to see the sky

TO SEE THE SKY
Christopher Nowlin
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Lawyer Joe Newbury may have the biggest case of his career, defending the father of the missing Bloomsburg children, in this work of fiction by an accomplished lawyer. However, Joe's life and the case get more complicated as he begins a relationship with Demme, a woman whose search for her missing past ties into environmental issues arising from the run-up to the world's greatest athletic event in 2010.
Echoing Greek mythology, the politics of the city intertwine with the personal lives of its residents as they search for truth, meaning, and belonging. Faith battles with reason to find solutions — to personal questions, ecological destruction, and the unknown fate of the two missing children.
NOWLIN LECTURE
On April 15, 2008, Christopher Nowlin gave a lecture at the Vancouver Public Library entitled, "Why Culture is Critical to the Climate Change Debates."
AUDIO Click here to listen to Christopher's lecture
FICTION / BRITSH COLUMBIA / MYSTERY
 Trade paperback / 6” x 9” / 208 pages
ISBN 978-1-894694-55-1 / $18.95 Cdn/US






Soft Cover


Hard Cover
SONG ON MY LIPS
Jazz Greats Were My Mentors
Stephen T Botek
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Stephen Botek apprenticed at the side of some of the greats of the jazz era, learning not only about music, but about life. Growing up in small-town Pennsylvania in the shadow of the Dorseys, Botek decides to follow his muse to a future in jazz. He gets mentored by clarinet great Buddy DeFranco and saxophone legend Joe Allard, meets up with greats such as Artie Shaw and Dizzy Gillespie along the way, and follows in Glenn Miller’s footsteps with the Army Air Force Band.
A primer on the jazz era, as well as an account of the benefits of apprenticeship, Song on My Lips not only recounts stories of the greats but takes us backstage, to their studios, and to many of the unique venues of the time. Jazz aficionados and new musicians alike will learn much about the music from this unique life story.
MUSIC / AUTOBIOGRAPHY / JAZZ
Paperback / 6”x 9” / 400 pages / B&W photos
ISBN 978-1-894694-56-8 / $29.95 Cdn/US
Hard Cover
ISBN 978-1-894694-68-1 / $44.95 Cdn/US




Life in Beauty is
uniquely presented
in a beauty
treasure box.
LIFE IN BEAUTY
Kate Porter
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In the midst of the hectic pace of contemporary life, Kate Porter encourages us to reclaim and recognize the importance of beauty in our world. Pausing to reflect upon a moment of beauty, to perform a conscious act of beauty, or simply offer gratitude for a small memento of beauty enriches our lives and contributes to a sense of inner peace and harmony.
Kate Porter presents us with moving stories, interesting commentaries and every day suggestions which remind us of the importance of bringing beauty back into our lives.
Kate's website is http://www.lifeinbeauty.com/
AESTHETICS / INSPIRATION / AFFIRMATIONS
Paperback and box
4.25” x 6.5” / 224 pages
ISBN 978-1-894694-66-7 $29.95 Cdn/US







HEALTHIER EATING
& Living with Cancer
Karen Jung
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Protecting against cancer and promoting healthy lifestyles is of utmost importance, but accurate information can be hard to find. For patients undergoing cancer treatments, proper diet is crucial. This extensively researched and tested cookbook is a valuable resource for people who need to prepare and cook meals for an individual living with cancer and/or a family going through a lifestyle change. The book is also a helpful and practical gift for people diagnosed with cancer and their family members and caregivers.
The collection of 162 simple, delicious recipes, complete with easy step-by-step instructions, uses cancer-fighting, antioxidant-abundant foods and spices as well as high-fibre foods, potassium-rich foods and calcium-enriched foods. Some recipes are designed to maintain or increase weight during cancer treatments and post-treatment recovery. Low-fat recipes are also included. In addition to it being useful in helping a loved one recover from cancer, this cookbook features healthier, lower-fat and fun foods which are perfect for sharing with all family, relatives and friends.
COOKBOOK / HEALTH
Paperback / 8”x 10” / 240 pages / 8 pages of colour photos
ISBN 978-1-894694-57-5 / $34.95 Cdn/US






THE PICTURE COOKBOOK
Independent Cooking for People with Special Needs
Volume 1 No-Cook Recipes
Joyce Dassonville and Ehren McDow
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There has never been a cookbook like this, nor has there been a book that could improve the lives of families with special needs members more than this book has the potential to do. After a futile search to buy a book for teaching her daughter to cook, the author eventually wrote the book she had sought to buy. The first in a series of four cookbooks for budding chefs with special needs including autism, attention deficit disorder, Down’s Syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, illiteracy, advanced or young age, The Picture Cookbook is the result of the author’s four years of efforts teaching her own autistic daughter to cook and bake.
The title says it all, but the book is not simply a series of pictures leading the potential chef through the steps. All aspects of avoiding injury and ensuring success have been cleverly thought through. Using modern kitchen tools, the authors have written recipes that are safe for anyone to use, be they young children, confused adults or people with special needs. Furthermore, for the benefit of teachers and caregivers, instructions on the process of teaching someone to use the cookbook are detailed, as well as discussions of issues that can arise.
The picture index allows cooks to easily spot their favourite recipes without the need to read or understand names. The book boasts lay-flat binding, extensive colour-coding, and beautifully laid out colour photography.
COOKBOOK / SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN EDUCATION
Lay-flat soft cover / 8.5” x 11” / 112 pages
Colour photos throughout
ISBN 978-1-894694-52-0 / $34.95 Cdn/US





NO LAUGHING MATTER
Adventure, Activism & Politics
Margaret Mitchell
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The woman who first brought the issue of spousal abuse to the forefront in Canada presents her memoirs in this interesting, informative, entertaining and often humourous book. Margaret Mitchell is a social activist who pioneered community development in Vancouver, was a courageous feminist MP for Vancouver East, and an international adventuress. Her book is a testament to the struggles and achievements of women MPs, and chronicles her life's adventures and work.
As an NDP Member of Parliament, Margaret Mitchell inspired generations of women with her public stand against "wife beating" with her vocal support for women's equality. She spent 14 years in the House of Commons advocating for affordable housing, multiculturalism, and the rights of poor people. Ms Mitchell worked tirelessly on issues that are alive today, including redress for the Chinese Head Tax, and childcare.
The Margaret Mitchell Fund for Women, which Ms Mitchell established after her retirement, continues to support women's self-help projects and scholarships. Proceeds of book sales will also accrue to the fund.
Net proceeds of No Laughing Matter go to the Margaret Mitchell Fund for women administered by the VanCity Community Foundation.
REVIEWS
Click here to read Maclean's review, December 17, 2007
Click here to read Vancouver Sun review, March 15, 2008
 Click here to read The Tyee review, March 18, 2008
Click here to read Antigone Magazine blog, April 4, 2008
Click here to read The Star interview, June 13, 2008
Click here to hear online interview at thecommentary.ca
MEMOIR / POLITICS / SOCIAL ACTIVISM / WOMEN'S STUDIES
Paperback / 6" x 9" / 240 pages
General Reader / 35 Photos
ISBN 978-1-894694-63-6 / $24.95 Cdn/US





SAMMY SQUIRREL AND RODNEY RACCOON
A Stanley Park Tale
Duane Lawrence
Illustrations by Gordon Clover
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When best friends Sammy Squirrel and Rodney Raccoon decide to explore the world beyond Vancouver’s Stanley Park, they are carried on a fantastic adventure. Swept out to sea in a little boat, the woodland creatures journey across the Pacific Ocean all the way to Japan. While their courage and ingenuity are tested at every turn, Sammy and Rodney are met by good fortune and are helped by new friends Salty Seagull, Winifred Whale and a deer called Shika. The wide-eyed travellers help resolve a crisis with the deer in Nara, Japan and by the time they return safely home, have broadened their world and gained a deeper understanding of animal and human interactions.
The story of Sammy Squirrel and Rodney Raccoon, though a fictional animal adventure, addresses real-life issues about relationships between animals and people. An illustrated chapter book, and first in the Stanley Park Tales series, it promotes awareness and sensitivity to the needs of others.
Stanley Park is a hugely popular locale, famous for its natural beauty and urban proximity. Rowing across oceans is a topical theme, resulting in the connecting of cultures, Duane Lawrence’s writing highlights the interconnectedness of life, the sensitivity of living creatures and the value of kindness.
CHILDREN’S FICTION / STANLEY PARK / JAPAN
Paperback / 6" x 8" / 112 pages
Age Level: 6 and over / B&W Illustrations throughout
ISBN 978-1-894694-54-4 / $12.95 Cdn/US





PROVENCE JE T'AIME
Gordon Bitney
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Gordon Bitney brings you an unforgettable taste of French cuisine and culture with his lively narrative, Provence, Je t'aime, based on his experiences as a North American in Southern France. He and his wife encounter all the delightful adventures one would expect, and a few surprises!
Readers will follow the adventures of Gordon and Marie Hélène Bitney as they purchase a villa in Provence and exchange their hectic, urban existence for a tranquil, rural lifestyle. In a single plane flight to France the cobwebs of routine were gone and the rich challenge of another culture took over their days.
More than a memoir, this detailed account describes the food, the wine and the ambience of life among the vineyards and olive orchards.
The vivid description is supported by evocative pen and ink illustrations that captivate the imagination of the reader as Gordon conveys his love for the region in Provence, Je t'aime.
Click here to see Flyer
Click here to see Winnipeg Free Press review / March 8, 2008
TRAVEL / FRANCE
Paperback / 5.25"x 7.75" / 208 pages
ISBN 978-1-894694-65-0 / $19.95 Cdn/US