Springtime Reads

Springtime Reads Top Picks from the Greater Victoria Public Library

Along with longer days and warmer weather comes the pull to spend time outdoors and engage with the natural world as it awakens from its winter slumber. We have selected nine books to guide readers of all ages through their springtime exploration of the natural world, be it through gardening, activities or cooking. Borrow one of these titles, then head outside and get your hands dirty.

ADULT CANADIAN GARDENER’S GUIDE By Lorraine Johnson Third edition, DK, 2019 A one-stop manual for beginners and more experienced gardeners, this book contains all the practical techniques, inspirational ideas and problem-solving advice you need to make and maintain a garden of any size.

THE FRUITFUL CITY: THE ENDURING POWER OF THE URBAN FOOD FOREST By Helena Moncrieff ECW, 2018 Learn about the urban harvest renaissance that is putting rescued fruit to good use.

GREENFEAST: SPRING, SUMMER By Nigel Slater HarperCollins, 2019 Enjoy more than 110 spring and summer recipes for those who seek inspiration for quick, plant-based suppers. TEEN FAMILY WALKS AND HIKES ON VANCOUVER ISLAND: VOLUME 1, VICTORIA TO NANAIMO By Theo Dombrowski Rocky Mountain, 2018 Filled with a variety of walks and hikes to guide your next adventure on the South Island.

GOING WILD: HELPING NATURE THRIVE IN CITIES By Michelle Mulder Orca Book publishes, 2018 Find out what urban rewilding is and how it can make our lives—and our planet—safer and healthier.

PROTECTING POLLINATORS: HOW TO SAVE THE CREATURES THAT FEED OUR WORLD By Jodi Helmer Island Press, 2019 This book shows gratitude to pollinators through inspiring stories of their population revival, lessons from failed attempts to boost their numbers, and practical tips to get involved in their health. KIDS BADGER’S PERFECT GARDEN By Marsha Diane Arnold Sleeping Bear, 2019 It’s springtime, and Badger is planting a garden with seeds he gathered all winter long. Will a rainstorm wash away his hard work?

HAWK MOTHER: THE STORY OF A REDTAILED HAWK WHO HATCHED CHICKENS By Kara Hagedorn Web of Life, 2017 What happens when two baby chickens find themselves in a nest with a hawk? Spoiler alert: the book has a happy ending.

SPRING AFTER SPRING: HOW RACHEL CARSON INSPIRED THE ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT By Stéphanie Roth Sisson Roaring Book, 2018 This book traces the journey of Rachel Carson, a scientist and writer who sets the stage for the modern environmental movement.

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