Scalpels and Buggywhips tells the incredible story of the medical pioneers of Central BC. These medical giants treated everything from scurvy to bear bites. They delivered babies and performed surgeries. Their endurance and courage was surpassed only by that of their wives. Eldon Lee tells of Horace Cooper Wrinch, the missionary doctor of Hazelton; …

Robert James Challenger uses the form of parables to teach children important values. The observations of Grandmother and other family members interpret the actions of nature's creatures in a variety of circumstances. His simple, direct stories reflect a philosophy widely embraced—respect for our environment and understanding of all creeds, races …

This collection of west-coast fables combines the approach of Aesop with the oral tradition of First Nations storytellers. Woodpecker shows how to be a true friend. Beaver demonstrates how to achieve dreams through hard work. Rainbow Trout finds that all things in nature have a purpose.

Parents, grandparents and teachers will embrace Robert James C …

This is the story of Dr. Eldon Lee and his first practice in Hazelton, BC. Lee was the region's first obstetrician, and he delivered more than 4,500 babies. In an era of corporate medicine and malpractice insurance, Lee's story is a refreshing reminder of what doctoring is all about.

In the 1940s, Eldon left the family ranch to join the air forc …

This collection of short stories is based on traditional values important to us all—respect, cooperation and kindness. Robert James Challenger's illustrations and tales reveal a world of magical birds, fish and other wildlife, who teach readers lessons about life and the world.

Seal shows us why we should not let fear of failing stop us from tryi …

Ancient Forests untangles the complexity of old-growth forests. Termites, slime molds, owls and flying squirrels seem more like neighbours, thanks to the activities in this engaging, scientifically accurate book, which helps children see the interconnections between nature and people. Winner of a MAPA Award–Honorable Mention for editing.

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“The most shameful incident in Canadian Maritime history” occurred in January 1906 when the steamer Valencia hit rocks off the treacherous west coast of Vancouver Island, only 100 feet from shore. Over the next 40 hours the vessel was pounded to pieces. More than 80 people, many of them women and children, drowned. Men watching from the shore …

From 1910 to 1975, superb coastal liners of Grand Trunk Pacific Railway and, later, the Canadian National Railway plied the waters of coastal BC, connecting Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle to Prince Rupert and southeastern Alaska. Here is the little-known story of these ships, brought to life by BC's foremost marine historian and well illustrated w …

Who rode sidesaddle 300 miles a century ago to become Chilcotin's first housewife? What rancher carried a portable piano in his buckboard? Who started the Williams Lake and the Ahaheim Lake Stampede? A vivid text and over 200 photographs recall pioneer life in the ranching country that extends westward some 200 miles from the Fraser River to Anahim …

In this humorous book, Ron Purvis illustrates why after 14 years of teaching at St. George's Indian Residential School in Lytton, BC, he had a lingering suspicion that his First Nations charges had crammed a great deal more wisdom into him than he'd imparted to them.

One of the world's most beautiful and famous city parks, is Stanley Park located in Vancouver. This year round playground offers the ocean, the mountains, wildlife, freshwater lakes, cedar trees, totem poles, woodland trails and a unique Seawall Promenade. Vancouver's famous Stanley Park, by Mike Steele is a complete guide to this outdoor marvel. I …

Vancouver Island is one of the world's best year-round salmon fishing areas. This comprehensive guide describes popular fishing holes, including a map of each and data on gear, best time of year, methods and more.

Albert Johnson was a loner, a deadly shot, who in 1932 triggered a gruelling manhunt that has become an Arctic legend. For over six weeks, amid blizzards and numbing cold, he eluded a posse of trappers, First Nations and RCMP, who for the very first time used a two-way radio and an airplane in their search.

Johnson was involved in four shoot-outs, …

Pioneer Days is a blend of words and photos that proves British Columbia's history is as interesting as that recorded anywhere else in North America. Every article is true, many written or narrated by those who, 100 or more years ago, lived the experiences they relate. Each volume contains 160 pages, plus some 60,000 words of text and over 200 his …

Over 300 sternwheelers plied the BC-Yukon waters, a record in North America. In icy northern lakes, rivers and the open sea, these flat-bottomed steamers served for 100 years. Ripped open by rapids, gutted by fire, crushed by ice, they left a memorable wake that altered history forever. This book includes portraits of flamboyant captains and crews, …