things
- daily and seasonal changes
- animal growth and changes
- plant growth and changes
- weather
- habitats
- observable patterns in the sky
Numeracy - Counting and sequencing of numbers 1 to 10.
Social Responsibility - Initiating discussions about ways to take care of wilderness areas.
Search for a crab that travels from page to page in this story!
Additional Information
32 Pages | ISBN: 9781771741330 | Paperback

Synopsis:
“I am the Elwha, rushing down to the sea. I am the Elwha, wild and free.”
The Elwha River flows 72 kilometres (45 miles) from its source in the Olympic Mountains to the Strait of Juan de Fuca in the Pacific Northwest. Uniquely, it hosts all six salmon species (Pink, Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Steelhead, and Chum) as well as several species of trout.
In 1911 two dams were built on the river. The dams blocked the migration routes of the salmon and dramatically altered the entire river ecosystem for 100 years. In 2012 the dams were decommissioned and the world’s largest dam removal and habitat restoration project began.
In this lyrical and beautifully illustrated book, the author chronicles the history of the Elwha. Narrated by the powerful voices of plants and animals that inhabit the river ecosystem, the dam builder, a worker, and the river itself, this story celebrates the ongoing rewilding of this special environment and offers a welcome to all of the creatures who are coming home.
To learn more visit: www.elwha.org
Awards
- 2021 Riverby Award for Young Readers
Reviews
“I Am the Elwha is a powerful read about a powerful river and those who value and protect it." – Raina Delisle, Hakai Magazine
Educator Information
At the back of the book are three pages of cultural, scientific, and historical information that discuss the following:
- the importance and symbolism of salmon to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and other Coastal Salish Tribes
- facts about the six species of salmon found in the Elwha River (Chinook, Pink, Chum, Sockeye, Coho, and Steelhead)
- the history of the Elwha River and its status today
Keywords / Subjects: The Elwha River, Rivers, Dams, History, Environmental Awareness, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Coast Salish, Native American, Culture, Washington, Animals, Salmon, First Salmon Ceremony, Plants, Nature, Settlers, Social Responsibility, Environmental Activism, Poetry.
Recommended for grades 3 to 7.
Additional Information
32 Pages | 8.5" x 11" | ISBN: 9781771744744 | Hardcover
Authenticity Note: This lyrical story, which chronicles the history of the Elwha River, is written by Lori Peelen. Robert Elofson, Tribal Elder and Harvest Manager in the Natural Resources Department for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribes, approved Lori's work and contributed a few pages of back matter at the end of the work. Lori's story was further approved by Frances Charles, the Tribal Councilwoman for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, after the entire council read and approved it.
The Canadian Content label has been applied because the illustrator of this work is Canadian.

Synopsis:
"I am the Elwha, rushing down to the sea. I am the Elwha, wild and free."
The Elwha River flows 72km (45 miles) from its source in the Olympic Mountains to the Strait of Juan de Fuca in the Pacific Northwest. Uniquely, it hosts all six salmon species (Pink, Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Steelhead, and Chum) as well as several species of trout.
In 1911, two dams were built on the river. The dams blocked the migration routes of the salmon and dramatically altered the entire river ecosystem for 100 years. In 2012, the dams were decommissioned and the world's largest dam removal and habitat restoration project began. In this lyrical and beautifully illustrated book, the author chronicles the history of the Elwha.
Narrated by the powerful voices of plants and animals that inhabit the river ecosystem, the dam builder, a worker, members of the Klallam Tribe, and the river itself, this story celebrates the ongoing rewilding of this special environment and offers a welcome to all the creatures who are coming home.
To learn more visit: www.elwha.org
Awards
- 2021 Riverby Award for Young Readers
Reviews
“I Am the Elwha is a powerful read about a powerful river and those who value and protect it." – Raina Delisle, Hakai Magazine
Educator Information
Recommended for grades 3 to 7.
At the back of the book are three pages of cultural, scientific, and historical information that discuss the following:
- the importance and symbolism of salmon to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and other Coastal Salish Tribes
- facts about the six species of salmon found in the Elwha River (Chinook, Pink, Chum, Sockeye, Coho, and Steelhead)
- the history of the Elwha River and its status today
Keywords / Subjects: The Elwha River, Rivers, Dams, History, Environmental Awareness, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Coast Salish, Native American, Culture, Washington, Animals, Salmon, First Salmon Ceremony, Plants, Nature, Settlers, Social Responsibility, Environmental Activism, Poetry.
Additional Information
32 Pages | 8.5" x 11" | ISBN: 9781771746311 | Second Edition | Paperback
Authenticity Note: This lyrical story, which chronicles the history of the Elwha River, is written by Lori Peelen. Robert Elofson, Tribal Elder and Harvest Manager in the Natural Resources Department for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribes, approved Lori's work and contributed pages of back matter at the end of the work. Lori's story was further approved by Frances Charles, the Tribal Councilwoman for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, after the entire council read and approved it.
The Canadian Content label has been applied because the illustrator of this work is Canadian.
Gifts (1)

Synopsis:
The word “yoga” is derived from Sanskrit and means to unite, to bring together, to connect. The Strong Nations Yoga Cards connect the ancient practice of yoga with Indigenous teachings. These cards honour our connection to each other, to nature, to spirit, and to this amazing planet we all share.
Handy, user-friendly, and fun, the Strong Nations Yoga Cards illustrate physical and reflective practices with adorable artwork by Bill Helin and Laura Timmermans.
The Cards
The Strong Nations Yoga Cards deck includes 25 double-sided interconnecting cards. Each card is 3.5” x by 4.5” and presents a physical practice on one side and a reflective practice on the other. The endless combinations and versatility of these cards make them ideal for all levels and ages.
The Yoga Practice
24 yoga poses are explained with simplified text and colourful illustrations by Laura Timmermans.
The cards are colour-coded into four aspects of a yoga practice:
- 4 green “Opening Breath” cards
- 8 yellow “Warm-up Pose” cards
- 8 purple “Active Pose” cards
- 4 blue “Closing Pose” cards
Choose an individual card or one of each colour for a shorter yoga practice, or create a sequence of several cards for a longer practice.
The Reflective Practice
The reflective practice, illustrated by Bill Helin, follows the Seven Sacred Teachings and incorporates Indigenous values. These reflections can be used before, during, or after a yoga practice to deepen mindfulness. Choose a single card to guide self-reflection or journal writing, or use with a friend or in a sharing circle.
The cards are colour-coded into four aspects of a reflective practice:
- 8 yellow “Respect” cards with a focus on respect and love to the world around us
- 4 green “Witness” cards with a focus on humility, courage, and interconnectedness
- 8 purple “Connected” cards with a focus on truth and honesty in all living beings
- 4 blue “Gratitude” cards with a focus on the wisdom that surrounds us
Educator Information
Card Game Creators: Terri Mack (Da’naxda’xw Awaetlala) and Kathy Beliveau.
For more information about the cards and a Free Yoga Game Teacher’s Guide, visit www.kathybeliveau.ca. For more information about the illustrator, visit billhelin.com and lauratimmermans.ca.
Additional Information
Dimensions: 3.5” x 4.5” | ISBN: 978177144652












