Search results for ""Greystone Books""

A testament to the miraculous beings that share our planet and the places that they live, The Wild in You is a deeply-felt creative collaboration between one of our time's best nature photographers and a very talented and creative poet. Inspired by the majestic and savage beauty of Ian McAllister's photographs, Lorna Crozier translates the wild emotion of these images into the language of the human heart: poetry. Featuring over 30 beautiful full-size photographs of wolves, bears, sea lions, jellyfish, and other wild creatures paired with 30 original poems, The Wild in You challenges the reader to a deeper understanding of the connection between humans, animals, and our shared earth.

Read more less

"What does compassionate capitalism look like? Mark Pendergrast shows us in this enlightening story of tribal life, opium, missionaries, market trends, a Thai antiques dealer, a mining entrepreneur and coffee." Abigail Carroll, author of Three Squares: The Invention of the American Meal The Akha hill tribe of Thailand has a long, tumultuous history. Politics, economics, violence, prejudice, and deforestation consistently worked against the Akha's desire to move away from their dependency on opium production and create a stable future for their children. That all changed in 2006 when prominent businessman John Darch met entrepreneur Wicha Promyong. Their meeting resulted in the establishment of an equal partnership business venture that goes beyond Fair Trade: the Doi Chaang Coffee Company. Beyond Fair Trade tells the story of the growth of this unique partnership, its successes and challenges, and the people behind it.

Read more less

In this marriage of memoir and manifesto, Elizabeth May reflects on her extraordinary life and the people and experiences that have formed her and informed her beliefs about democracy, climate change, and other crucial issues facing Canadians. The book traces her development from child activist who warned other children not to eat snow because it contained Strontium 90 to waitress and cook on Cape Breton Island to law student, lawyer, and environmentalist and finally to leader of the Green Party and first elected Green Party Member of Parliament. As a result of these disparate experiences, May has come to believe that Canada must strengthen its weakened democracy, return to its role as a world leader, develop a green economy, and take drastic action to address climate change. Who We Are also sets out how these goals might be accomplished, incorporating the thoughts of such leaders and thinkers as Rachel Carson, Jim MacNeill, Joe Clark, Chris Turner, Andrew Nikiforuk, and Robert F. Kennedy. The result is a fascinating portrait of a remarkable woman and an urgent call to action.

Read more less

By the winner of the Rachel Carson Environment Book Award Ancient civilizations relied on shackled human muscle. It took the energy of slaves to plant crops, clothe emperors, and build cities. Nineteenth-century slaveholders viewed critics as hostilely as oil companies and governments now regard environmentalists. Yet the abolition movement had an invisible ally: coal and oil. As the world's most versatile workers, fossil fuels replenished slavery's ranks with combustion engines and other labor-saving tools. Since then, cheap oil has transformed politics, economics, science, agriculture, and even our concept of happiness. Many North Americans today live as extravagantly as Caribbean plantation owners. We feel entitled to surplus energy and rationalize inequality, even barbarity, to get it. But endless growth is an illusion. What we need, Andrew Nikiforuk argues in this provocative new book, is a radical emancipation movement that ends our master-and-slave approach to energy. We must learn to use energy on a moral, just, and truly human scale.

Read more less

* Winner of the BC National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction * Winner of the 2012 Foreword Magazine Editor's Choice Prize Nonfiction * Shortlisted for the Hilary Weston Prize * Shortlisted for the Charles Taylor Non-Fiction Award "Charlotte Gill writes with a dexterity and nobility that soars. This is the best book, on several fronts, that I've read in a long time."-Rick Simonson, Elliott Bay Book Company During Charlotte Gill's 20 years working as a tree planter she encountered hundreds of clear-cuts, each one a collision site between human civilization and the natural world, a complicated landscape presenting geographic evidence of our appetites. Charged with sowing the new forest in these clear-cuts, tree planters are a tribe caught between the stumps and the virgin timber, between environmentalists and loggers. In Eating Dirt, Gill offers up a slice of tree-planting life in all of its soggy, gritty exuberance while questioning the ability of conifer plantations to replace original forests, which evolved over millennia into intricate, complex ecosystems. Among other topics, she also touches on the boom-and-bust history of logging and the versatility of wood, from which we have devised

Read more less

Snakebit traces the author's journey from a childhood fascination with snakes and amphibians, through academic flirtation, to professional association with some of the world's greatest herpetologists. It leads the reader through desert, swamp, jungle, and lab to reveal the strange world of these cryptic creatures and the often stranger fraternity that pursues them. Both celebrating and sending up the science and philosophy surrounding what surely seems insanity to some, Snakebit is packed with personalities, history, geography, culture, and an eclectic mix of locales.

Read more less

In this compilation of David Suzuki's latest thoughts and writings, the renowned scientist, author, and broadcaster explores the myriad environmental challenges the world faces and their interconnected causes. In doing so, Suzuki shows that understanding the causes--and recognizing that everything in nature, including us, is interconnected--is crucial to restoring hope for a better future. The solutions are there, he argues; we just need the will to act together to bring about change. Everything Under the Sun delves into such provocative topics as the difference between human hunters and other predators, the lessons we must learn from the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the subsequent meltdown of the nuclear reactors, and our dependence on the sun for all of our food and energy--indeed for our very lives. Suzuki also considers the many positive steps people are making today. Underpinning it all is the recognition that we are blessed to live on a planet that gives us everything we require to live, under a sun that gives us the energy we need to produce food and transport and modern conveniences. But we must protect what we have if we want to survive and prosper.

Read more less

Baseball's Top 100 is the ultimate collection of achievements on the diamond. From the most grand slams in a career to the most consecutive stolen bases -- the best of the best is all here. Sports writer and trivia master Kerry Banks has scoured all the record books and selected the top 100 of Major League Baseball's most fantastic feats. Many significant records belong to the most familiar names in baseball -- home-run king Barry Bonds, slugging champ Babe Ruth, hit machine Joe DiMaggio -- but Banks highlights previously overlooked record holders as well. Did you know that the player who hit the most doubles in one season is an obscure citizen of "Red Sox Nation" named Earl Webb who started his career as a pitcher? And, bet you haven't heard of Harvey Haddix. He holds the record for most consecutive batters retired by a pitcher in one game -- and he did it all while suffering from a head cold! This is a must-have for fans of the "Grand Old Game."

Read more less

Hummingbirds have long been a symbol of wisdom and courage. In this charming story, a hummingbird makes a valiant effort to put out a raging fire that threatens her forest home — trip after trip, her beak is filled each time with just a drop of water. Her efforts show her woodland companions that doing something — anything — is better than doing nothing at all. The hummingbird parable, which originates with the Quechuan people of South America, has become a talisman for environmentalists and activists worldwide committed to making meaningful change. This retelling, enlivened by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas’ fabulous Haida-manga illustrations, is suitable for all ages of would-be activists. Although environmental responsibility often seems like an overwhelming task, The Flight of the Hummingbird shows how easy it is to start and how great the effect could be if everyone just did what they could.

Read more less

In these delightful meditations, biologist and bird lover Richard Cannings weaves stories of his personal encounters with birds into fascinating descriptions of their behavior, anatomy, and evolution. He muses over the meadowlarks’ ability to hide their nests so completely that he has seen only two in a lifetime spent searching for them; the trumpeter swan, as picky as a two-year old, devouring potatoes and carrots but turning up its beak at Brussels sprouts; the northern gannet, with its snowy plumage, black wingtips, and startling blue eyes; the little saw-whet owl, which dabbles in bigamy and even trigamy; and more than two dozen other birds. Covering the entire continent, from the cacophony of a seabird colony on the shores of the Atlantic to a symphony of snow geese on the autumn plains to songbird courtship in the alpine tundra of the Rockies, An Enchantment of Birds informs and entertains, in one fell swoop.

Read more less

In this detailed guide, Jack Christie shares his favorite two- and three-day trips in the Vancouver area. It covers everything from rugged outdoor activities in the Gulf Islands to bicycle tours in Victoria, wine tours in the Okanagan, and backroad exploring in Whistler, ensuring that visitors can find as much (or as little) adventure as they like. There are getaways for every taste and budget, and none are more than a five-hour drive from Vancouver, including ferry travel where necessary. Each of the 28 entries includes complete driving directions with tips on sights to see along the way, as well as activities, attractions, accommodations, and dining options for the destination. In addition to photos, each chapter features sidebars and pull-out sections that offer specific tips for maximizing one's time. Indexes of the destinations and activities make planning the perfect weekend getaway a breeze.

Read more less

Before Gretzky, before Russians played in the National Hockey League, before multimillion-dollar salaries, there was Gordie Howe: the greatest star ever to play hockey. This richly illustrated, thoroughly researched and completely unauthorized biography--the only full-length biography to cover Howe's entire playing career--takes readers behind the sports icon to reveal a man who remains immensely popular with young and old. The Howe legend begins on the frozen sloughs of Saskatchewan, where a painfully shy boy from a poverty-ridden family discovered his one advantage in life: major athletic talent. Signed by the Detroit Red Wings at 16, Howe joined celebrated teammates Sid Abel, Ted Lindsay, Terry Sawchuk and Red Kelly to forge a team that dominated the NHL as only the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers have since. Six-time leading scorer, six-time Hart Trophy winner as the most valuable player, Howe surpassed Rocket Richard's NHL goals record to reach an amazing total of 801, unmatched for years until finally Gretzky caught up to his mentor and idol.

Read more less

The beloved book about playtime from award-winning Cree-Métis author and artist Julie Flett. Now available as a board book, We All Play is the perfect gift for a new baby or toddler!Named a Best Children’s Book of the Year by New York Times, Washington Post, New York Public Library, Kirkus Reviews, Globe and Mail, Horn Book, and Boston Globe.Baby animals and kids love to play! This wonderful book celebrates playtime and the connection between children and the natural world. Julie Flett’s iconic illustrations celebrate birds who chase and chirp, bears who wiggle and wobble, and owls who peek and peep. A group of kids love to do the same thing, shouting, “We play too! kimètawânaw mîna.” At the end of the book, the baby animals and kids gently fall asleep after a fun day of playing outside, making this book a great bedtime story. Featuring a glossary of Cr

Read more less

An encounter with a spider will never be the same again …This warm-hearted book offers fascinating science and captivating storytelling to persuade readers to fall in love with—or at least tolerate—these eight-legged wonders.Eight-Legged Wonders unveils the remarkable lives of one of the most misunderstood and maligned creatures on the planet: the spider. With over 50,000 species, spiders play vital roles in our ecosystems and the vast majority are harmless to humans. With this in mind, shouldn’t we at least try to set aside our creepy-crawly associations, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for these truly wonderful beings?Eight-Legged Wonders helps us do just that. In this affectionate and surprisingly giddy ode to spiders, James O’Hanlon, a scientist and spider expert, introduces spiders that we may never have noticed before, including spiders that cosplay as ants, balloon through the air, and scub

Read more less

The must-have guide to addressing anxious, fearful, or reactive behaviors in your dog through positive reinforcement, from certified dog trainer and animal behaviorist Zazie Todd.Is your dog showing signs of fear, anxiety, or reactivity, such as biting, food guarding, shyness, or aggressive barking? You’re not alone. Close to 75% of dogs struggle with fear-based behaviors, and require our support and understanding to feel safe and secure.In Bark!, Zazie Todd provides solutions for these behaviors. Decoding the latest canine science, she shows readers how to address the root cause of your dog’s fears, with expert advice and practical tips on: How to tackle common canine fears, such as loud noises, the vet, separation anxiety, and other dogs. How to manage a dog’s natural fear responses through positive reinforcement. How to keep your dog, yourself, and others safe when they are fearful or

Read more less

This nonfiction graphic novel for kids 7+ takes readers on an aquatic expedition into the Earth’s oceans. Get ready for the ultimate underwater adventure into ocean science and marine biology!Friends Castor and Squeak are camping out on a rocky island with Orni and her cousin, Echid, when they begin to wonder: what really goes on in the depths of the oceans?Join four friends as they explore the mysterious underwater world; revealing the incredible creatures that live there, the importance of taking care of our oceans, and what we can do to help them thrive!Super Ocean Weekend features: Fascinating ocean science: Discover the phenomena of tides and waves, why fish swim in schools, why some underwater creatures’ glow, and more! Comic-style illustrations: shares Squeak, Orni, Castor and Echid’s extraordinary underwater adventures through an eye-catching graphic novel format. Dive into m

Read more less

A BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick For thirty years, Brian Brett shared his office and his life with Tuco, a remarkable parrot given to asking such questions as "Whaddya know?" and announcing "Party time!" when guests showed up at Brett's farm. Although Brett bought Tuco on a whim as a pet, he gradually realizes the enormous obligation he has to the bird and learns that the parrot is a lot more complex than he thought. Simultaneously a biography of this singular bird and a history of bird/dinosaurs and the human relationship with birds, Tuco also explores how we "other" the world--abusing birds, landscapes, and each other--including Brett's own experience with a rare genetic condition that turned his early years into an obstacle course of bullying and nurtured his affinity for winged creatures. The book also provides an in-depth examination of our ideas about knowledge, language, and intelligence (including commentary from Tuco himself) and how as we learn more about animal languages and intelligence we continually shift our definitions of them in order to retain our "superiority." As Brett says, "Whaddya know? Not much. I don't even know what knowledge is. I know only the magic ...and

Read more less

“Exciting, funny, and occasionally heart-stopping … readers can stay home and dry, but feel like they are on the high seas.”—BOOKLISTA man and his chicken sail 45,000 nautical miles in this powerful story of following your dreams no matter what stands in your way.When Guirec Soudée was 21 years old, he bought a 30-foot sailboat and set out across the Atlantic, despite having only sailed a dinghy before.His only companion? His plucky pet hen, Monique.Guirec never intended to sail the world with a chicken, but after reaching the Caribbean, he and Monique made for Greenland—and emerged from the pack ice 100 days later.Their next goal? San Francisco. Then, Antarctica. But first, could they navigate the treacherous Northwest Passage? One thing was for sure: Monique would help her trusty skipper by laying an egg! Heart-stopping adventure story: navigating treacherous icebergs

Read more less

A perfect baby gift, this charming and funny board book features animals from around the world, each one celebrating their uniquely shaped bum.All bottoms are wonderful! Don’t you agree? Each animal has a different reason for loving their behind—from cute and round to fashionable and striped!Now available as a board book, this celebration of self love and body positivity will have the tiniest of readers (and their parents) laughing out loud at the backsides of hippos, zebras, pandas, and more or our favorite animals. Illustrator Maki Saito’s traditional Japanese art techniques add a sophisticated, beautiful feel to a book about animal butts. Everyone’s proud of their bottoms!“The painterly patoots are lovely in their texture and shading…. By the end (ha!) we’ve learned a little about these remarkable creatures.”—The Horn Book

Read more less

From the acclaimed author of In Praise of Paths comes a humorous and modest Walden for modern times.As nature becomes ever more precious, we all want to spend more time appreciating it. But time is often hard to come by. And how do we appreciate nature without disruption? In this sensitively-written book, Torbjørn Ekelund, an acclaimed Norwegian nature writer, shares a creative and non-intrusive method for immersing oneself in nature. And the result is nothing short of transformative.Evoking Henry David Thoreau and the four-season structure of Walden, Ekelund writes about communing with nature by repeating a small, simple ritual and engaging in quiet reflection. At the start of the book, he hatches a plan: to leave the city after work one day per month, camp near the same tiny pond in the forest, and return to work the next day. He keeps this up for a year.His ritual is far from rigorous and it is never perfect. One evening, he grows so cold in his tent that he hikes out before daybreak. But as Ekelund inevitably greets the same trees and boulders each month, he appreciates the banality of their sameness alongside their quiet beauty. He wonders how long they have stood silently in this place—and reflects on his own short existence among them.A Year in the Woods asks us to reconsider our relationship with the natural world. Are we anxious wanderers or mindful observers? Do we honor the seasons or let them pass us by? At once beautifully written, accessible, and engaging, A Year in the Woods is the perfect book for anyone who longs for a deeper connection with their environment, but is realistic about time and ambition.

Read more less

An adorable, STEM-themed picture book for kids 4 to 8 that reveals the wisdom mushrooms have to teach us.Mushrooms always wear their thinking caps. They know so many things. This vibrant and informative book shares the fascinating lessons that fungi can teach us: that small can be mighty, being unique is a reason to celebrate—and staying connected is key. Sara Gillingham’s lively art and Kallie George’s charming text captures the wondrous world of mushrooms, and everything we can learn from it.Featuring over fifty kinds of mushrooms, Mushrooms Know shares: Engaging informational side bars with wild facts about mushrooms (such as how some are so strong they can grow through cement, and others can glow in the dark!) Backmatter that dives further into the science Important life lessons (including how to help each other and keep our homes clean) For budding mycologists and forest adventurers alik

Read more less

An intimate portrait of a mysterious and misunderstood animal.“Tjernshaugen writes in an easy-to-read style that is full of insight and understanding.  I felt like I was sitting beside him as he described fox behavior.” —Rick McIntyre, Yellowstone wolf researcher and author of The Rise of Wolf 8If you look into the fox''s amber eyes, you''ll notice vertical pupils. With such feline eyes in a slender canine body, the fox is a relative of the dog and the wolf, but it hunts alone, like a cat. The fox lives close to people, both in the city and in the country, but it’s wild, shy, and secretive.Taking long walks in the early morning, equipped with wildlife cameras—and sometimes with his dog Topsy by his side—Andreas Tjernshaugen journeys into the forest hoping to encounter the foxes living just outside his small town in Norway. He knows the telltale signs of how to find a fox den, how to identify a paw

Read more less

A swashbuckling tale of leaving home, and the joy of adventure.Drawn to the horizon since she was small, the heroine of this story longs to discover what lies beyond it. She builds herself a boat, with the help of her parents, who know they cannot keep her on the little island they call home.With courage, joy, and the gift of the most brilliant of swords from her parents, she sets off. She sails through storms, faces down sea monsters, and comes to the aid of lost sailors. In the market of a distant port, she finds a child, who she adopts as her own. The young boy shares her desire to explore and see the world, so together, they set sail once more. After years of adventuring, they find the island that was once her home. Coming to rest on the shore, our heroine sends her son off on his own voyage, with the most brilliant of swords.Beautifully illustrated, this immersive book celebrates the great joys of the voyage itself. It captures the experience of find

Read more less

Did you keep a list of the words coined by Covid? Wayne Grady did! They're deftly woven into a journal/timeline, taking us through two years of surrealism and limbo.—Margaret AtwoodThis exploration of the many new terms of the Covid-19 pandemic provides insight into the ways an ever-evolving vocabulary helped us cope with our anxiety and adapt to a new reality.When the pandemic struck in early 2020, Wayne Grady started collecting the words and phrases that arose from our shared global experience. Some, such as “uptick” and “pivot,” had existed before but now took on new meaning, and others, such as “covidivorce,” “quarantini,” “covexit,” and “shecession,” appeared for the first time, their meaning instantly clear. Through this new vocabulary, we became more able to adapt to change, to domesticate it in a sense, and to reduce our fears.Moving from the very beginning of the pandemic (the “Before Times”) and our early response to it through the peaks and troughs of the various waves in countries throughout the world, and ending with a contemplation of what the “After Times” might look like, this book takes us on a journey through the pandemic and illuminates both how this new language has unfolded and how it has changed the way we think about ourselves and each other.

Read more less

This “heartbreaking … powerful work” (★ School Library Journal) introduces the contemporary issue of forced disappearances to readers 10 and up—with “deceptively simple black line drawings” that “allow for no meandering of attention” (★ Kirkus). By a closed door, a child waits for his uncle, who is coming to stay. As he waits, he imagines all the fun things they’ll do when he arrives: his uncle can teach him how to block a penalty shot and the boy can show him how well he is doing in school. But his uncle never arrives. Page by page, the boy grows older sitting in the same position, waiting to show his uncle his degree, his son, and eventually, his granddaughter. And still, his uncle does not come. My Uncle Is Coming Tomorrow is dedicated to the forcibly disappeared who were never able to come home, and depicts the devastating impact on their loved ones who are left behind. An excellent resource for learning about the history of forced disappearances, this gentle but effective book includes an afterword that explains the act of “disappearing people”: how it developed over the course of the twentieth century as a tool of political terror, and how people continue to be disappeared today. An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

Read more less

“What [Ekelund is] addressing is the intention to walk one’s way to meaning: the walk as spiritual exercise, a kind of vision quest... A key strategy for finding ourselves, then, is to first get lost.”—The New York Times Book ReviewAn ode to paths and the journeys we take through nature, as told by a gifted writer who stopped driving and rediscovered the joys of traveling by foot.Torbjørn Ekelund started to walk—everywhere—after an epilepsy diagnosis affected his ability to drive. The more he ventured out, the more he came to love the act of walking, and an interest in paths emerged. In this poignant, meandering book, Ekelund interweaves the literature and history of paths with his own stories from the trail. As he walks with shoes on and barefoot, through forest creeks and across urban streets, he contemplates the early tracks made by ancient snails and traces the wanderings of Romantic poets, amongst other musings. If we still “understand ourselves in relation to the landscape,” Ekelund asks, then what do we lose in an era of car travel and navigation apps? And what will we gain from taking to paths once again?“A charming read, celebrating the relationship between humans and their bodies, their landscapes, and one another.”—The Washington PostThis book was made possible in part thanks to generous support from NORLA.

Read more less

“Farley and Claire is a love story, a biography, a Tale of Two Farleys, or perhaps three: the public one, the private one, and the secret one.”—Margaret AtwoodThe tumultuous, enduring love story between iconic writer Farley Mowat and his wife Claire, including excerpts from their passionate letters, published here for the first time.When Farley Mowat met Claire Wheeler in August 1960, the attraction was immediate, and within days they were lovers, despite the fact that Farley was already married. Their affair—partly aided and abetted by publisher Jack McClelland—included an extended correspondence until several years later, when Farley finally obtained a Mexican divorce and the two were married in Texas. They were together until Farley’s death 54 years later.Claire, a brilliant diarist, has given author Michael Harris complete access to her journals and letters, as well as Farley’s letters, and Harris has conducted extensive interviews with her and original research. The result is a literary love story for the ages, complete with photos of the couple who defied conventions of their time to be together.Published in partnership with the David Suzuki Institute.

Read more less

“Shakil is a rare jewel in the work of what it means to heal, repair, and take responsibility... This book is required reading for anyone interested in building a loving, just and diverse world.”—Sensei Koshin Paley Ellison, Zen teacher & author of Wholehearted: Slow Down, Help Out, Wake UpRacial justice without shame or blame.Road-tested tools to start making a difference today.In Deep Diversity, award-winning racial justice educator Shakil Choudhury explores the emotionally loaded topic of racism using a compassionate, scientific approach that everyone can understand—whether you are Black, Indigenous, a person of color (BIPOC), or white.With clear language and engaging stories that will appeal to readers of Brené Brown and Malcom Gladwell, Choudhury explains how and why well-intentioned people can perpetuate systems of oppression, often unconsciously. Using a trauma-informed approach that removes shame or blame, he offers us the tools to recognize, take authentic responsibility, and enact deep change. In easy-to-absorb chapters, Choudhury interweaves research into the brain and studies on human behavior with hard-won lessons from his career of helping organizations and CEOs create more inclusive environments. He models vulnerability and mistake-making, sharing examples of his own bias-missteps so readers are encouraged into their own racial justice journey without judgment.Readers will come away from the book with practical tools and an understanding of: How to becomes a systems thinker by developing “racial pattern recognition” skills in order to challenge racism and other forms of systemic discrimination when we encounter them, while minimizing the tendency to shame or blame ourselves or others. How to recognize when the unconscious influence of bias, identity, emotions, or power contradict our beliefs about equality, and how to realign our thoughts/words/actions. How to break the racial “prejudice habits” we have all been socialized into since birth, using research-based strategies. How the rise in authoritarianism and income inequality (among other factors) contribute to a rise in hate crimes and racial discrimination, and what to do about it. Traditional approaches to anti-racism overly rely on analyzing history to explain systemic discrimination, which only tells us a part of the story. What’s missing, Choudhury argues, is to understand why humans do what we do, the evolutionary impulses underlying our group-ish nature and our struggles with power, bias, and social dominance. This is why psychology and neuroscience perspectives are critical to integrate into anti-racist work, as is practicing compassion for ourselves and for others. Deep Diversity is a unique, evidence-based approach to racial justice that seeks to overcome feelings of shame that so often block our progress and prevent deep change at individual and systemic levels.Deep Diversity meets you where you’re at, regardless of your identity, class, ability, or belief system, and invites you to come along on a journey of self-discovery, social awareness, and lifelong learning.It’s only just begun.“Choudhury draws on heart-touching stories, research on the brain, and hard-won lessons from real-world interventions to offer useful strategies to know ourselves, and others better.”—New York Times-bestselling author of Buddha’s Brain, Rick Hanson

Read more less

Containing important information about the coronavirus, this comprehensive, easy-to-follow primer on pandemics, epidemics, and the panics they ignite around the world also shares solutions for a safer, healthier future. “A quiet little gem of understanding in a cacophony of panic and fear.” —Quill & Quire, STARRED review Authored by a leading epidemiologist, this engrossing book answers our questions about animal diseases that jump to humans—called zoonoses—including what attracts them to humans, why they have become more common in recent history, and how we can keep them at bay. Almost all pandemics and epidemics have been caused by diseases that come to us from animals, including SARS, Ebola, and—now—Covid-19. Epidemiologist, veterinarian, and ecosystem health specialist, David Waltner-Toews, gathers the latest research to profile dozens of illnesses in On Pandemics. Chapters are broken into short, dynamic explainers, each one tackling a different disease. Readers will discover: Why zoonotic diseases jump from animals to humans—and why some decide to stick around for good. How governments have responded to pandemics and epidemics throughout history, for better or for worse. The role of climate change, industrialized farming, cultural practices, biodiversity loss, and globalization in making these diseases not only possible, but inevitable outcomes of our modern lifestyles. Coronaviruses, such as those that cause SARS and Covid-19, have likely made bats their home for centuries. Until SARS came along, we didn’t know they were there, nor do we know how many other death-dealing viruses might be living undetected in wildlife. On Pandemics shows the greater impact of animal-borne diseases on our world, and encourages us to re-examine our role in pandemics, if not for our own health, then for the health of our planet. Published originally in 2007 as The Chickens Fight Back: Pandemic Panics and Deadly Diseases that Jump from Animals to Humans, this book has been updated in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Waltner-Toews makes truly entertaining reading.” —Globe and Mail “A page-turner presented with irreverent humour and many hair-raising anecdotes.” —Vitality Magazine

Read more less

“[This] book will convince you that forgetting helps you remember and distractions can make you more creative.” —Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Originals and Give and Take, and host of TED’s WorkLife podcast“Illuminating, and a joy to read, [Scatterbrain] offers … a refreshingly accessible and relatable take on the brain’s inner workings that should appeal to both science buffs and casual readers.” —Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)In this mind-bending book, an esteemed neuroscientist explains why perfectionism is pointless—and argues that mistakes, missteps, and flaws are the keys to success.Remember that time you screwed up simple math or forgot the name of your favorite song? What if someone told you that such embarrassing “brain farts” are actually secret weapons, proof of your superiority to computers and AI?In Scatterbrain, we learn that boredom awakens the muse, distractions spark creativity, and misjudging time creates valuable memories, among other benefits of our faulty minds. Throughout, award-winning neuroscientist Henning Beck’s hilarious asides and brain-boosting advice make for delightful reading of the most cutting-edge neuroscience our brains will (maybe never) remember.

Read more less

The perfect gift for cat owners: "Definitely a book your cat would want you to read!"—Dr. Sarah Ellis, co-author of The Trainable Cat"Zazie Todd has created a must-have guide to improving your cat's life."—Modern Cat MagazineWe all love our cats and we all want them to be happy. But making our cats happy isn't about buying them lots of things—it's about finding out what matters to them. In Purr, animal behavior expert Zazie Todd addresses every stage of your cat's life and offers surprising and effective advice for even the most experienced cat owner, all with the science to back it up.In this indispensable book, "cat lovers learn the science behind cats' petting preferences; the multiple meanings of purrs, chirrups, and meows; how to best satisfy the scratching and stalking desires for indoor cats; and even how to keep both cats and wildlife safe if your felines spend time outside.'—Cat Warren, New York Times-bestselling authorCat lovers will also discover how to: Enrich your cat's life through play and exercise Reduce anxiety and fear around your absence, visitors, and trips to the vet Train your kitten or cat without causing harm (i.e. don't use a spray bottle!) Provide for special needs like asthma Make senior cats comfortable And so much more! In Purr, Zazie Todd demystifies the feline-human relationship so you can form your special bond based on your cat's unique needs—all while learning lots and having fun together.

Read more less

This silly yet sophisticated picture book will make kids AND parents laugh—the perfect story for reading aloud! For fans of Strictly No Elephants A child takes a dog for a walk. At least, so the child insists. But nobody else sees a dog! Neighbors try to figure out why a child is walking a banana on a leash, while the child tries to make them understand that the banana is really a dog. A dog named Banana! But…it can’t be. Can it? My Dog Banana is a jewel of absurdity that brings to life a diverse group of characters, filled with classic charm and endless humour.

Read more less

This joyful and soothing book about ocean sounds for kids 3-7 will transport readers to the seaside.When a child visits the ocean with his little brother, he whispers to him, “The ocean has lots to say, if you listen.” Together, they hear wondrous things, like the rumble of pebbles tumbling and filling the beach with shiny gems, the bark of a seal playing peekaboo, and the whooshing of a shell murmuring messages.The second book in the Sounds of Nature Series for young children, I Hear You, Ocean is an excellent resource for outdoor education and social-emotional learning, helping to teach: How to engage with nature in fun and respectful ways Mindfulness and empathy with the world around us Positive and gentle play with younger siblings The ocean makes magical sounds—you just have to listen! Book #2 in the Sounds of Nature series! This picture book series about listening to nature explores different ecosystems, including forest, ocean, and mountain soundscapes. It encourages mindfulness, outdoor education, and social-emotional learning, as readers join the characters in using their imaginations to hear the many things nature has to say.<>

Read more less

Named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus“Gloriously inventive.”—New York Times“Any youngster who enjoys critters and nature will appreciate this book.”—5 STARS, Youth Services Book ReviewKids ages 4-7 will get lost in the imaginative world of this wordless picture book!In this colorful and moving portrait told from the up-close perspectives of a young girl and a grasshopper, a garden comes alive with creatures, plants, and surprises of nature.Grasshopper encourages young readers to: Explore nature around them with curiosity and imagination Respect nature and the creatures who call it their home While investigating and admiring the insects in her garden, a young girl discovers how her actions impact the little creatures she finds, like a caterpillar inside a pea pod. When she places the caterpillar on an anthill, the ants swarm it!When she captures a grasshopper, she discovers one of its legs has fallen off. To keep it safe from the ants, she places it in a jar—only for another curious creature to come investigate.As the day progresses, the girl learns the profound effect she can have on the natural world around her.An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

Read more less

A perfect book for STEM learning: Kids ages 8-12 will love these creepy X-Rays of bugs, reptiles, mammals, and more!A Smithsonian Magazine Best Children’s Book of the YearUsing incredible X-ray techniques, Inside In displays creatures and their natural habitats in a never-before-seen way. Kids will learn the awesome answers to questions like: What does a bee look like under its furry coat? How does a seahorse protect itself with armor and a skeleton? How does a tree frog use its eyes to swallow? This visually stunning and highly original book features: X-ray images are cool and fun to look at! Simple text helps kids understand the animals and plants in each image. Pops of neon colors make animals and plants come to life.

Read more less

For kids who love to draw and create, this captivating picture book fosters an appreciation for nature and features craft ideas to inspire young artists.Kids will be inspired to create: Fingerprint bumblebees Sculptures made of sand Rainbow colored jars And more! Nature is an Artist explores different art forms that kids can find in the natural world. In the book, a group of children follow Nature—the most inspiring of teachers—as they discover the world’s greatest art show hidden in plain sight. As they witness beautiful landscapes, stunning vistas, and unusual creatures, each child is inspired to recreate their own fine work of art.With charming, rhythmic text from Jennifer Lavalee and vivid, eye-catching illustrations from Natalia Colombo, Nature is an Artist celebrates nature’s beauty and variety, and instills kids with:The confidence to see themselves

Read more less

A Bank Street College Best Children’s Book A book to inspire children to look for treasures in the great outdoors, where everyday objects take on new, magical meanings with a little imagination. “Alive with modest wonder—a treasure.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Little Bear is a treasure finder. And he finds the most wonderful things: a shiny button, a tickly feather, a cozy hiding place, a tree to scratch, and even a shy, soft piece of lint. The other animals, however, don’t understand Little Bear’s treasures. “Just junk,” they say. Except for one… When Little Bear meets Little Bird, it’s the beginning of a wonderful friendship. Together, Little Bear just might discover his best treasure yet. Poetic, affectionate, funny, and captivatingly illustrated, this gorgeous picture book is a treasure itself.

Read more less

“Lively and enlightening.”—Sarah L. Kaufman, Washington Post“[A] zippy guide to better health.”—Publisher’s Weekly STARRED ReviewDiscover why humans were designed for dancing—and learn how to boogie for better health—with two neuroscientists as your guide.Dancing is one of the best things we can do for our health. In this groundbreaking and fun-to-read book, two neuroscientists (who are also competitive dancers) draw on their cutting-edge research to reveal why humans are hardwired for dance show how to achieve optimal health through dancing Taking readers on an in-depth exploration of movement and music, from early humans up until today, the authors show the proven benefits of dance for our heart, lungs, bones, nervous system, and brain. Readers will come away with a wide range of dances to try and a scientific understanding of how dance benefits almost every aspect of our lives. Dance prevents and manages illness and pain: such as Diabetes, arthritis, back pain, and Parkinson’s. Dance can be as effective as high intensity interval training: but without the strain on your joints and heart. Dance boosts immunity and lowers stress: it also helps reduce inflammation. Dance positively impacts the microbiome: and aids in digestion, weight loss, and digestive issues such as IBS. Dance bolsters the mind-body connection: helping us get in tune with our bodies for better overall health. We’re lucky that one of the best things we can do for our health is also one of the most fun. And the best part: dance is something anyone can do. Old or young, injured or experiencing chronic pain, dance is for everyone, everywhere.So, let’s dance!Types of dance featured in the book: Partner dance (salsa, swing dancing, waltz) Ballet Hip hop Modern Jazz Line dancing Tap dancing And more!

Read more less

An extraordinary book that celebrates skateboarding, family, and community, from beloved artist and author Julie Flett, a winner of the New York Times / New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Book Award.Every day, a little boy watches kids pass by on skateboards, and dreams of joining them. One day, his mother brings a surprise: her old skateboard, just for him! haw èkwa! Let’s go! Together, they practice on the sidewalk, at the park, in Auntie’s yard—everywhere. But when it comes time to try the skatepark, the skateboarders crash down like a waterfall. Can he find the confidence to join them?Let’s Go! features: A glossary of Cree words featured in the book, and a Cree refrain (haw èkwa!) repeated throughout A note to the reader from Julie Flett about her inspiration for the story This fun and touching story is a tribute to family, friendship, and perseverance. Julie F

Read more less

From bestselling hiking guidebook author (and dad) Stephen Hui comes a collection of fun-filled hikes field-tested by parents and kids. The best thing about hiking with kids is appreciating nature as a whole family. But hiking with kids can be challenging when little ones get tired, cold, or hungry. This book carefully chooses trails for kids of a variety of ages and skill levels, ranging in distance from 2km/1.2 miles (great for toddlers) to 12km/7.5 miles (for older or energetic kids). All are easy to get to so kids have more time to explore stops at suspension bridges, hollow trees, ghost towns, beaches, lakes, and vistas. Each route features a clear reference map and full-colour photos, plus: a description of trail highlights detailed directions to the trailhead a snapshot of the best season, difficulty, length, high point, and elevation gain a fun fact related to the plants, animals, or history of the trail The author will donate a portion of royalties to Take a Hike Foundation.

Read more less