Rainy day reads

If your family is a fan of the outdoors, take this book along on your next hike, camping trip or visit to the beach. The pages are full of useful nature facts, plus there is space to record your observations and adventures. Roost Books $20.

This book is filled with pregnancy and motherhood humour, inspiration and insight from around the world. Learn about the origins of the baby shower, get sleep advice or even discover why Sumo wrestlers are asked to make babies cry! OneWorld Publications $18.50 (available in May)

Welcome back the boys of summer by introducing your little one to Major League Baseball, with a little help from the mascots. Learn all about the Cardinals, the Cubs and, of course, the Blue Jays. Look for Baseball Opposites, too. Tundra Books $15.

“I’m boooored!” Those are two words that parents never want to hear. Next time boredom sets in, break out this book, which is filled with 50 great school-age activities, including recipes, crafts and science experiments. Thomas Allen & Son $19.

Stuck inside on a rainy day? A roll of duct tape is all you need for hours of fun! Kids can make wallets, puppets, slippers and 98 more unique duct tape creations. Barron’s $17.

Follow the adventures of Annuk, the a spirit bear cub growing up in the rainforest of B.C.’s Northwest Coast. His unique white coat makes him stand apart from his family and other black bears, but he learns to draw on his courage and stand on his own two feet when he gets separated from his mother. A wonderful way to inspire kids to think about nature. Ecobooks4Kids.com, $19.95.