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Reading at the Seed Library: Worms and Compost
Blog written by Rachael Huegerich
January 27, 2024
There is a lot going on in the soil of your garden. Learn about worms and other creatures under the dirt, or delve deeper into the compost process, at the seed library display at the Education Library. You can find the seed library just past the reference desk—or learn more about UBC Library’s seed lending libraries here. Feel free to “borrow” some seeds, or some of the books on display now. Here are a few:
Compost stew: an A to Z recipe for the Earth
Written by Mary McKenna Siddals;
illustrated by Ashley Wolff
PZ8.3.S5715 Co 2014
A rhyming text explains from A to Z, which common items around the house can be turned into the dark, crumbly stuff we call ‘ompost stew’.
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How to say hello to a worm: a first guide to outside
By Kari Percival
SB457 .P46 2022
Say “hello” to worms, dirt, peas, and more in this gentle how-to guide for connecting with nature.
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My Baba’s garden
Written by Jordan Scott;
illustrated by Sydney Smith
PZ7.1.S336845 My 2023
A story about the special relationship between a child and his grandmother and the time they spend looking for worms for the garden.
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The worm
By Élise Gravel
QL386.6 .G7213 2014
The second in a series of humorous books about disgusting creatures, The Worm is a look at the earthworm. It covers such topics as the worm’s habitats (sometimes they live inside other animals), its anatomy (its muscle tube is slimy and gross), and its illustrious history (worms have been on earth for 120 million years).
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Up in the garden and down in the dirt
Written by Kate Messner;
with art by Christopher Silas Neal
SB457 .M47 2015
Up in the garden, the world is full of green–leaves and sprouts, growing vegetables, ripening fruit. But down in the dirt there is a busy world of earthworms digging, snakes hunting, skunks burrowing, and all the other animals that make a garden their home.
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By Karen Romano Young
QL434.15 .Y68 2009
Part of the National Geographic Kids Science Fair Winners Series, this book features several cool workshops, including two on compost heaps and worms.
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By Kaci Rae Christopher
GE77 .C57 2019
The School Garden Curriculum provides an integrated K-8 framework and over 200 weekly lessons that weave science, permaculture, and environmental education into place-based, immersive learning.
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By Deborah Freedman
PZ7.F87276 Cr 2019
When a field mouse asks Carl the earthworm why he tunnels through the dirt, Carl doesn’t have an answer, so he sets off to find out.
Collection Spotlight: Math Through Storytelling
Post written by Kelly Davila Vargas
In the course Mathematics – Elementary and Middle Years: Curriculum and Pedagogy, teacher candidates from the Middle Years/Self-Regulated Learning cohort explore innovative strategies to help students connect mathematics to their daily lives and the world around them. A key approach emphasized in the course is the use of storytelling, which provides meaningful and authentic contexts for students to engage with mathematical ideas. Stories can delve into mathematical concepts such as numbers, fractions, patterns, shapes and measurements, data, and financial literacy. By weaving mathematics into narratives, educators create learning experiences that highlight the relevance of math in students’ lives, fostering deeper understanding and engagement.
The “Math through Storytelling” display supports this purpose, offering teacher candidates the opportunity to interact with stories in class and find creative ways to integrate them into their practicum, making mathematics both accessible and inspiring for students.
A few of the books on display:
Number Sense
Fractions & Ratios
Patterns
Shapes & Measurements
Data
Financial Literacy
Reading at the Seed Library: Urban Gardening
Blog written by Rachael Huegerich
January 13, 2024
The spring growing season is coming soon! There’s a whole lot you can grow right here in Vancouver—even if you live in an apartment. From container gardens to community gardens, you’ll find lots of possibilities for your urban garden in the current book display at the Education Library’s seed library. You can find the seed library behind the reference desk—or learn more about UBC Library’s seed lending libraries here. Feel free to “borrow” some seeds, or some of the books on display now. Here are a few:
One little lot : the 1-2-3s of an urban garden
Written by Diane C. Mullen; illustrated by Oriol Vidal
PZ7.1.M823 On 2020
Count the ways two hands, three days cleaning up, four planter boxes, and many more steps show how city neighbors transform one little abandoned lot into a beautiful community garden.
Jayden’s impossible garden
Written by Mélina Mangal; illustrated by Ken Daley
PZ7.1.M36466 Jay 2021
Nine-year-old Jayden loves the outdoors, but his mother is nervous about him playing in their neighborhood. With the help of his neighbor Mr. Curtis, can Jayden help Mama see that nature and beauty are all around?
Written by Tziporah Cohen; illustrated by Udayana Lugo
PZ7.1.C64235 Ci 2023
Victoria and her neighbor, Mrs. Kosta, grow such a spectacular beet garden that they need the entire neighborhood’s help to pull out a giant beet.
Chasing bats and tracking rats : urban ecology, community science, and how we share our cities
Written by Cylita Guy; illustrated by Cornelia Li
QH541.5.C6 G89 2021
Gripping narrative non-fiction with STEM and social justice themes that proves cities can be surprisingly wild places–and why understanding urban nature matters.
It’s Our Garden: From Seeds to Harvest in a School Garden
By George Ancona
SB56.N49 A63 2013
Presents a portrait of a Santa Fe community garden, revealing how students and other citizens work together to select and grow annual plants, create compost, release butterflies, harvest edibles, and protect garden beds for the winter.
By Catherine Abbott
SB453 .A23 2012
Vine-ripened tomatoes. Succulent squash. Plump cucumbers. Growing vegetables is a rewarding–and cost-effective–way to eat better for less. However, you might think you lack the space necessary to grow a functioning garden. With this guide, however, you’ll learn how to maximize your space and grow delicious vegetables and herbs cheaply and efficiently, whether you have a small backyard or just a windowsill!
Written by Jon-Erik Lappano; pictures by Kellen Hatanaka
PZ4.9.L36526 Tk 2016
Tokyo lives in a small house between giant buildings with his family and his cat, Kevin. For years, highways and skyscrapers have been built up around the family’s house where once there were hills and trees. Will they ever experience the natural world again? One day, an old woman offers Tokyo seeds, telling him they will grow into whatever he wishes. Tokyo and his grandfather are astonished when the seeds grow into a forest so lush that it takes over the entire city overnight. Soon the whole city has gone wild, with animals roaming where cars once drove. But is this a problem to be surmounted, or a new way of living to be embraced?
New Books at Education Library: January 2025
Clicking on the book cover will take you to the Google Books page while clicking on the title will take you to the item’s UBC Library catalogue page.
H61 .C73 2025 Qualitative inquiry & research design: choosing among five approaches / John W. Creswell, Cheryl N. Poth.
PE1404 .S97 2023 Systems shift: creating and navigating change in rhetoric and composition administration / edited by Genesea M. Carter and Aurora Matzke.
PN6733.J66 I35 2019 If I go missing / text by Brianna Jonnie and Nahanni Shingoose ; art by Neal Shannacappo.
PR6108.I24 H53 2023 Highly suspicious and unfairly cute / Talia Hibbert.
PZ7.K675 Un 2021 Unplugged / Gordon Korman.
PZ7.1.H596 Ey 2022 Eyes that speak to the stars / by Joanna Ho ; illustrated by Dung Ho.
PZ7.1.A1675 Wh 2024 Where sleeping girls lie / Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé.
PZ23.B6455 Vx 2022 La voix de la nature / Gabrielle Boulianne-Tremblay.
PZ23.B3556 Cm 2020 Comme un ouragan / Jonathan Bécotte.
PZ23.N617 Np 2023 Nipishish. 1, Les déracinés / Michel Noël.
PZ23.B1675 Bv 2019 Bave de crapaud bio / Annie Bacon ; illustrations, Boum.
PZ23.B476 Fd 2020 Fou du hockey! : mon premier but / écrit par Alain M. Bergeron ; illustré par Maco.
PZ23.A73 Cs 2020 CSI ruelle. 1, Mystère au jardin communautaire / Audrée Archambault ; [illustrations] Cab.
PZ23.S2552 At 2020 Attention au chien / Insa Sané ; illustré par Kim Consigny.
PZ23.T95 Wt 2020 Watson / Vannara.
PZ23.S379 Sl 2020 Splat jardine / d’après le personnage de Rob Scotton ; [original text J.E. Bright] ; [illustrations Loryn Brantz]
PZ23.S97 Lc 2018 Lucie, la mouffette qui pète quand elle rit / Shallow et Vannara.
PZ23.L376155 Gr 2022 Les grandes aventures de Mini-Jean et Mini-Bulle. Les pirates des dunes / histoire : Alexandra Larochelle et Louis Patalano ; illustrations : Jean-François Vachon.
QH48 .C53 2024 The observologist / Giselle Clarkson.
Collection Spotlight: Winter Wonderland
Welcome to our Winter Wonderland! Our newest book display, located on the main level of the library in the breezeway, features children’s picture books celebrating all things winter. From sparkling snowflakes and cheerful snowmen to festive holiday stories and exciting hockey adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Filled with cozy tales and beautiful illustrations, these books are perfect for readers of all ages. Stop by to explore the display and find the perfect winter story to share!
Below are just a small sample of the books on display:
Juvenile Literature
As cool as it gets
written by Jory John; cover illustration by Pete Oswald; interior illustrations by Saba Joshaghani; based on artwork by Pete Oswald.
PZ7.J62168 As 2022
When the Cool Bean picks the name of the coolest of the cool beans, Beanadette, out of a hat for the annual gift exchange, he’s not feeling very merry or festive — he’s feeling pressure! Beanadette is definitely expecting the coolest present of all. Will the Cool Bean find the perfect gift in time for the party? Find out in this hilarious, charming, and cozy continuation of Jory John and Pete Oswald’s bestselling Food Group series.
My winter city
James Gladstone; pictures by Gary Clement
PZ7.1.G5844 My 2019
A young boy wakes up in the early light of a winter morning, pulls on his boots and mittens, and steps out into the snowy city with his dad. They trudge through the snow, their dog bounding along beside them, then a slushy, steamy bus ride takes them to the tobogganing hill for some winter fun. The boy describes all the sights and sounds of the day, from the frost in Dad’s beard and the snow “pillows” in the park, to the noisy clunking snow plows and the singing buskers they pass on their way home. That night, the boy lies awake under cozy covers, reflecting on the day, as snow blankets the world outside his window. This is winter in the city.
Wolf in the snow
Matthew Cordell
PZ7.C815343 Wl 2017
Winner of the 2018 Caldecott Medal
A girl is lost in a snowstorm. A wolf cub is lost, too. How will they find their way home?
Paintings rich with feeling tell this satisfying story of friendship and trust. Here is a book set on a wintry night that will spark imaginations and warm hearts, from Matthew Cordell, author of Trouble Gum and Another Brother.
Duck, duck, dinosaur: snowy surprise
Kallie George; illustrated by Oriol Vidal
PZ7.G4643 Dd 2017
What could be more fun than a snow day? But Feather and Flap are too cold to play outside with Spike. To keep them outside, Spike surprises them with gifts—skates, a sled, and a snowman. When these aren’t enough to keep his siblings from shivering, Spike comes up with the best gift of all: warm scarves and hats! Playing in the snow with your family can be cool, but thoughtfulness toward others makes playtime a blast for everyone. Duck, Duck, Dinosaur: Snowy Surprise is a My First I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for shared reading with a child.
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The snow knows
Jennifer McGrath; art by Josée Bisaillon
PZ7.M478527 Sn 2016
In this deceptively simple children’s picture book, a pair of award-winning storytellers share the joys of winter. A lyrical prose poem, The Snow Knows introduces readers of all ages to animals both domestic (a tabby cat by the wood stove) and wild (a slinking lynx; a choir of coyotes), celebrating wilderness and outdoor play. With whimsical hide-and-seek illustrations, readers will love following footprints and catching a glimpse of an owl’s wing or pheasant’s feathers, suggesting what appears on the following page. A beautiful book, destined to be a perennial winter favourite, and read aloud by a crackling fire.
So much snow!
Robert Munsch; illustrated by Michael Martchenko
PZ7.M946 Sc 2016
There’s a big blizzard blowing in, but that’s not going to stop Jasmine from going to school – it’s just a little snow, and it’s pizza day, after all! But as soon as she sets out the snow starts to come down faster and faster until she finds herself frozen stiff, with just her hat poking out of a snowdrift. Rescue comes in the form of the school custodian, who stomps out on snowshoes, yanks her out, pulls her inside and figures out how to get her thawed. But on the way to her class they notice that the school is empty – the principal has declared a snow day! Which is always great news . . . but how is Jasmine going to get her pizza?
Waiting for snow
Marsha Diane Arnold; drawings by Renata Liwska
PZ4.9.A766 Wt 2016
Badger cannot wait one more minute for it to snow. When his friend Hedgehog explains that everything comes in its time, Badger is unconvinced and impatient as ever. But Badger’s friends have a few tricks up their sleeves to try and get the snow’s attention and distract their pal in the meantime. Though in the end Badger sees there’s no trick–only waiting–until at last, it’s time.
French
Lucy fait du patinage de vitesse
Lisa Bowes
PZ24.3.B69 Lh 2016 CCBC
Après avoir essayé la glisse sur luge, Lucy commence une nouvelle aventure de vitesse–Cette fois-ci, elle lace ses patins et essaie le patinage de vitesse sur courte piste. C’est plus difficile que ça en a l’air. Lorsqu’on patine en tournant très vite, on risque de tomber! Mais avec ses amies, Lucy avance sur la glace dans une course palpitante vers la ligne d’arrivée.
Mon amie la neige
Etta Kaner, Marie Lafrance, Ann Lamontagne
QC926.37 .K36 2006, EDUCATION LIBRARY French collection
Pourquoi la neige est-elle blanche? Pourquoi un flocon adopte-t-il différentes formes? Les enfants aimeront apprendre tout sur la neige et pourquoi les gens l’aiment tellement.
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Lili Tire-bouchon et ses cochons de neige
Phoebe Gilman; texte français de Christiane Duchesne
PZ23.G55 Jl 2002
Il a neigé. Lili a perdu son chapeau. Qu’à cela ne tienne, elle déniche un casque de martien dans son coffre à jouets. Il fera l’affaire. Avec ses amis, inspirée par son nouveau couvre-chef, elle fera des monstres de neige, des collines et des cochons. Elle en perdra son foulard, ses mitaines et son casque mignon. Anecdote joyeuse et familière des jeux de l’hiver.
Il neige
Uri Shulevitz
PZ23.S522 Ng 2000
Un enfant émerveillé par la chute des premiers flocons demande à son entourage si la neige va tenir. En dépit des réponses négatives et du froid qui sévit, l’enfant fasciné par ce qu’il voit continue d’espérer et finit par voir la ville recouverte de son beau manteau blanc.
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Teacher Resources
Nature’s day: out and about: spotting, making, and collecting activities
Kay Mcguire ; [illustrations by] Danielle Kroll
QH48 .M338 2016
Delve deeper into the world of wonder on your doorstep with this activity book for all four seasons. Sow seeds in spring, go pond dipping in summer, collect leaves in fall, and make an ice sculpture when it’s cold in winter.
With lots of spotting collecting, making, and colouring activities, this book is the perfect way for little adventurers to connect with nature, whatever the season.
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Learn every day about seasons: 100 best ideas from teachers
edited by Kathy Charner; illustrated by Deb Johnson
QB637.4 .L43 2011
Now teachers can bring the magic of each season to their classrooms! With these activities, educators introduce children to the wonder of the seasons with a year full of fun! Children will explore seasonal changes with all their senses as they celebrate the joy and excitement of the world outside all year long! Each activity includes: Learning objectives, Related vocabulary, Related children’s books, Materials needed, Directions for preparation, Instructions for the activity, An assessment component.
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Janice VanCleave’s science around the year
Q164 .V442 2000
How do polar bears avoid slipping on the ice? How are snowflakes made? Figure out the answers to these and many other scientific mysteries with this awesome assortment of experiments, projects, and facts for every season of the year. With an amazing experiment for each week, Janice VanCleave’s ScienceAround the Year introduces you to dozens of wondrous topics in astronomy, biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics. Discover why leaves turn colours and fall off trees in autumn, why September is a good time to look for monarch butterflies, how salt melts ice, what pinecones can tell you about the weather, and much, much more. As with all of Janice VanCleave’s books, each activity is fun and includes simple step-by-step instructions, as well as clear explanations of the concepts you’re seeing in action. JaniceVanCleave’s Science Around the Year promises hours and hours of fascinating, hands-on, safe, low-cost science fun-at home or in the classroom.