Books by Fran Kelso

"Plant Lore of an Alaskan Island" identifies the most common plants in the Kodiak archipelago. It includes edible and medicinal plants, with recipes for preparing for your table plus a special index section of medicinal plants with a brief description of their use. Native uses of these plants are emphasized, making the book somewhat of an ethnobotany. It's a good "armchair book" because it includes stories of gathering adventures, a section on the history of Ouzinkie, with stories and pictures, a full description and illustration of each plant, plus a "plant family index" with information about each plant family represented. Color and black and white photos enhance the pages. Take this book on foraging trips or enjoy reading it at home. Though focused on Spruce Island, these plants or a similar species can be found in many Alaskan locations.