Educators and parents alike will appreciate the endnotes with further details about flora and fauna, as well as the illustrated map locating the habitats of the featured plants and animals. Brenda Boreham’s text is lyrical and rich in detail. Here, humans are noticeably absent and the diverse plants and animals tell a wonderful tale. Hideaway Cove is a delightful, information-packed picture book that takes children through a day in the life of a west coast cove. Text by Roy Henry Vickers and Robert Budd Little ones will love the simple language and the opportunity to touch the embossed images. It is a magical West Coast celebration of flora and fauna as seen through an indigenous cultural lens. One of my favorite books of the season is Hello Humpback, a board book featuring the stunning artwork of British Columbia First Nations artist Roy Henry Vickers, coauthored with Robert Budd. Whether for bedtime, beach time, or family story time, one of these titles is sure to enrich and enlighten the young readers in your life. This season’s books also offer opportunities for inspiration and reflection-immersing readers in the story of the late scientist known as the Shark Lady and in the eye-opening journey of refugee children, for example. Young readers can follow the adventures of a lone wolf in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, explore the reconstruction of a blue whale skeleton, or learn about citizen science and the ways in which our actions impact animals. As their chicks fledge, a new season of coastal books for kids is taking flight. Near my home, great blue herons are flying to and from their nests in the tall firs in the park near the sea. J| 1,500 words, about 7 minutes Share this article Cover image courtesy of Inhabit Media Coastal Books to Keep the Kids Busy This Summer From the Shark Lady to refugees who traveled by sea, this season’s stories are sure to inspire. A detail of the cover illustration from The People of the Sea by Donald Uluadluak and Mike Motz.

Jessie's Island by Sheryl McFarlane