BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Starred Selection, Best Books for Kids and Teens
A beautifully illustrated and educational children's book that tells the true life story of Grouse Mountain's famous resident grizzly bears.
Coola and Grinder are two adult grizzly bears living at the “peak of Vancouver” on Grouse Mountain. For the past eighteen years they have been among the mountain’s biggest attractions. People from all over the world flock to see these magnificent creatures, who live in a five-acre wildlife refuge that simulates a grizzly bear's natural habitat. Contrary to popular belief, the bears are not brothers; they were brought to the mountain as orphaned cubs born on opposite sides of the province—Coola hails from Bella Coola, and Grinder (named after the Grouse Grind hiking trail) was born near Invermere.
The Grizzlies of Grouse Mountain tells the heartwarming and inspiring tale of Coola and Grinder's life on the mountain, their distinct personalities, and their important role in teaching wildlife rangers and scientists about grizzly bear behaviour. Written for young school-age children, this book presents facts and entertaining anecdotes about the bears in a clear and engaging way, and imparts valuable lessons about the importance of wildlife conservation. This richly illustrated book will foster children’s love of wildlife for years to come.
"An excellent introduction to the lives of grizzly bears." —Canadian Children's Book News
"Steers away from being sensational and focuses instead on motivating young readers to be interested in the welfare of grizzlies." —BC BookWorld
". . . offers many facts about grizzlies — their diet and hibernation routines, explanations of the differences between the two bears (one is a coastal species, the other from the interior). Websites provide links to more information about bears and animal conservation, and also to the webcams on Grouse." —BC Books for BC Schools
". . . will be a hit with young readers who have an interest in wildlife." —Resource Links
“Through this inspiring story, we have a rare opportunity to learn more about the orphaned grizzly bears of Grouse Mountain and to develop a deeper understanding of their life and habits. Rich illustrations and a touching narrative make this book a wonderful resource for any young reader.” —Deborah Hodge, author of West Coast Wild