Books published by publisher Sasquatch Books, 2002

Ciscoe Morris answers 400 the most interesting, oft-asked, most urgent, and puzzling gardening questions. Even if Ciscoe’s signature exclamation "Ooh-la-la!" (delivered with a thick Wisconsin accent) is completely disarming, do not underestimate his gardening chops: Master Gardener, certified arborist, teacher at the University of Washington’s Center for Urban Horticulture. In his first book, he addresses the full range of issues from ornamental gardening and trees to vegetables, fruit trees, shrubs, lawns, containers, weeds, and more.

His first original book in nearly 30 years, but also sadly his last, Back Roads to the California Coast is Earl Thollander's final tribute to the back roads in his beloved home state. 'One can live a lifetime in California and not know it,' Thollander said, and then he set out with traveling partner and co-author Herb McGrew to depict 15 of the state's most enchanting scenic byways, those that travel to and along the coast. Illustrated in full color in Thollander's inimitable style and described with engaging narrative by McGrew, these drives are through country that is stunning and dramatic: the mystical Ojai Valley to Ventura; Carmel Valley to Big Sur; and the wine-lover's favorite, Highway 128 through Napa Valley to Mendocino. No other California guidebook is organized using roads to the coast, making this the perfect gift for anyone devoted to the enjoyment of meandering about the Golden State.

This engaging book celebrates the wonders of Alaska in rhyme and meter. Adapted from the classic counting poem "Over the Meadow" by Olive Wadsworth, it inspires children to count the wildlife of the great northern wilderness: baby whales, bear cubs, fox kits, ptarmigan chicks, and more. In addition to the rhyme, the text includes a short description of each animal and a glossary that explains in simple terms things like what igloos are and why Alaska is called "The Land of the Midnight Sun."

Whether visiting the state or studying it in school, young, inquiring minds are always captivated by Alaska’s exotic land and animals. Who can resist a state with giant mountains, moose, and cabbages, a place where the summer sun never sets? As a take-home gift, travel companion, or information resource, this full-color, photo-illustrated activity book is both entertaining and enlightening. Chock-full of challenging puzzles, fascinating facts, silly jokes, and fun activities, Clueless in Alaska offers a memorable tour of the history, geography, culture, environment, and people of this great state.

Where were you on May 18, 1980, when Mount St. Helens erupted? Author Rob Carson's essays, accompanied by incredible photos, outline the events leading up to and following the eruption, with a special look at the 20-year process of the mountain's rebirth. As plants, insects, animals, and people have reclaimed Mount St. Helens, the mountain remains a looming reminder of an event that changed the face of the Northwest.

Have you ever wondered where the ideas for baking red velvet cupcakes, brownies, birthday cake, Girl Scout cookies, and other dessert recipes came from? Discover the history behind America's most popular and nostalgic desserts with popular CakeSpy blogger and self-proclaimed "dessert detective" Jessie Oleson Moore. Moore has put her sweet-sleuthing skills to work uncovering the fascinating histories and tastiest recipes for America's favorite sweets, including whoopee pies, chocolate chip cookies, Baked Alaska, and New York cheesecake. From romantic musings on how desserts got their names to sugar-fueled scandals, these classic recipes and photographs are guaranteed to offer food for thought and leave you with plenty of room for dessert.

For more than 20 years, the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s performance of Nutcracker has been the Christmas family event to attend in the Northwest. Highlighted by Maurice Sendak’s stunning production design and Kent Stowell’s inventive choreography (which emphasizes the darker psychological aspects of E. T. A. Hoffmann’s original story), the ballet has been a critical and popular success. Fans of the performance can now relive each scene through the pages of this exquisite keepsake edition. From the Christmas party where young Clara is given a simple nutcracker, to her adventures and romance in the enchanted kingdom of the Nutcracker Prince, Angela Sterling’s photographs capture all the magic of this beloved work. Designed for children, the book’s handsome images and seasonal charm make this a thoughtful gift for adult balletomanes as well.

Eminent photographer Art Wolfe's images of moose, cougars, mallards, and sea lions are a wonderful visual aid for children learning to count. Wolfe draws inspiration from his home region, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, but the crisp photographs of bald eagles, sea otters, scallop shells, and trumpeter swans have a universal appeal. While the images engage young readers, Andrea Helman's short, accessible text introduces the animals with fun facts, so children learn without even realizing it.

Churchill, Manitoba is the polar bear capitol of the world. Every winter, tourists flock to the tiny town to watch the bears hunt and frolic on the frozen waters of the Hudson Bay. This year, though, the tourists are in for a big surprise Winston! A smart, fierce, brave bear, Winston of Churchill has noticed that their icy home is slowly melting away. He explains to the other bears why the ice is melting then, using the stirring words of his famous namesake, rallies the bears to convince humans to save their Arctic home. However, on the way to the protest march, Winston learns an unexpected lesson and realizes that he, too, must change his ways. This timely, funny story draws attention to the polar bears’ plight and helps children understand that in the face of global warming, everyone must do their part, no matter how small.