During the pandemic, my family streamed the entire Hope for Wildlife TV series and fell in love with the woman and work that inspired a love for conservation and rehabilitation. https://hopeforwildlife.tv/ Now that story is being brought to children to appreciate the amazing work of this enterprise. She is Hope for Wildlife, written by Wanda Baxter and illustrated by Leah Boudreau, is a heartfelt and inspiring book that captures the incredible life and mission of Hope Swinimer, the founder of Hope for Wildlife. Aimed at young readers, the book narrates Hope’s journey from her childhood in Argyle, Nova Scotia, to establishing one of the most impactful wildlife rehabilitation centers in Canada. With vibrant illustrations and an engaging narrative, it introduces readers to the joys and challenges of caring for injured and orphaned wildlife. https://www.hopeforwildlife.net/
The story not only celebrates Hope’s passion for animals but also highlights her resilience in overcoming obstacles to create a sanctuary that now rehabilitates over 7,000 wild animals annually. Key moments include her first experience with wildlife rehabilitation—a robin injured by a cat—and her efforts to establish official permits for such work in Nova Scotia. These milestones underscore Hope’s commitment to wildlife and her determination to make a difference in her community and beyond.
What makes this book special is its ability to inspire young readers to connect with nature and consider their role in conservation. It combines Hope’s personal story with fascinating details about her animal patients, like Zorro the skunk and Gretel the pine marten, creating an educational yet entertaining experience. Additionally, the book includes a timeline and educational notes about wildlife rehabilitation, making it a resourceful read for budding environmentalists.
The Hope for Wildlife organization, featured prominently in the book, is a real-life testament to what one person’s dedication can achieve. Based in Seaforth, Nova Scotia, it operates as both a rehabilitation center and an educational hub, welcoming visitors, hosting tours, and running a TV series that showcases its work worldwide. This connection between storytelling and real-world conservation adds depth to the book, allowing readers to explore further through the organization’s website and TV series. A visit is definitely on my family’s bucket list! https://www.hopeforwildlife.net/visit-us
Wild birds are often rehabilitated at Hope for Wildlife and you’ll want to be thinking of them over the winter months. To ensure they have access to sustaining food, try this Wild Bird Suet in our Recipe section. Great for your own backyard as well as a thoughtful gift for the bird lover on your Christmas list. Then go to our Giveaway section and enter to win this lovely children’s book. Please purchase the book as proceeds from these sales will support the great work happening at Hope for Wildlife. You might like another book on the great work at the center by Ray MacLeod, as well as merchandise supporting Hope and her team at https://www.hopeforwildlife.net/gift-shop
She is Hope for Wildlife is a celebration of compassion, perseverance, and the vital importance of wildlife conservation. It’s an excellent gift for young animal lovers or anyone curious about the natural world. By blending Hope’s inspiring journey with practical knowledge, the book serves as both a tribute and a call to action for readers to cherish and protect the environment. https://www.hopeforwildlife.net/
Reprinted with permission from Nimbus Publishing. Text copyright © Wanda Baxter, 2024. Artwork copyright © Leah Boudreau, 2024. Available through booksellers everywhere, and at Nimbus.ca https://nimbus.ca/store/she-is-hope-for-wildlife.html
