Slow down.
Rest and marinate in your existence.
Notice the ants journeying across the curb,
the network of crows travelling across the evening skies,
and the lichen painting trees and buildings in tints of green.
In modern society, we tend to view each thing as separate: breaking our bodies down into parts, differentiating the air pollution in another continent from the air we breathe, and defining ourselves as detached and othered from “the natural world.” We’ve curated this list of BC books to aide in your contemplation and appreciation of the interconnectedness of all things. Through poetic prose, meditative explorations in one’s garden, and delightfully illustrated children’s books, rediscover your relationships to all living beings. Let slowness and connection to our more-than-human friends be your reprieve, and act as a navigational tool to share our planet better.
Unearth a deeper understanding of ecology
Some People Fall in the Lodge and Then Eat Berries All Winter by annie ross (Talonbooks)
In a time of floods, fires, plagues, and famines, nothing could be more pertinent than the work of Maya/Irish writer and artist annie ross. This new series of prose and poems, anchored by woodcuts by the author, explores extinctions, species interdependence, environmental justice, soul loss in modernity, the natural and Supernatural worlds, and animal rights and power, always keeping peace and love for Mother Earth in view.
Out now
The Beaver Manifesto: Conservation, Conflict, and the Future of Wetlands by Glynnis Hood (Rocky Mountain Books)
In this intriguing little book, Glynnis Hood tells the remarkable story of beavers—nature’s architects and a keystone species that has survived ice ages, droughts, the fur trade, and urbanization. Through engaging research and insightful analysis, The Beaver Manifesto challenges readers to rethink our relationship with the environment.
Out now
Dead Bees Still Sting: Tales of Life at the Edge of Nature by Susan Cormier (Greystone Books)
Lyrical and poignant, Dead Bees Still Sting is a moving meditation on the cycles of nature, vulnerability, persistence, and survival. Above all, it is a celebration of what it means to belong to a place, to witness its changes, and to find beauty and meaning in the ongoing conversation between humans and nature.
Out on May 19, 2026; pre-order available
Buffalo Lessons: How Bison Returned to Banff National Park by Karsten Heuer, foreword by Leroy Little Bear, introduction by: Harvey Locke (Greystone Books)
The breathtaking true story of the return of wild bison to Banff National Park, as told by the wildlife biologist who helped lead them there. Featuring behind-the-scenes photographs from one of North America’s most ambitious conservation projects.
Out on March 10, 2026; pre-order available
hiking beyond by bronwyn preece (Caitlin Press)
A collection of poetry written wearing muddy boots, in wet tents and with frozen fingers, bronwyn preece’s hiking beyond is a collection steeped in the messiness of being alive. With reverence for geology, ornithology, botany, history and all that resists easy categorization, preece captures the soundbites, questions and quiet revelations of solo backcountry travel.
Out in March 2026; pre-order available
Guiding young readers to love and respect all creatures
Huxley’s Island Adventure by Haley Healey, illustrated by Kimiko Fraser (Heritage House Publishing)
The enchanting story of a curious cat who gets lost on a camping trip and discovers local wildlife on his long journey home.
Out now
Emi & Mini by Hanako Masutani and Stéphane Jorisch (Tradewind Books)
Emi gets a new pet, Mini, a fat hamster. Unfortunately, Emi doesn’t like hamsters. She wanted a dog. But after Mini escapes from her cage and hides somewhere in their house, Emi realizes she loves her little pet.
Out now
Gotcha Day by Deborah Kerbel, illustrated by Udayana Lugo (Orca Book Publishers)
In this sweet rhyming picture book, a stray dog wanders through a neighborhood, dirty and hungry, until he’s brought to a local rescue center where he gets fed, groomed and perfumed—and finally finds his forever home when a young girl and her family adopt him.
Out on March 17, 2026; pre-order available
The Wolf’s Secret by Morgane de Cadier, illustrated by Florian Pigé (Rocky Mountain Books)
On a bright morning, a young wolf brimming with curiosity and longing for companionship sets out from his pack in search of a friend. Yet, throughout the forest, he encounters nothing but fear and avoidance from other creatures who see him only as a typical wolf–greedy, frightening, and unpredictable. It’s only when a small child’s hand reaches out to rescue him that the young wolf discovers a glimmer of hope and kindness in an unexpected friend.
Out now
Bird Brothers, A Delhi Story by Rina Singh, illustrated by Barkha Lohia (Orca Book Publishers)
This touching picture book tells the true story of brothers Nadeem Shehzad and Mohammed Saud who learn how to treat and rehabilitate raptors called black kites that are often injured by the popular custom of kite fighting and the dense air pollution in Delhi.
Out now
If You Meet a Barfing Bird by Etta Kaner, illustrated by Heather Wilson (Orca Book Publishers)
This illustrated nonfiction picture book explores the unique habits and survival skills of animals in the wild and the humorous consequences when kids try to help them.
Out now