Seasons of Life

Library staff have been working hard shelving books at the new Halifax Central Library. There are so many great collections! Last week we were shelving our awesome non-fiction books and I stumbled upon these interesting titles about seasons and nature which I would like to share with you, dear Readers:

Four Seasons of Travel : 400 of the world's best destinations in winter, spring, summer, and fall by National Geographic

"Building on the success of National Geographic's Journeys of a Lifetime series, a sumptuously photographed, detailed tour of hundreds of the world's most alluring locations and activities is seasonally organized to profile everything from the cherry-blossom temples of Kyoto to Rockefeller Center's ice-skating rink."

The Year-Round Vegetable Gardener: how to grow your own food 365 days a year, no matter where you live by Niki Jabbour

"Make every month a vegetable gardening month... Begin by planting your vegetables during the seasons they prefer -- tomatoes and peppers need summer sun and heat; asparagus and radishes thrive in cooler weather; and kale, lettuce, and scallions tolerate frost and come alive under winter sunshine. Apply Niki's intensive gardening methods and some affordable and easy-to-assemble protective structures, and your vegetable garden will reward you with fresh, delicious produce even on short, cold winter days."

The Forest Unseen : a year's watch in nature by David George Haskell

"In this wholly original book, biologist David Haskell uses a one-square-meter patch of old-growth Tennessee forest as a window onto the entire natural world. Visiting it almost daily for one year to trace nature's path through the seasons, he brings the forest and its inhabitants to vivid life. Each short chapter begins with a simple observation. Each visit to the forest presents a nature story in miniature as Haskell elegantly teases out the intricate relationships that order the creatures and plants that call it home."

The Soup and Bread Cookbook : more than 100 seasonal pairings for simple, satisfying meals by Beatrice Ojakangas

“Perfect for traditional holiday recipes or impromptu get-togethers, every ingredient contains only in-season vegetables or fruits. Some of standout pairings include: "Spicy Mango Melon Soup & Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins,"- a spring time recipe. For summer, she offers a "Spicy Revitalizer & Carrot Breadsticks." Autumn's "Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup with Corn & Almojabanas" and winter's "New Year's Good Luck Lentil Soup & Ezekiel Bread" are nice and hearty for those colder months.”

The Migration of Birds : seasons on the wing by Janice M. Hughes

"The Migration of Birds is a comprehensive illustrated presentation of the mysteries of bird migration. Over 70 stunning full-color photographs show some of the world's most dauntless voyagers. Maps show migration routes, and illustrations depict the mechanics of flying. The text is engaging and straightforward. This book will fascinate birders, naturalists and conservationists as well as general readers."

Our Canada : a country for all seasons

"A visual celebration of Canada.In this fresh, up-close-and-personal view of Canada, you'll see our magnificent country through the images of your fellow Canadians. You'll get a uniquely personal look at our beauty, the rich diversity of our people, landscapes, and wildlife found across our great land throughout the year."

Seasons of life : the biological rhythms that enable living things to thrive and survive by Russell G. Foster and Leon Kreitzman

"In this fascinating book, Russell G. Foster and Leon Kreitzman draw on remarkable recent scientific advances to explain how seasonal change affects organisms, and how plants and animals over countless generations have evolved exquisite sensitivities and adaptations to the seasons. The authors also highlight the impact of seasonal change on human health and well-being."