New Book Makes Hope Swinimer’s Story Available to Young Readers

A Non-Fiction YA Review by Lisa Timpf

I first encountered the compelling story of Hope Swinimer, the Nova Scotia wildlife rehabilitator who founded Hope for Wildlife, in Peter Mansbridge’s Extraordinary Canadians: Stories from the Heart of Our Nation. Hope’s story is now available in a book targeted at young readers. Titled She is Hope for Wildlife: The Story of Wildlife Rescuer Hope Swinimer, the book was written by Hope for Wildlife volunteer Wanda Baxter. Cape Breton artist Leah Boudreau’s colourful illustrations support and enhance the text.

She is Hope for Wildlife hits the highlights of Hope’s story, from her childhood in Argyle, Nova Scotia, to operating a successful wildlife rehabilitation facility in Seaforth, Nova Scotia. The signs of Hope’s future passion were there early. As a child, Hope “would sit for hours patiently observing the world, watching frogs and birds and squirrels and insects, and she’d make notes and drawings about what she saw.”

Hope was realistic enough to know she couldn’t afford to start a wildlife rehabilitation facility right away, so she took an accounting degree and got a job in that field so she could earn enough money to fulfil her dreams. Hope paid for her post-secondary education by picking strawberries and blueberries to sell by the roadside, and by selling health-care products door to door.

The road to building and growing Hope for Wildlife was not without its bumps. When Hope was approached to do a television show about her work, she had to weigh the opportunity carefully. Things could have gone badly, but she did it anyway, and the risk was worth the reward: The reality television show Hope for Wildlife TV has given Hope’s wildlife rescue operations an international platform.

She is Hope for Wildlife introduces readers to some of the animals Hope encountered along the way, including Zorro the skunk, Bobbi the robin, and Gretel the pine marten. There is also a section outlining how Hope for Wildlife has changed over time. Since the startup of Hope for Wildlife in 1997, Hope’s organization has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing wildlife. The numbers add up: Hope for Wildlife has helped more than 80,000 injured and orphaned wild animals representing more than 250 species.

There are many books about people pursuing their dreams, but She is Hope for Wildlife stands out among them for a few reasons. Hope followed her passions, but she did so step by step, taking courses to build her skills along the way. She’s not a famous athlete, politician or astronaut, but her story is worth telling. She is someone who cares deeply about helping others who could not help themselves (in this case, animals), so it’s a story that engenders empathy. Finally, Hope’s story demonstrates some of the qualities that enable a person to achieve their dreams: courage, tenacity, empathy, and dedication.

She is Hope for Wildlife encourages young readers to think broadly when they consider their passions. Hope’s story also provides proof that sometimes, great achievements do begin with childhood dreams.

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About the Author

Wanda Baxter lives on an old farm in Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, with her long-time partner, Randy, their gregarious cat, George, and an ever-changing assortment of wildlife. Wanda has Masters degrees in English (with Creative Writing) and Environmental Design, and works as an environmental consultant primarily for non-profit environmental organizations. She is a volunteer on the dispatch team for Hope for Wildlife and is the author of If I Had an Old House on the East Coast, illustrated by Kat Frick Miller. This is her first book for children.

Leah Boudreau is a self-taught illustrator from Cape Breton Island. Her colourful and whimsical illustrations are often inspired by her life living on the East Coast. Leah aspires to illustrate stories that will encourage kids to step outside and explore the world and all its little wonders. When Leah is not illustrating she can be found hiking with her dog, baking, reading or simply curled up with a cozy cup of tea.

About the Reviewer

Lisa Timpf is a retired HR and communications professional who lives in Simcoe, Ontario. Her poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and book reviews have appeared in New Myths, Star*Line, The Future Fire, and other venues. Lisa’s speculative haibun collection, In Days to Come, is available from Hiraeth Publishing. You can find out more about Lisa’s writing and artwork at http://lisatimpf.blogspot.com/.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Nimbus Publishing Limited (Oct. 15 2024)

• Language ‏ : ‎ English

• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 48 pages

• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1774713322

• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1774713327