Return of the Wild: 20 of Nature's Greatest Success Stories

by Helen Scales, Good Wives Warriors (Illustrations)

Discover the extraordinary ways nature has come back from the brink in this collection of 20 environmental success stories from around the world, written by Dr Helen Scales and beautifully illustrated by Good Wives and Warriors. From humpback whale populations thriving again in the freezing seas of Alaska and the recovery of kiwi populations in New Zealand, to the setting up of tiger sanctuaries and reserves in India and return of elephant seals from 'extinction', this book plants a message of hope and shows children that positive change is possible.

As well as the 20 recovery stories, Return of the Wild teaches children about the different habitats that animals and plants around the world call home - oceans, forests, deserts and more - and introduces them to the real people supporting endangered species. Finishing off with small tips on what children at home can do to help the wild world, from wearing eco-friendly suncream while swimming in the sea to using less single use plastic, this book reassures children that there are many ways to protect and save our planet from environmental harm.

Genres: Science

64 pages, Hardcover

Published October 17, 2023

About the author

In their review of my first book, Poseidon’s Steed, the Economist called me “The aptly named Helen Scales” and I guess they’re right. I do have a bit of a thing about fish (get it?).

Across the airways and in print, I’m noted for my distinctive and occasionally offbeat voice that combines a scuba diver’s devotion to exploring the oceans, a scientist’s geeky attention to detail, a conservationist’s angst about the state of the planet, and a storyteller’s obsession with words and ideas.

I have a Cambridge PhD and a monofin, I’ve drunk champagne with David Attenborough and talked seahorse sex on the Diane Rehm show. I spent four years (on and off) chasing after big fish in Borneo and another year cataloguing marine life surrounding 100 Andaman Sea islands.

These days I write books and articles, I make podcasts and radio, travel the world in search of stories, and do my best to spend as much time as I can in the sea as a scuba diver, free diver and rookie surfer. I’m a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a member of the steering committee for the Museum of Curiosity. I’m also a proud aunt, I sew dresses, grow organic vegetables, put on high heels and dance Argentine tango, play piano, sing in the shower, and make a mess in a printmaking studio.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvelous. I attempted to read two different adult books about rewilding, but this is the book I wanted. Gorgeous art, concise summaries of the efforts and of the results. Terrifically legible font for my old eyes.

I love that so many efforts are led by the local people, the true stakeholders (ie Cabo Pulmo). And lots of individuals are profiled in the inspirational, valuable, and interesting back matter.

I learned a lot, too. For example:
"Seagrasses can soak up carbon 35 times faster than rainforests."

Highly recommended for all ages. Even babies can enjoy the colorful pictures.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning nature illustrations that people of all ages will appreciate. The conservation stories are easy to understand and strike a great balance between informing of the seriousness of issues but also inspiring you and providing a sense of hope that we can prevent or reverse damage done to ecosystems with the help of science and community.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cautionary book and also a hopeful one.
So many different animals and plants have disappeared or are in danger of disappearing for many different reasons. This book portrays twenty different success stories. There are orchids, giant clams, frogs, and fuzzy friends that scientists have helped. Even vultures! Vultures in India were eating cattle that had died. The problem was - those cattle had been given medicine a few days before they died. The medicine was still in the system of the cow so when the vultures ate the cow, they grew sick and died. Which meant that their numbers dwindled. With no vultures to eat the carrion, wild dogs moved in to do the work. But they often had rabies and would bite people. Scientists knew that it was important to maintain the safety of the vultures. So they stepped in to help. That is just one story but it vividly illustrates how interconnected our ecosystems are. If one small thing disappears, it causes ripples throughout the ecosystem that impact many species.

There is a list of scientists who have helped at the end of the book along with a list of ways that the reader can help, also.

Lots of words but the illustrations are lovely so even non-readers can explore this with the help of a teacher or caregiver. It would be fun to study each animal in more detail. Or pick a favorite to research.