In coastal BC, we have a unique relationship to the ocean: we either live near it, work on it, eat the bounty that comes from it, play on it—or all of the above. Inland, the creeks and streams coming down from mountaintops and through the interior head toward the Pacific. We are all deeply connected to the ocean, though not always in the most beneficial ways – and we are increasingly aware of our impact on the world’s oceans. World Ocean Day has been drawing attention to the health and importance of the oceans for nearly 20 years; this year’s theme of One Ocean, One Climate, One Future is drawing special attention to the interconnectedness of people around the globe and our relationship with oceans. On June 8, mark World Ocean Day with some of these great reads—both recent and forthcoming—about the people, animals, places, and science of oceans, all published here in BC.
The Blue Wonder: Why the Sea Glows, Fish Sing, and Other Astonishing Insights from the Ocean, by Frauke Bagusche, translated by Jamie McIntosh (Greystone Books, June 8)
What better book to kick off this list than with a book set to launch on World Ocean Day? Written by marine biologist and diver Frauke Bagusche, this book takes readers on a journey through the ocean in both words and images. Bagusche shares scientific discoveries and her own research to explore mysteries of the deep: reefs that glitter like glass, why the sea glows at night, an octopus that can imitate other animals, and much more.
Show Us Where You Live, Humpback, by Beryn Young, illustrated by Sakika Kikuchi (Greystone Books)
This beautiful picture book, coming at the end of May 2021, gives children the chance to learn about whales in beautiful images and lyrical prose. It compares the parent-child relationship with the bond between a mother humpback whale and her calf, showing the many ways in which we are similar. Full of fun facts, this book will be a bedtime favourite.
Raven Squawk, Orca Squeak, by Roy Henry Vickers and Robert Budd (Harbour Publishing)
This visually stunning board book introduces the sounds and sights of the West Coast to the youngest readers. Ideal for babies and toddlers, the book is illustrated with bold images from celebrated Indigenous artist Roy Henry Vickers. From the roar of the wind to the noise of sea lions to the rhythmic sound of canoe paddles through water, this book is full of the beauty of nature.
The E.J. Hughes Book of Boats, by Robert Amos (Touchwood Editions)
Travel through a bit of BC’s unique coastal history through the art of E.J. Hughes (1913 to 2007). This book features paddle wheelers, steamships, fishing boats, and car ferries, among others, from one of BC’s most loved artists. Robert Amos is the official biographer of E.J. Hughes, working with participation from his estate.
Here on the Coast: Reflections From the Rainbelt, by Howard White (Harbour Publishing)
Author Howard White takes a deep dive into the common experiences of coastal dwellers in BF – from frustration with the endless rain and reliance on ferries, to seagull droppings and barnacles—through fifty funny sketches of life drawn from his years living on the Sunshine Coast. Full of the beautiful places and the quirky characters, the book is a touching glimpse into the unique life to be found on the coast.
Cold Comfort: Surf Photography from Canada’s West Coast, by Marcus Paladino (Rocky Mountain Books)
World-renowned surfing photographer Marcus Paladino’s stunning collection of West Coast surfing offers a glimpse into a unique community. A long-time resident of Tofino, the professional photographer has been covering the cold-water surfing in this part of the world for more than a decade. As both a surfer himself and a photographer keen to capture the sport, he has a special insight into the world, allowing him to capture stunning images of high-performance surfing.
Gilly the Gillie: More Chronicles of a West Coast Fishing Guide, by David Giblin (Heritage House)
This second book of stories from author David Giblin dives back into the world he discovered during his time as a seasonal salmon fishing guide on Stuart Island. Full of bizarre tales, interesting characters, and small coastal communities, this follow-up to The Codfish Dream tells the story of Gilly, the first female fishing guide to come to the island. Tall tales of coastal adventures, colourful locals, privileged tourists, and elusive fish abound in this hilariously offbeat sequel to The Codfish Dream.
Takaya: Lone Wolf, by Cheryl Alexander (Rocky Mountain Books)
Explore BC’s Salish Sea from a unique perspective: a lone wolf who lives on a small group of uninhabited islands. World-renowned nature photographer Cheryl Alexander studies and documented this unique wolf—named for the Coast Salish First Nation people’s word for wolf—for years, following his journey and life on these islands surrounded by freight and oil tanker traffic. This stunning collection of images alongside journal entries and interviews allows readers the chance to see into the life of one wolf living on BC’s coast.
Plasticus Maritimus: An Invasive Species, by Ana Pego and Isabel Minhos Martins, illustrated by Bernardo P. Carvalho, translated by Jane Springer (Greystone Books)
Here’s a book that explores a pressing—and growing—threat to our oceans: plastic. Author Ana Pego grew up playing on and exploring her local beaches but as she grew older, she increasingly discovered a new species at the shore: plastics of all kinds. So she began studying it. This book explores her life’s work and the route of plastics from our hands to the streams, rivers and oceans of the world through photography and science, like a field guide to help readers identify the problem—and help with the solution.