Environmental Awareness

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 

Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, Carole Lindstrom's bold and lyrical picture book We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguarding the Earth’s water from harm and corruption.

Water is the first medicine.
It affects and connects us all . . .

When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people’s water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth’s most sacred resource.

Featuring illustrations by Michaela Goade.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

Includes information on water protectors and the importance of water protection at the back of the book, as well as a glossary with a few words in different Indigenous languages, such as Ojibwe, Tlingit, and Lakota.

This book is available in French: Nous sommes les protecteurs de l'eau

Additional Information
40 pages | 10.00" x 10.00"

Small actions can have a big impact!

What happens when one small boy picks up one small piece of litter? He doesn't know it, but his tiny act has big consequences. From the miniscule to the universal, What Matters sensitively explores nature's connections and traces the ripple effects of one child’s good deed to show how we can all make a big difference.

Reviews
"A beguiling, environmental musing on how one small act can have far-reaching consequences."— Kirkus Reviews

"Hughes and Hatam make the powerful point that all children can help change the world...A charming addition that teaches about the interrelationships in nature and the importance of recycling."— School Library Journal

"What Matters is brought to life perfectly with Holly Hatam's simple earth coloured drawings...and will be certain to appeal to readers of any age...A very small book with a very large message...providing excellent opportunities for discussion with young listeners in a read-aloud situation. Highly recommended."— CM Magazine

"A perfect read-aloud picture book...In the simplest terms, Hughes and Hatam convey a positive and powerful message to young readers: you are not too young to make a difference."— Canadian Children's Book News

"The prose flows very nicely, and the progression of the far-reaching positive consequences of the boy's actions will be easy for even the youngest of children to follow. Illustrations are mixed media, presented in calming blues and greens, and incorporating an eclectic mix of watercolours, ink, and photographic elements." — Resource Links

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Key Features:

• What Matters is a wonderful introduction to environmental stewardship and how each person and each action can make a difference.
• This vibrant picture book explores themes of the environment, recycling and conservation.
• Readers will be uplifted and inspired by the simple yet powerful message that small actions have a big impact.

Keywords / Topics: environmentalism, recycling, nature, waste reduction, making a difference

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 9.00"

Turtles outlived the dinosaurs, but today they are one of the most threatened species of vertebrae on Earth. How can we help?

In simple yet engaging language, acclaimed science writer Melissa Stewart showcases twelve types of North American turtles, from the familiar box turtle to the majestic loggerhead turtle. Her clear narrative shows the threats these turtles face, and informative sidebars describe a wide variety of efforts to save them. Featuring glorious full-color illustrations by Higgins Bond and range maps for each turtle, this is a perfect choice for budding scientists, environmentalists, and nature lovers.

Awards

• Green Earth Book Award (Nonfiction) / The Nature Generation
• NSTA Recommends / National Science Teachers Association
• Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 / NSTA / CBC

Reviews
“While the topic of the book is clearly turtles, the narrative…will get young minds thinking about the interconnectedness of organisms, ecology, and the impact of human actions on the world around them. A classroom-friendly blend of story and fact.” ―Booklist

“A perfect resource.” ―National Science Teachers Association

Educator Information
This nonfiction picture book is recommended for ages 6 to 10.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.25" x 9.25"

The true story of a boy who fought to protect a rare subspecies of bear. 

As a child, Simon Jackson found navigating the world of the school playground difficult. He felt most at home in the woodlands, learning about and photographing wildlife. As a teenager, he became fascinated with spirit bears, a rare subspecies of black bear with creamy white fur. These elusive creatures were losing their habitat to deforestation, and Simon knew he had to do something to protect them. He decided he would become the voice for the spirit bears. But first, he would have to find his own.

Carmen Oliver's inspiring true story is based on the early life of Simon Jackson, who founded the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition. On his remarkable journey to protect the spirit bears, he met Dr. Jane Goodall and eventually hiked the Great Bear Rainforest --- the home of these elusive animals. Katy Dockrill's captivating art adds depth and beauty to the story. Photos and additional details about Simon Jackson's life and about spirit bears are included in the end matter.

Part of the CitizenKid collection, this book demonstrates how one child can be a voice for change. Simon's story is an excellent example of growth mindset at work, highlighting personal growth and overcoming obstacles through activism. This book can also be used to lead discussions about character education as it relates to courage, resilience and perseverance. In addition, it has strong science curriculum links to the environment, animal habitats and the effects of clear-cutting.

Educator and Series Information
Ages: 6 - 9
Grades: 1 - 4 

Curriculum Links:

• Character Education - initiative; perserverance; compassion.
• Science & Technology - Life Science - animals; habitats.

This book is part of the CitizenKid series, a collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens

Key features of A Voice for the Spirit Bears:

• Highlights personal growth and overcoming obstacles through activism.
• Includes loads of information on spirit bears, their habitats, and the effects of clear-cutting.
• Includes details about and photos of the real Simon Jackson.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 11.50" | Hardcover 

Learn about food chains in the Arctic!

This book explores the concept of the food chain using Arctic plants and animals.

Educator & Series Information 
This book is part of the Nunavummi Reading Series, a Nunavut-developed series that supports literacy learning while teaching readers about the people, traditions, and environment of the Canadian Arctic. It is a Level 13 book in the series. 

Nunavummi Reading Series books have also been officially levelled using the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient™ Levelling System. F&P Level of this book: O.

Curriculum Connections: Language and Literacy; Diversity; Environmental Awareness; Life Systems

Recommended for ages 7 to 9.

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00"

Imagine a world without bees. Not only would it be less colourful - with fewer wildflowers and flowering plants - it would be less fruitful as well. A world without bees would mean a world where the food supply would be significantly diminished. Global bee researcher Laurence Packer estimates that bees are responsible for 1/3 of our food supply.

Buzz About Bees is the latest addition to the series that includes Lowdown on Earthworms and follows the same formula offering an in-depth look at an endangered and vital part of the natural world.

Accompanying information about the history, social structure and science behind the world of bees and honey are conservation activities to make the world a place where hives of bees can thrive.

Reviews
"Buzz About Bees is a great overview of all things apiarian. Pick up this book and it engages you with a true/false quiz about what you and your students may or may not know about bees. […] If you can navigate the BEE-wildering array of apiarian puns, this is a great introduction to all things bees." — NSTA

"With punny titles such as 'UnBEE-lievable Body Parts' and 'Let Me BEE: I'm BUZZ-y Working', Buzz About Bees takes an upbeat, yet serious, approach to its topic... Absorbing, cheerful, and easy to read." Recommended. — CM Magazine

Educator Information
Recommended ages: 7 to 10.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 10.00" | Paperback

A walk in the park will never be the same after kids discover this awe-inspiring book.

Meet Peter Wohlleben—but you can call him Peter the Forester!

With his groundbreaking, internationally bestselling book The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben established himself as a global advocate for forests and our relationship with trees. Now, Peter shares his famous imagination and storytelling style with children, asking surprising questions about trees with exciting quizzes, photographs, and hands-on activities to help even the most reluctant learners discover the answers.

Did you know that trees have parents, and tree grandparents with wrinkles? That tree kids go to school for hundreds of years? That there is such a thing as the forest internet? And that trees make us healthy and strong. Sometimes, even trees get sick, but we can help them heal.

Can You Hear the Trees Talking? shares the mysteries and magic of the forest in language kids will love and understand.

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 7 to 10.

Grade Range: Grades 3 to 5.

Curriculum Connections: Nature, Trees, Ecosystems, Biodiversity, STEM.

Additional Information
84 pages | 8.50" x 11.00"

Act for the wild before it's too late!

Gone is Gone looks at why species become endangered, how scientists are learning about endangered wildlife, what people are doing to conserve species and ways young people can help.

The book is richly illustrated with unique photos that Isabelle has taken over many years of observing endangered species in the field alongside the people who work to conserve them. Throughout, the author shares enchanting encounters and personal field stories: watching narwhals socialize in the Canadian Arctic, getting close to a Laysan albatross raising chicks on a remote Hawaiian island, spotting a rhinoceros on safari and even swimming with sea lions in the Galápagos Islands.

Gone is Gone will inform, intrigue and inspire readers to take small steps toward big changes for endangered species around the world.

Reviews
“Animals won’t survive unless people care. I wish this book was available when I started my career in wildlife conservation. It’s got all the information you need to understand the dangers animals face, and how people work to fix those problems so that wild animals can survive. Such people are called conservationists. After reading this excellent book that explains what animals need and what conservationists do, you just might decide to be a conservationist yourself. I hope so. Animals need you.” — Carl Safina, author of Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel

“You don’t need to be a child to read this fascinating, informative and personal book about the unique and beautiful wild creatures with whom we share the earth. I, a child no longer, have read it twice, following Isabelle as she traveled far and wide and sharing her joy, her sadness and her growing fears about the survival of so many irreplaceable species and the decimation of their wild homes. I share her belief in the animal as an individual. Everyone should read this book. And I mean everyone. If you have never thought or cared about the survival of wildlife, large and small, I believe you will care after you read this book. I beg you to care—before it is really too late.” — Virginia McKenna, co-founder, Born Free Foundation

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.

Keywords: saving endangered species, environmental activism, ecosystem awareness, habitat protection, conservation

Additional Information
128 pages | 7.50" x 9.00"

In the northwest corner of British Columbia, between the Alaska–BC border and the northern tip of Vancouver Island, lies a land of forest green and sparkling blue. From massive whales to tiny herring, spirit bears to sea wolves, an incredibly diverse array of wildlife calls this land home. Part of the largest coastal temperate rainforest in the world, the Great Bear Rainforest is one the last untouched places on Earth.

Experience this magical place through the power of IMAX® and the giant screen. Learn about the people who make their home in the Great Bear Rainforest and are committed to preserving and protecting it. Hear how Indigenous youth are coming together and taking responsibility for this place they call home. Go behind the scenes of the production of the film to learn about the incredible challenges of filming in such difficult conditions and feel the wonder that comes from experiencing this wild place.

Reviews
"The authors' passion for the Great Bear Rainforest, its inhabitants and for shaping attitudes toward protecting its special nature are evident throughout this appealing book…Will make a fascinating addition to your coffee table collection, great for browsing before and after viewing the IMAX film. Highly Recommended." — CM: Canadian Review of Materials, March 2019

"This beautifully photographed book…provides a sense of immediacy, conveying the authors' impassioned respect for the pristine region." — Publishers Weekly, March 2019

Educator Information
Ages 9 -12.

There is some Indigenous content in this work, but it is not the sole focus.

Additional Information
96 pages | 10.75" x 10.00"

If Instead of a Person imaginatively explores the wisdom to be learned from living as a tree. Using child-friendly rhyming verse, Coast Salish author Courtney Defriend ponders a tree's steadfast connection and vital contribution to life on earth. Reinforced by Terra Mar's powerful illustrations, If Instead of a Person invites readers to become change agents that respect the interconnectedness of nature and humanity. 

Educator Information
Partial proceeds go to Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre.

Recommended for ages 4 to 10.

Juvenile Fiction, Indigenous Resource, Poetry, Environmental.

Additional Information
8.25" x 8.25"