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Watercolor painting of Ivy’s Bookshop storefront, inviting curious readers to browse the window.

Spotlight on Ivy’s Bookshop: A Downtown Hub for Curious Readers

In this edition of our bookstore spotlight series, we’re celebrating a shop that has long served as a cultural anchor for readers, writers, and community alike. Welcome to Ivy’s Bookshop.

Cluster of ripe red tomatoes, classic fruiting vegetables, hanging on the vine in the garden.

Understanding Fruiting Vegetables in the Garden

Fruiting vegetables are key to healthy diets and gardens. In this excerpt from Jean-Martin Fortier’s Fruiting Vegetables, discover how to grow them more sustainably.

A variety of colorful children's books highlight Terrier Books' big-hearted impact.

Spotlight on Terrier Books: Small-town Bookselling with Big-hearted Impact

Our newest bookstore spotlight, features Terrier Books, a new independent bookstore on Vancouver Island dedicated to community, sustainability, justice, and care for readers.

Close-up of garden shears, essential harvest tools, trimming a bush in a backyard garden.

Why Planning Your Harvest Tools Before Planting Makes for a Better Backyard Garden

Plan before you plant. Discover how the right harvest tools, inspired by Vegetable Garden Tools by Jean-Martin Fortier, make backyard gardening easier, more efficient, and more rewarding.

Hands holding soil with a seedling, symbolizing growth in loving communities.

Hold Fast the Dream of Coherent, Peaceful, Loving Communities

Amid political violence and uncertainty, this reflection by New Society Publishers’ Publisher Emeritus invites a humane, care-rooted response that holds anxiety, grief, and open questions.

Bookshelves with books and a "COHO Books" sign invite curious readers on the left side.

Spotlight on Coho Books: A Downtown Hub for Curious Readers

Our Bookstore Spotlight series celebrates indie bookstores that nurture literary communities, including Campbell River’s Coho Books.

2026 Independent Press Award Winner

We are thrilled to announce that Mulberries in the Rain has won a 2026 Independent Press Award. Mulberries explores how growing food can also grow connection.

A colorful salad with leafy greens, edible flowers, perfect for edible yard design.

Your Edible Yard: Design Ideas to Turn your Yard into a Beautiful, Bountiful Feast

Turn your yard into a beautiful, productive landscape with design ideas from Your Edible Yard—perfect inspiration for planning your garden before spring.

Two children share kinship as they use a magnifying glass to observe a praying mantis on a tree trunk.

Global Recognition of Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship

Camp Kawartha’s Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship earned a United Nations award for excellence in education for sustainable development. Read the press release.

A group of people stacking their hands, symbolizing unity and the spirit of Collective Liberation.

Why the Great Turning Requires Collective Liberation Now

An excerpt from Coming Together in the Great Turning offers a gentle reflection on remaining connected, human, and hopeful amid social, political, and ecological upheaval, reminding us why coming together…

A brick independent bookstore in Courtenay with books in the window and a "Laughing Oyster Books" sign.

Why Laughing Oyster Bookshop Is a Must-Visit Independent Bookstore in Courtenay

Independent bookstores are often the heart of the communities they serve, and few embody that truth more fully than Laughing Oyster Bookshop.

Man in jeans stands at a fork, choosing a path toward action for a better world.

Awareness, Action, and a Better World: Why Small Choices Matter Now More Than Ever

Discover uplifting, practical inspiration for the new year with Books to Inspire Action. This excerpt from Nicole Caldwell’s Better: The Everyday Art of Sustainable Living offers a gentle nudge toward…

Minimalist bathroom with freestanding bathtub, rustic ceiling, and earthen floors.

Interview with James Thomson, co-author of Earthen Floors

Your earthen floor’s foundation determines its durability, comfort, and efficiency. This excerpt from Earthen Floors, Second Edition explores the best subfloor options.

Stock market data and cranes highlight Regenerative Economics in redesigning our future.

Regenerative Economics Explained: How Living Systems Can Redesign Our Future

Explore how regenerative economics can redesign our future using the principles of living systems. A clearer, more resilient economic path starts here.

Open book with heart-shaped pages; "2025 Book Award Winner" text overlay.

2025 Living Now Book Award Winner

We are thrilled to announce that Feed Us With Trees has won aLiving Now Book Award this year in the Green Living – Alternative Energy, Conservation, Gardening category.