Family day is fast-approaching, and we can’t wait to spend time together! This week at Read Local BC, we hope to encourage you to spend some quality time with your chosen family, friends, and relatives. So, we’ve scoured our publisher’s catalogues for the perfect stories to read with your family. We’ve looked to their guidebooks to find the perfect activities to try together. And, we’ve looked to BC’s artists, historians, activists and storytellers to educate us on important topics.
Books to read with the family:
Looking to spend some cozy time reading as a family? These BC-published books are sure to delight readers of all ages.
Abalone Woman by Teoni Spathelfer, illustrated by Natassia Davies (Heritage House)
A beautiful picture book about courage, acceptance, and celebrating our diversity. This is the third book in the Little Wolf series—a thought-provoking series which explores themes of racism, trauma, and family unity.
On the Line by Eric Walters and Paul Coccia (Orca Book Publishers)
Coming March 15, this moving story features a thirteen-year-old protagonist who is reckoning with his parents’ separation and the revelation that his dad is gay. Jordie has a hard time processing so much change all at once, but eventually comes to learn that while some things change, other things—like his love for his family—never will.
Around Her by Sophie Bienvenu (Talonbooks)
A moving novel exploring the effects and experiences surrounding adoption. Set in the 1990s in Montreal, the book follows a sixteen-year-old girl who secretly gives birth to a baby boy, and whose life is forever changed by the adoption process.
All the Quiet Places by Brian Thomas Isaac (TouchWood Editions)
An inspirational coming-of-age story of a young Syilx boy set in the Okanagan in 1956. The book was chosen as an Indigo Top 100 Book of 2021, an Indigo Top 10 Best Canadian Fiction Book of 2021 and longlisted for CBC’s Canada Reads.
Return to Solitude by Grant Lawrence (Harbour Publishing)
The long-awaited sequel to Adventures in Solitude comes April 30! The book offers a quaint, relatable tribute to west coast life, featuring a continuation of Lawrence’s best known stories from the Sunshine Coast and Desolation Sound.
Inspiring Canadians by Mark Bulgutch (Douglas & McIntyre)
Coming April 12, Inspiring Canadians interviews forty influential and diverse Canadians about their ideas to help our nation thrive. The book includes a foreword by Peter Mansbridge, and interviewees such as Perry Bellegarde, Adam Fenech, Laura Tamblyn Watts and more!
Activities to enjoy together:
Looking for a new way to spend time together? We suggest looking to these books for inspiration.
I Hear You, Forest by Kallie George, illustrated by Carmen Mok (Greystone Books)
What can you discover just by listening to the sounds of nature around you? I Hear You, Forest is a beautiful, rhythmic picture book with striking artwork and a soothing story sure to inspire kids on their next nature walk.
Time to Wonder – Volume 2: A Kid’s Guide to BC’s Regional Museums by S. Lesley Buxton and Sue Harper (Rocky Mountain Books)
Looking to do some safe, local travel? Time to Wonder – Volume 2 is a charming guide to all of BC’s delightful Regional Museums. Coming April 26! Volume 2 features museums from Vancouver Island, Salt Spring, Alert Bay, and Haida Gwaii.
Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii Colouring and Activity Book by Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson and Sara Florence Davidson (Heritage House)
Coming March 15, this stunning colouring book depicts ten strong female figures from ancient Haida narratives. Each colouring page is accompanied by a poem and writing prompts for children to further explore their creativity.
Topics to learn about together:
We love learning from storytellers together! Here are some of our recent favourite books that have important lessons to teach.
Searching for Sam by Sophie Bienvenu (Talonbooks)
A story about the strong bond between Mathieu, a homeless youth, and his pitbull Sam that offers a nuanced portrait of homelessness. The book is a monologue written from Mathieu’s perspective, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the character’s world.
Louis Riel Day: The Fur Trade Project by Deborah L. Delaronde, illustrated by Sheldon Dawson (Theytus Books)
A young boy learns about the history of the fur trade and Métis leader Louis Riel, who fought to protect his people from the Canadian government. Children will learn about the Red River Resistance and why we celebrate Louis Riel Day.
This is What I’ve Been Told by Juliana Armstrong (Medicine Wheel Education)
A beautiful picture book blending together the Ojibway and English language, and a beautiful book to learn from as a family. This is a touching story on cultural connection, restoration and preservation.