SHARE THE GIFT OF READING

Librarians from the Vancouver Public Library bring you this list of top picks that will provide entertainment for the whole family this holiday season.

DU IZ TAK?

By Carson Ellis Candlewick

For little ones. The appearance of a small, green and unfamiliar sprout leads to excitement and intrigue in a community of insects. These bugs speak their own unique language and readers are encouraged to decipher the meaning of their words.

BIG BLUE FOREVER

By Anita Miettunen

Red Deer Press

For big kids. This is the story of a blue whale that washes ashore on the coast of Prince Edward Island in 1987 and comes to rest in the Beatty Biodiversity Museum at the University of B.C. Kids will be fascinated by the science and story behind this massive animal.

CHEMISTRY

By C.L. Lynch

One Tall Tree Press

For teens. Stella just moved to Vancouver, and she hates it. She befriends Howard, who is a geek and (probably) undead. When zombies begin showing up, is Howard to blame? A witty, sarcastic and action-packed romance that even Twilight lovers and haters will enjoy.

THE SECRET LIVES OF COLOUR

By Kassia St. Clair

John Murray

For creative souls. This book will make you rethink your relationship with colour. This captivating exploration of 75 shades, dyes and hues delves into the history and culture behind some of the most unusual and not-so-unusual colours.

IT DEVOURS!

By Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor Harper Perennial

For the podcast-obsessed. This paranormal mystery is from the creators of the popular podcast and bestselling book Welcome to Night Vale. They explore the intersection of science and faith, as a scientist and man of faith work together to save a small desert community.

PACHINKO

By Min Jin Lee

Grand Central Publishing

For fans of family sagas. A National Book Award finalist, this novel follows a family over several generations and the experiences of being Korean and living in Japan. This vivid saga is filled with resilience and emotion.

WILD THINGS

By Bruce Handy

Simon & Schuster

For adults who want to relive their childhood. Relive your favourite children’s books by reading them again as an adult. You’ll once again fall in love with classic tales such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Goodnight Moon, Charlotte’s Web and more.

SON OF A TRICKSTER

By Eden Robinson

Knopf Canada

For those looking for a bit of magic. This coming-of-age story features 16-year-old Jared and his struggles to control his life before it spirals out of control. Robinson masterfully blends magical elements into reality.

DRAWDOWN

By Paul Hawken

Penguin Books

For climate warriors. This handbook brings together the top 100 climate change solutions based on research by scientists and policy-makers around the world. It’s an interesting read that offers realistic and bold solutions.

PANDEMIC

By Sonia Shah Sarah Crichton Books For microhistory enthusiasts. This book crosses history, science, politics and ecology to connect pathogens, pandemics and the implications they have in the future. Those interested in science or public health will consider this a new favourite.

BETTY BOO

By Claudia Piñeiro, translated by Miranda France

Bitter Lemon Press

For mystery lovers. Three journalists are following a string of seemingly unrelated murders of wealthy elites. When dark secrets are uncovered, connections are made and the floodgates of conspiracy can’t be contained.

EVERYONE’S A ALIEBN WHEN UR A ALIEBN TOO

By Jomny Sun

Harper Perennial

In this charming and tender graphic novel, a lonely alien finds friendship and acceptance when he meets many of Earth’s creatures, who share different perspectives on life, love and happiness.