Get to know our limited edition book boxes from the curators themselves. Use this guide to pick the perfect gift for the booklovers in your life–yourself included!
BC Culinary Book Box
A great choice for home chefs and food enthusiasts
Curated by Mary-Ann Yazedjian, bookseller at Black Bond Books and Book Warehouse
“These two cookbooks may seem very different, and although the recipes are, they share the view that cooking is very personal; that a person’s love of food and cooking is passed down through generations of family and that our histories shape who we are, how we eat, and how we share food.”
My New Indian Kitchen by Vikram Vij with Jennifer Muttoo (Figure 1 Publishing)
“Vikram Vij also says to ‘Eat with your hands…as I believe it makes the food taste better’ and if you’ve eaten at his restaurants or tried his recipes, you’ll know this to be true. I can honestly say that there isn’t a recipe in here that I don’t want to try. Reimagined classics like Indian French Onion Soup and Gnocchi with Garam Masala Tomato Sauce and Paneer are creative takes on some favourites. Plus, this book opens with a selection of drinks, from a classic Mango Lassi to the Kuchh Nai Jaan (Nothing, My Love), an inventive Indian Manhattan.” —Mary-Ann Yazedjian
The Davison Orchard Cookbook: Favourite Recipes from the Farm and Family by Rachel Davison, Tamra Davison, and Laura Shaw (TouchWood Editions)
“In the Davison Orchards Cookbook, the recipes have been handed down from generation to generation, and the enduring love of these recipes really shines through. Local ingredients are the focus in delicious creations like the Chai Spiced Pear Loaf, the Autumn Harvest Soup, and the Spaghetti Squash Lasagna, all of which are perfect on a cool autumn day.” —Mary-Ann Yazedjian
Indigenous Voices Box
Perfect for the discerning reader in your life
Curated by Hilary Atleo, Co-owner of Iron Dog Books
“[The] most important aspect of the revitalization of Indigenous literatures [is] the possibility inherent in each new text, the pathway to a different story than the one written over the last 158 years. I hope these books are an inspiration to continue exploring the many Indigenous books released every year by publishers in British Columbia!”
Decolonization and Me: Conversations about Healing a Nation and Ourselves by Phyllis Webstad and Kristy McLeod (Medicine Wheel Publishing)
“When my work requires me to find space and grace in difficult discussions, Phyllis Webstad and Kristy Mcleod have written the guidebook. Anyone who finds themselves locked in debate with a relative at an extended family dinner will find useful and meaningful ways to move forward with intention.” —Hilary Atleo
From the publisher: This book challenges readers through a series of sensitive conversations exploring decolonization, Indigenization, healing, and every person’s individual responsibility to truth and reconciliation. Centered around the Orange Shirt Day movement, and a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, these conversations encourage readers to unpack and reckon with denialism, biases, privilege, and the journey forward, on both a personal and a national level.
a body more tolerable by jaye simpson (Arsenal Pulp Press)
“When I reach for artistry, raw emotion, and the willingness to strip experience back to its essence, I find a body more tolerable by jaye simpson, a book that challenges and compels in equal measure.” —Hilary Atleo
From the publisher: a collection of powerful and haunting poems combining faerie tales, mythology, and a self-divinized female rage. Divided into three parts, the book examines Indigenous grief, trans identity, and frustrated desires in ways that reject perception. Gone is the soft, kind, gentle girl that author jaye simpson once thought she would become. Instead, she unravels the sticky threads of colonialism with poems that exact lyrical acts of self-surgery.
kiskisomitok ᑭᐢᑭᓱᒥᑐᐠ by reuben quinn (Talonbooks)
“Reading the meaning and philosophy of spirit markers opens the door to an entirely new worldview and set of possibilities.”
“… kiskisomitok ᑭᐢᑭᓱᒥᑐᐠ is a profound reminder that Indigenous cultures are built on sturdy foundations; that despite generations of loss, we find strength in reclamation and resurgence.” —Hilary Atleo
From the publisher: reuben quinn uses the spirit marker writing system as a foundation for teaching ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐁᐧᐃᐧᐣ nêhîyawewin. Sometimes called the star chart, this system holds forty-four large spirit markers and fourteen small spirit markers. Each large spirit marker holds a law; these laws are meant to guide us in ways that support us in life, in living well with the elements: fire, land, water, and air. The spirit markers remind us that these elements form the foundations of all relationships on earth.
Early Readers’ Book Box
An ideal gift for a budding book fan
Curated by Kerri Doyle, Chief Reader & Owner of Books & Shenanigans
“[I] chose these titles for Early Readers because they all honour the place we love to call home. Each book in this collection invites Early Readers to learn about Canadian plants and animals, while fostering an appreciation for the natural world around them.”
Huxley’s Island Adventure by Haley Healey, illustrated by Kimiko Fraser (Heritage House Publishing)
“I love that this book celebrates the beautiful environment of Vancouver Island through the eyes of a cat. A flora and fauna information guide is included at the back of the book, allowing kids to learn more about the animals and plants of the Pacific Northwest. The gorgeous illustrations perfectly capture the diverse landscapes and habitats of the West Coast. I thoroughly enjoyed cheering Huxley on in his adventure home.” —Kerri Doyle
From the publisher: The enchanting story of a curious cat who gets lost on a camping trip and discovers local wildlife on his long journey home.
Two Tricksters Find Friendship by Johnny Aitken and Jess Willows, illustrated by Alyssa Koski (Orca Book Publishers)
“This is the story of two friends beginning fourth grade together. I adored this sweet story of friendship that bridges cultural differences. Jessie learns about Indigenous culture with her Coast Salish friend Johnny. She learns practices such as smudging, land acknowledgement and gratitude. I loved that this book was based on the author’s real-life relationship and their younger selves telling a story of reconciliation through friendship. A glossary is provided at the back, allowing children to look up unfamiliar terms. The illustrations peppered throughout the book are charming and engaging.” —Kerri Doyle
Barnacle Bay by Jana Curll (Greystone Books)
“I want to shell-ebrate this book because I had so much fun reading it! This book has puns on puns, and I was laughing out loud. It’s a joke book, a graphic novel, and an introductory guide to the ocean all in one. With cute illustrations and funny jokes, kids will be sure to have a wave of fun with this book! Great for young readers, this book helps teach them to sound out difficult words while learning about marine habitats and sea creatures.” —Kerri Doyle