Environment

It matters! Looking for solutions in our chemical world.

Chemical World: Science in Our Daily Lives explores some of the materials—all of which are made of basic chemical elements—that humans use or come into contact with in their day-to-day lives. Some of these chemicals are naturally occurring—clay, mercury, lead. Others have been synthesized by chemists during the past 150 years and used in a bewildering array of products ranging from roof shingles to toothpaste. Many chemical inventions, as well as naturally produced chemicals, have had profound effects on food supply, developing medicines and creating hosts of useful items for modern life.

Despite people using both natural and synthetic chemicals with (mainly) good intentions, some chemicals have had unintended negative consequences. Chemical residues have contaminated ecosystems the world over and are compromising the health of many ecosystems, animals and humans. The goal of Chemical World: Science in our Daily Lives is to introduce readers to basic chemistry and chemical history, and to show how chemicals are used for particular reasons but sometimes turn out to be harmful to environmental and human health. It invites readers to take a look at the world around them and ask questions about what’s in their environment and how the things they use and eat every day can affect their own health and the planet’s health.

Educator & Series Information 
Teaches kids about the good and the bad of the chemical world around them and what people are doing to get rid of chemicals that are harmful to people and the planet.

Includes examples of youth around the world doing positive things for the environment.

Introduces several basic concepts in biology and chemistry and illustrates them with real-world examples.

This book is part of the Orca Footprint series. Kids today inhabit a world full of complex—and often mystifying—environmental issues. Orca Footprints aim to help kids answer their questions about the state of the natural world with well-researched, simply-expressed information and powerful images. With topics such as food production, water, cycling and sustainable energy, these books will inspire kids to take action.

Recommended for ages 9-12.

Keywords: history of chemistry, science, pollution, environmental health, contamination, chemistry, nature

Additional Information
48 pages | 8.00" x 9.50"

There are lots of fishes in the Arctic!

Learn about the different types of fishes that live in Nunavut waters. This non-fiction science book provides information about what different types of fishes look like, where they live, what they eat, and other interesting facts about them, along with colourful illustrations and photographs.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 10.

This book is part of the Junior Field Guide series. Perfect for learning all about living things in the Arctic! These Junior Field Guides give information and interesting facts about the different animals that live in Nunavut.

Includes some traditional knowledge about the animals included.

Curriculum Connections: Supports science units on the natural environment and animals of the arctic.

Simpler, classroom-ready version of the adult book Common Fishes of Nunavut. Includes one spread per species, with information like where they live, what they eat, what they look like, and other facts. Includes a glossary of English biological terms at the back. 

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.50" x 10.00" | Paperback 

“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.

Every day more of the world’s forests disappear. Trees are cleared for agriculture, lost in wildfires and harvested for the valuable products they supply. Called the lungs of the planet, forests play a critical role in climate moderation. What happens when they’re gone? Are replanting and afforestation efforts helping?

In If A Tree Falls: The Global Impact of Deforestation, author Nikki Tate gives an accessible and balanced look at forest practices throughout history, the growth of industry and the fight for preservation. Global deforestation affects us all. Find out what you can do to protect forests today and keep them healthy for future generations.

Reviews
“Impressively detailed, this is a valuable addition to the nonfiction shelf.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Add this informative book on a topic of urgent concern to your collection. Highly Recommended.” — CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Reader-friendly and informative…An enlightening purchase for all nonfiction collections.” — School Library Journal

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Orca Footprint series. Kids today inhabit a world full of complex—and often mystifying—environmental issues. Orca Footprints aim to help kids answer their questions about the state of the natural world with well-researched, simply-expressed information and powerful images. With topics such as food production, water, cycling and sustainable energy, these books will inspire kids to take action.

Recommended for ages 9-12.

Additional Information
48 pages | 8.00" x 9.50" | Hardcover | Colour Illustrations and Photographs

Discover the wonder of ancient sea gardens on the Northwest Coast

Sea gardens have been created by First Peoples on the Northwest coast for more than three thousand years. These gardens consist of stone reefs that are constructed at the lowest tide line, encouraging the growth of clams and other marine life on the gently sloped beach.

This lyrical story follows a young child and an older family member who set out to visit a sea garden early one morning, as the lowest tides often occur at dawn. After anchoring their boat, they explore the beach, discover the many sea creatures that live there, hear the sputtering of clams and look closely at the reef. They reflect on the people who built the wall long ago, as well as those who have maintained it over the years. After digging for clams, they tidy up the beach, then return home.

An author’s note provides further information about sea gardens (also known as clam gardens), which yield a reliable food source and have been traditional places of learning. They have been found along the Pacific coast, from Alaska to British Columbia to Washington State, and some of these gardens are being restored today.

The manuscript has been vetted and approved by the scientists of the Clam Garden Network and Kwaxsistalla Wathl’thla Clan Chief Adam Dick. Roy Henry Vickers, whose ancestry includes the Tsimshian, Haida and Heiltsuk First Nations, has created hauntingly beautiful images to accompany the text.

Reviews
“The text and illustrations combine grace and knowledge, offering a stunning nonfiction picture book that celebrates First Nations cultural traditions.” — School Library Journal

“This engaging tale is a natural for lessons about ecology and units on Indigenous peoples, and the illustrations will pop for story-hour audiences.” — Booklist

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list as being useful for grades K to 3 for Science and Social Studies.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.25" x 8.50"

What do you know about Arctic land mammals?

From lemmings to polar bears, there are a lot of different types of land mammals living in Nunavut. This non-fiction science book provides information about what the mammals look like, where they live, what they eat, and other interesting facts about them, along with colourful illustrations and photographs.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 10.

This book is part of the Junior Field Guide series. Perfect for learning all about living things in the Arctic! These Junior Field Guides give information and interesting facts about the different animals that live in Nunavut.

Includes some traditional knowledge about the animals included.

Curriculum Connections: Supports science units on the natural environment and animals of the arctic.

Simpler, classroom-ready version of the adult books Terrestrial Mammals of Nunavut. Includes one spread per species, with information like where they live, what they eat, what they look like, and other facts. Includes a glossary of English biological terms at the back.

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.50" x 10.00" | Paperback 

Lela loves butterflies. When Lela takes a nature walk with Ranger Maggie, she learns that butterflies need help. Lela's small steps in butterfly conservation start with a butterfly garden of nectar and host plants, but she doesn't stop there and ends up spreading her love for butterflies throughout the community. A simple guide to planting a butterfly garden is also included.

Reviews
Beautifully written and illustrated, Lela and the Butterflies is jam-packed with interesting facts about butterfly biology, ecology and butterfly gardening, craftily woven into the story of a little girl named Lela who loves butterflies.  The book is so entertaining and appealing that readers young and old will acquire butterfly knowledge without even realizing that they are learning. - Johanna Davey, Hershey Gardens

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 9.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.49" x 10.36"

Nibi is water and water is life.

A first conversation about the importance of Nibi—which means water in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe)—and our role to thank, respect, love, and protect it. Babies and toddlers can follow Nibi as it rains and snows, splashes or rows, drips and sips. Written from an Anishinaabe water protector’s perspective, the book is in dual language—English and Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe).

Educator Information
Board Book for ages 0 - 3 / Preschool.

A board book for babies and toddlers that introduces the importance of water and water protection.  Indigenous water protectors, like author Joanne Robertson, are highly respected environmentalists in Canada and across North America.  Joanne Robertson is the author and illustrator of the award-winning picture book The Water Walker.

Dual-language: Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) and English.  Dual-language books are important in all of our efforts to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Call to Action, specifically the call to promote, support, and teach Indigenous languages.

Subjects: Character Education (Strong Female Role Models); Environmentalism; History & Social Studies (Canadian History, First Nations & Indigenous Peoples, Social Justice).

Translated by Shirley Williams and Isadore Toulouse.

Additional Information
28 pages | 7.00" x 7.00"

This illustrated nonfiction picture book by child psychologist Dr. Jillian Roberts introduces children to the important topic of the environment. Crafted around a conversation between a grade-school-aged child and an adult, this inquiry-focused book using age-appropriate language and tone will help children shape their understanding of the natural world and how they participate in protecting it. Dr. Roberts starts the discussion with the types of pollution and trash that children might notice on a nature walk or a trip to the beach, how they are caused and how to work to improve things in their own lives and communities.

Educator & Series Information
The World Around Us series introduces children to complex cultural, social and environmental issues that they may encounter outside their homes, in an accessible way. Sidebars offer further reading for older children or care providers who have bigger questions. For younger children just starting to make these observations, the simple question-and-answer format of the main text will provide a foundation of knowledge on the subject matter.

This book discusses the environment through an organic conversation starting with a common observation and continuing with follow-up questions that would naturally come from a young child. Sidebars define larger concepts for further discussion with older or more curious children.

Subjects discussed or defined include littering, pollution, natural resources, human impact, sustainability, innovation, and renewable resources.

This work contains profiles of young innovators who are making a difference for the planet, including Ann Makosinski, Deepika Kurup, Param Jaggi, and Greta Thunberg.

Recommended Ages: 6-8

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 8.50" | colour illustrations

One Earth profiles Black, Indigenous and People of Color who live and work as environmental defenders. Through their individual stories, the book shows that the intersection of environment and ethnicity is an asset to achieving environmental goals. The twenty short biographies introduce readers to diverse activists from all around the world, who are of all ages and ethnicities. From saving ancient trees on the West Coast of Canada, to protecting the Irrawaddy dolphins of India, to uncovering racial inequalities in the food system in the United States, these environmental heroes are celebrated by author and biologist Anuradha Rao, who outlines how they went from being kids who cared about the environment to community leaders in their field. One Earth is full of environmental role models waiting to be found.

Reviews
“Thought-provoking reading for young people figuring out their own contributions. This valuable compilation shows that Earth’s salvation lies in the diversity of its people.”— Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Rao shines a light on the too often unacknowledged role played by People of Colour in the green movement. This is a book to be celebrated and shared!”— Elizabeth May, former leader of the Green Party of Canada

“One Earth is so important today because it acknowledges the diversity of our environmental defenders and warriors and reminds us that the environment has no borders. Thank you, Anu, for identifying these amazing eco-champions. Their experience and dedication to making sure the environment is our number one priority is an invaluable gift to Canada and the world.”— Winnie Ming Yue Hwo, Senior Public Engagement Specialist, David Suzuki Foundation

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 12+

Contains 20 short biographies of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) in the environmental movement.

Offers a positive approach to environmental issues with a focus on environmental successes.

Written in a readable and accessible voice, One Earth presents diverse role models for youth and readers of all ages.

Keywords / Subjects / Themes: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), environmentalists, changemakers, conversation, diversity, biographies, #ownvoices.

Text Content Territory Note: This book has received the Indigenous text content territory label because it contains some profiles of Indigenous environmental defenders, but not all people profiled in this work are Indigenous. 

Additional Information
208 pages | 6.00" x 8.50"

Meet the most famous whales in the world.

Meet Onyx and the orcas of J pod, the world’s most famous whales. Illustrated with stunning photos, this picture book introduces young readers to the orcas humans first fell in love with. The members of J pod live in the Salish Sea, off the coast of Washington and British Columbia. Moby Doll was the first orca ever displayed in captivity, Granny was the oldest orca known to humanity, and Scarlet was the orca humans fought to save.

Reviews
“A well-crafted informative picture book that could be easily used as a read-aloud or part of research for grades K-2. Highly Recommended.” — CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Interesting facts are presented with a peppy writing style...Text is elevated by intriguing photos of these fascinating creatures.” — Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book introduces readers to J pod, some of the most famous whales in the world, and its members, such as Onyx, Granny, Moby Doll, and Scarlet. We find out where they live, what they eat, how they communicate, and how they got their name.

Includes additional resources, a glossary, and a map that shows the orcas' migratory route.

Keywords / Subjects: whales, conservation, ocean, environment, souther residents, orcas.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.75" x 8.75"

Sea otters back from the brink!

Sea otters once ruled the Pacific Ocean, but the fur trade of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries brought this predator to near extinction. Today they’re slowly coming back from the brink, and scientists are learning more about their pivotal role as one of nature’s keystone species. This book looks at the history, biology, behavior and uncertain future of sea otters. Author and photojournalist Isabelle Groc takes us into the field: watching sea otter rafts off the British Columbia coast from a kayak, exploring what makes their fur coats so special, understanding how their voracious appetites are helping kelp forests thrive and, ultimately, learning how sea otters are leaving their mark (or paws) on every part of the ecosystem. They might be one of the most adorable creatures in the ocean, but kids will discover how their survival is key to a rich, complex and connected ecosystem.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This book is part of the Orca Wild series, which explores the lives of the creatures with whom we share the world and asks readers to consider the effects -- both positive and negative -- that humans have on vulnerable animal populations and habitats.

Key Features:

• This book looks at the history, biology, behavior and uncertain future of sea otters, their journey from near extinction and how their role as a keystone species is essential to a rich, complex and connected ecosystem.
• Filled with the history and ecology of sea otters, this book will inform and inspire young readers to take action to help the conservation of sea otters.
• The author is a photojournalist whose stories and photos have appeared in National Geographic News, BBC Wildlife and Scientific American, and she has also produced videos for National Geographic.
• One of the world’s most beloved animals, 99 percent of sea otters were hunted to near extinction during the fur trade, and even though their numbers are coming back, they are still an endangered species.
• Includes a foreword from Dame Judi Dench and David F. Mills.

Additional Information
128 pages | 7.50" x 9.00"

Combining lyrical storytelling with expertly researched informational text, this beautiful book provides a year-long tour of the planet's largest land biome --- one of our most important wildernesses.

The vast boreal forest spans a dozen countries in the northern regions like “a scarf around the neck of the world,” making it the planet's largest land biome. Besides providing homes for a diversity of species, this spectacular forest is also vitally important to the planet: its trees clean our air, its wetlands clean our water and its existence plays an important role in slowing global climate change. In this beautifully written book, award-winning author L. E. Carmichael explores this special wilderness on a tour of the forest throughout the four seasons, from one country to another. Evocative watercolor and collage artwork by award-winning illustrator Josée Bisaillon provides a rare glimpse of one of the world's most magnificent places.

With excellent STEM applications in earth science and life science, this enjoyable book aims to foster environmental awareness of and appreciation for this crucial forest and its interconnections with the entire planet. In a unique approach, the text features a lyrical fictional narrative describing the wildlife in a specific part of the forest, paired with informational sidebars to provide further understanding and context. Also included are a world map of the forest, infographics on the water cycle and the carbon cycle, a glossary, resources for further reading, author's sources and an index.

This book has been reviewed by experts and was written in consultation with Indigenous peoples who live in the boreal forest region.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Curriculum: Ecosystem; Environment; Animals; Habitats; Water

Reading Levels: 
Guided Reading S
Guided Reading Grade Leve l4
Lexile Level 860

Keywords: environmental awareness, Canada, Russia, United States, trees, plants, science, nature, ecology, animals, wildlife, fun facts, curiosity, STEM books for kids

Contains some Indigenous content.

Additional Information
48 pages | 9.50" x 12.30"

Return to the valleys of the River of Mists with award-winning author Hetxw'ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson). Nox xsgyaak, the eagle mother, cares for her brood in the embrace of a black cottonwood with the help of her mate. Will both eaglets survive the summer in an environment that is both delicate and unforgiving?

Learn about the life cycle of these stunning birds of prey, the traditions of the Gitxsan, and how bald eagles can enrich their entire ecosystem. Evocative illustration brings the Xsan's flora and fauna to life for middle years readers in book three of the Mothers of Xsan series.

Reviews
“The Eagle Mother by Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson) and illustrator Natasha Donovan, the third in the Mothers of Xsan series, which offers a perspective on the life cycle of animals important to the land and to people.”— Publishers Weekly

"For further learning about the Gitxsan, the author has included a glossary titled "The Gitxsan Moons" and a summary of Gitxsan Nation clans" - Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021

Educator & Series Information
Recommended ages: 9 to 12 (Grades 3 to 7).

This is the third book in the Mothers of Xsan series, which uses striking illustration and lyrical language to bring the poetry of the Xsan ecosystem to life. The traditional Gitxsan formline art and language weave together throughout the stories in this series to paint a vivid picture of the Gitxsan people. 

The Mothers of Xsan series is a collection of stories that connect the world to the matrilineal society of the Gitxsan people, located in Northwestern British Columbia. It presents scientific knowledge in language and a format that is accessible. Each book in the series showcases the depth and importance of the knowledge that has been gathered and shared through this unique style of storytelling. The stories of life cycle, connection the land and language are told from the perspective of the Mothers of Xsan system's animals.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list as being useful for grades 1-4 in the areas of Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. 

Additional Information
32 pages | 6.50" x 10.00"

Down where worms wriggle and microbes squirm, there's a whole world waiting to be discovered...

Under Your Feet delves beneath the Earth's surface and explores the diverse wonders hidden there. Encounter creatures of the deep and marvel at the mind-boggling size of the humongous fungus - the biggest organism in the world. Learn how one handful of ordinary soil contains more organisms than there are people on Earth, and carry out experiments using dirt from your own back garden.

Under Your Feet offers you the opportunity to expand your knowledge of the natural world and soil-dwelling creatures big and small. Bursting with colorful illustrations and photography, this is the perfect book for budding young plant experts, animal fanatics, and geologists, and anyone who is curious about the ground we walk on.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

Additional Information
64 pages | 9.31" x 11.31" | Hardcover