In Orca Rescue: The True Story of an Orphaned Orca Named Springer by Donna Sandstrom and Sarah Burwash, readers will be inspired by the story of a heroic rescue involving two countries and numerous volunteers.

Donna Sandstrom takes readers through a detailed retelling of the rescue of Springer, a young orca whale found another country away from its home pod. When Springer was found, alone in Puget Sound looking ill, many people came together to help this young creature. Through the retelling, readers will be inspired by all the forces of good as well as the good fortune that came together to make sure this whale had the best chance of survival. Throughout the book, readers not only learn all about Springer but also about orcas in general. Throughout the chapters, Donna Sandstrom details what life is like for orcas in the wild, how they have come to captivity and how young readers can help if they are inspired after reading.

I remember being captivated by orcas as a young child, really I still am. To me orcas are beautiful gentle creatures despite their nickname, killer whales. Although I already knew some things about the orcas, I learned so much more about their behaviours and family groups. This book opened my eyes to the ways humans have been harming orca populations and how they have come to be in captivity. 

I love the accessibility of this non-fiction book. It reads like a story thanks to Donna Sandstrom’s wonderful retelling. It’s not all facts and figures, you can genuinely feel the love for Springer and all orcas exude off the pages and pull your heart strings. I especially love how she has incorporated the Kwakwaka’wakw people into the story and their influence and welcoming of their lost family member. The joy and celebration of Springer’s return to her Canadian family is palpable.

The illustrations by Sarah Burwash bring the book together and create the cozy feelings of storytelling. The detail in her beautiful watercolour work invites the readers along Springer’s journey and adds accessibility for all readers.