Orca Rescue!: The True Story of an Orphaned Orca Named Springer

by Donna Sandstrom, Sig Burwash (Illustrator)

A captivating account of the only successful orca rescue and reunion in history told in first person by Donna Sandstrom, a citizen participant of the rescue. In 2002, a young orca was spotted alone in Puget Sound near Seattle — lost, underweight and 300 miles away from her home waters in Canada. Donna Sandstrom, an orca enthusiast in Seattle, eagerly joined the volunteer effort to help. Here she tells the riveting story, from identifying the orca as a missing calf named Springer; through making the decision to try to transport her home; to planning and organizing the trip; to, finally, releasing her near Vancouver Island, where Springer was reunited with her family. It’s an incredible story of the only successful orca rescue and reunion ever, and readers will be captivated as the epic rescue unfolds! Donna Sandstrom’s fascinating up-close-and-personal depiction of the rescue mission, with new behind-the-scenes details, uses an innovative mix of narrative storytelling interspersed with spreads of factual information about orcas and the history of their relationship with humans. Sig Burwash’s evocative watercolor illustrations make the perfect accompaniment to the text. Orcas and their survival are a topical issue, and readers will discover what it’s like on the front lines of whale rescue, including the collaboration and teamwork that are required. There are numerous curriculum links to life science here, particularly animals and habitats, as well as to social studies in the descriptions of the connections and cooperation between Canada and the United States. The book includes a map showing Springer’s trip, tips for how to help whales and dolphins, resources and a glossary.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Animals, Bigfoot, Nature, Canada

144 pages, Hardcover

Published October 5, 2021

Reviews

[Rosamund Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This illustrated, factual book, gives an excellent account of the rescue of Springer, an orphaned orca. Springer was found alone, swimming in the waters near Seattle, and numerous organisations worked together to figure out what was best for her, and ultimately reunite her with her family in the waters near Vancouver. The story is emotionally told, but Sandstrom always sticks to the facts, and never anthropomorphizes Springer. It gives a lot of information about orcas, and also should give child readers a sense of the positive things that can be done in order to help animals, and the environment more generally. A pleasure to read.

[Irina R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orca Rescue is one of the most captivating and inspiring books on animals rescue mission i ever read. A very well-crafted story with a right balance of very interesting facts about the Orcas combined with a compelling and very inspiring story written in a brief journal format. Loved the beautiful, brush-stroke, colour painting illustrations. The generous amounts of location maps provided are very handy in identifying Springer's and the Orcas whereabouts and in keeping track of the trail routes during the rescue missions.

The story is about how a lost orphan Orca calf named Springer brought two nations and the communities together in a believed to be the first and so far the only successful Orca rescue and reunion in history. How much length and efforts that those communities were willing to put in ensuring Springer's rescue mission is successful made me all teary for she is Indeed one very blessed and lucky Orca while there are still many other Orcas who are not so lucky as they had to spend their entire lives living in captivity and confinement.They never had a chance to taste freedom and be reunited with their families again. I am very glad that the communities finally settling on choosing the wisest and soundest solution of all by returning Springer back to her pod/family instead of sending her to live at the aquarium. This story shows that people do learned from our past mistakes from Moby Doll and Keiko's story and made the effort to rectify them by choosing the right thing to do.

I strongly recommend anyone of you to read this remarkable story to learn more deeply about these fascinating creatures and form a deep love and appreciation towards them. The more i read and learn about the Orcas, the more intense my love and obsession with them. I wish to be given the opportunity to see them with my own two eyes someday (if only there are Orcas in my native country). Kudos to the author for weaving such a beautiful and heart-warming story and for invoking a sense of awareness and compassion in all of us. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read a copy of this captivating story in exchange for an honest review. "As much as we have gotten it wrong, we can also make it right. Each of us can make a difference,if we have the courage to try. Like Orcas in a pod, we are stronger and more successful when we work together. And most of all, nature can heal, so long as we give it a chance."

[Michelle (FabBookReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna Sandstrom and Sarah Burwash’s Orca Rescue! The True Story of an Orphaned Orca Named Springer is a compelling and enlightening children’s non-fiction title documenting the touch-and-go rescue of a lost young orca. Through the inviting narration of Donna Sandstrom, founder and leader of The Whale Trail, and a citizen organizer behind Springer’s rescue, readers are taken along for a close look at an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime event. In 2002, whale researcher Mark Sears is called out to explore the reported sighting of a lone young orca in the Puget Sound area. A very strange report indeed as orcas live in pods and stay with their mothers for their entire lives. Who was this young orca, why was she alone, and could anything be done to help her? Calls to researchers, scientists, and government organizations went out and remarkable findings were put together- including results detailing the young orca’s matriline all the way back to her great-grandmother! Sandstorm offers readers to join her on the gripping journey that follows the discovery of the little orca named Springer: from how painstaking, laborious, joyful the entire process was; how essential the welcome and knowledge of First Nations communities and respective elders were to the process; to how deeply citizen goodwill became central to Springer’s rescue and reunion; and how crucial a solid, working relationships between key organizations of the United States and Canada were to making this the first ever successful orca rescue and reunion in history. Sanstrom’s narrative is nicely paired with informational asides- orca facts and short histories behind such topics as whales in captivity, their culture, a look at Keiko the whale, and much, much more. Sarah Burwash’s watercolour illustrations are gentle, soothingly calm, and provide readers lovely renderings of orcas (whether in close up, in pods, in movement, or in rehabilitation), and of capturing key moments in Sandstrom’s story. For readers interested in exploring real-life animal rescue tellings, or learning fascinating information about orcas, their families, and their behaviours, this is a stellar pick. For readers who have already explored and enjoyed picture book titles such as Dolphin SOS, Birdsong, Sonya’s Chickens, or The Honeybee, and are ready to discover lengthier (but still illustrated) non-fiction, Orca Rescue! perfectly fits the bill. Extras: Back matter includes short sections on human-caused threats to whales and dolphins; avenues to take action and help; suggestions for further reading; a glossary of terms; and more.

I received a copy of this title courtesy of Kids Can Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.

[Atul_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's all thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this eARC. And to my closes friend for making me fall in love with Orca❤

It's a heartwarming and inspiring true story. It teaches us about humanity as we're seeing a group of dedicated orca's lovers join forces to bring back a stranded orca that was lost hundreds of miles to its rightful place despite facing a challenge at the beginning. In the name of love, they all make it happen.

I was in tears when reading this, at the same time happy knowing that there's a lot of people who cares about another creature and are willing to do so much in their power to set that poor creature free, as it should be.

I'm glad that humans learn from their past mistakes and implies the lesson to better serve and handle the orca, as what happens to the orca in Free Willy ( I hope that I had the chance to watch the film), which I didn't know it's dreadful ends before reading about it In this book, thinking that once it's free, it's free. But sadly not, after having close contact with humans, it takes time to adjust to living without one and having no family to identify, making it out there lonely on its own. Despite finding comfort from humans, in a pod is where it should belong.

I read twice or perhaps thrice and believe me I could go on reading for as long as I want if not to the limited time limit. I want to see and know more about the whereabouts of Springer. I am truly glad for Springer knowing that she's able to live a life that was full of joys, free, being a mother and not separated from one. It's one of my wishes to see more orcas living a free life out there in the sea, rather than being captivated and having to serve humans for entertainment all their life.

I will recommend this book to all, regardless of age. It's beautifully written, easy to understand, complete with maps, and illustrations!

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: Absolutely Loved It, 5 stars
I don't usually rate non-fiction, but this was so delightful, how can I not?

This was the most delightful children's non-fiction about the only orphaned orca who has been returned to her family. This story tells the story of Springer, an orca who was discovered alone, hundreds of miles south of her pod, in the waterways near Seattle, and how the people of Canada and the US came together to get her home.

This is written by a woman who was involved in her rescue, but was not one of the scientists. It includes other pieces of background information about orcas that gets a little bit into their culture within pods, the different ecosystems of orcas, as well as the capture/kill era and the first orca that was attempted to be returned to the wild, Keiko.

Overall this is a heartwarming story told with beautiful illustrations on each spread of pages. I loved it and will be looking to add this to my collection. Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Soraya]

Orca Rescue by Donna Sandstrom is very well written. in detail and beautifully illustrated. It tells a story of Springer, an orca who was orphaned after her mom was slaughtered by fisherman. So glad these marine biologists learn from their mistake of taking care of Keiko who was captured and taken care but too afraid to interact with other orcas because all her life she depended on humans for food and her welfare.. When Keiko returned to his family, she was not able to adapt to her environment. Somehow she didn't survive. But with Springer, these marine biologists took care of her and she has her freedom and from time to time she visits the people that took care of her.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to whoever likes marine life and learn to love the ocean and gain more knowledge about all kinds of orcas and their natural behaviours: how they interact with humans.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely loved this book. It was really informative and even though this book is marketing for middle grade readers I think that people of all ages will love this book and should read it.

I actually went to school for biology and took a few classes on Marine Biology so I knew a lot of facts that were already included in this book but that did not stop my enjoyment of the book and I still learned a lot of new information.

Overall, I absolutely loved reading about Springer's story and I hope that this book inspires readers to want to take better care of our oceans and ocean life like this book inspired me.

[Hailey Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

an interesting and informative book with lovely illustrations - i think my fifth graders will enjoy this sasquatch nominee!

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book looked so interesting to me, we love wildlife in our house and my eldest is particularly fond of caring for animals and the enviroment so I had to take a look at this non-fiction story of an Orca rescue. The cover is stunning with beautiful art work with a stand out title.

Orca Rescue is complimented with beautiful maps showing us the locations of the story so you can follow the journey. The foreword which gives us details of the authors live prior to the rescue and how she came to be a part of the Orca Alliance and caring for the wellbeing of Orcas.

The story is set out in chapters leading us through the meeting of and rescue of the whale but we also get lots of facts and details about Orca, how they live and their features, this is so interesting for the reader to learn about the way they live.

The illustrations are beautiful, realistic art work, using muted and soft tones that are perfect for the nature of the book. There is an image on page 74 that is so completely stunning I'd have it framed.

I learnt so much from this book. The chapters almost alternate between story and facts.
The chapter about the resident Orcas and whale behaviors gave lots of interesting facts, the way the author merges both fact and story works well.
It's so nice to have a non fiction fact book and a story combined for a really engaging read, particularly for children like my own who love a story over a fact book but still want and need to learn information.
This is a book I feel would work so well in schools but its honestly one of the nicest non fiction children books iv seen, the content is so rich and fulfilling and it really feels like an adventure but you will learn so much along the way. Throughout the book titles are bold and eye catching, making this book easy for reference and I imagine a great reading report project for ages 8-12 years. There is also reference to Keiko in this book for a comparative story to study and a range of additional reading and websites and a full glossary.

I loved hearing about the changes made to protect Orca and how such an achievement was accomplished, its very inspiring to know that anyone can make the changes necessary to make our world a better place.
No spoilers here but the story is beautiful and summarised really well, ending with reflection and points to consider as well as tips on how we can help.
I particularly loved the real life photos of Springer and the Orca family tree!

Thank you to Kids Can Press and NetGalley for and copy of this book in exchange for my impartial review. I sat down and read this in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book indeed, and one that while you read you kind of wish to have seen years ago. Springer the orca (or killer whale for those not so up on the change in name – it only happened decades ago, mind, so fair enough) was known to be an orphan, but had not been seen for over a season, until she was found, still a relative toddler, and underweight. Scientists knew where her kin travelled about the seas, and so launched the cockamamie idea to get her picked up, moved to an observation pen for proof she was healthy enough to be amongst other delicate creatures, bulked up, and shipped further on to where she could sing and play and fish with her blood relatives. Only that whole side of things had never even been achieved before.

And the weird thing, perhaps, is that it's never been achieved since, which is proof that once stuck in a theme park pool, the orca can never be reattached to its relatives, although that's mostly because those relations aren't known. But, spoiler alert, this instance was a resounding success, and the fact the author can report – and report very well – things that happened almost twenty years ago means that there are several happy sequels to include in her narrative. The writing is fine for a young audience, flowing very well even with chapter headings interrupting it, and the artworks accompanying things – suitably in watercolour – are wonderful at evoking the northern waterways of the drama and the creatures involved. It all boils down to a lovely portrayal of the power of cooperation, and perhaps the resilience of mother nature – a side to her she only needs more and more on a daily basis. Four and a half stars.

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this is the best children's story ever that every child should read. This need to be under every Christmas tree. It is beautifully wrote and the pictures are just stunning. Normally me and my 9 year old daughter would read before bed and it would take at least 2 weeks to get through a book of this size. Not this book my daughter loved it that much that she was waking up early to read it and excited to go to bed early to read it. she didn't want the book to end. This book tells the story of Springer a very young orca, who was found all alone after her mother had been killed. How the community and 2 different countries come together to save the young orca's life. It gives easy explanations of how they live, eat etc. This is a true story and at the end of the book were real photos taken during the rescue and through Springers life. This is a book that all children should read, it's such a heartwarming tale. It even has a section educating children on how to keep our oceans safe for all wildlife. I can't thank the author enough for helping save this young orca's life. And to her friend who made you write this book. It is amazing we are so proud of you and thank you for inspiring me and my child to do what we can. PS part of this book is set in Manchester, Washington and we live in Manchester, UK. We loved having this connection. This book is suitable to read with your child from 3 up until 10 year old and also for adults who love children's books with beautiful illustrations.
This book is Ladyreading365 children's book of the year 2021

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appeal Factors: informative; cozy; narrative nonfiction for kids and teens

My Thoughts: Have I been obsessed with Orcas since 1994? Yes, I have. Does this mean I get too excited when they're in books? Yes, it does. But goodness Sandstrom's easy-to-follow prose and Burwash's soft watercolor illustrations just filled me with all the warm, fuzzy feelings when I read it over my lunch hour. This would be a great pick for kids new to and/or interested in the species, as the book intersperses illustrative factual panels throughout the narrative story of Springer's rescue to provide context to the biology, behaviors, and history of pods living in the Pacific Northwest. The prose and layout also are a great bridge for readers ready to leap beyond picture books to navigate a more complex, in-depth text. Whale-lovers, unite!

Read-alikes: Beyond Words: What Elephants and Whales Think and Feel; The Blue Whale; Whales: An Illustrated Celebration

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author compellingly relates her firsthand experience with the story of a young orca separated from her pod, and all of the hard work, teamwork, and science brought to bear to ensure that Springer could reunite with her family. It is a compelling journal-style story of a citizen organizer working closely with many other partners. Sandstrom relates all of the discoveries, challenges, and problem-solving along the way in the effort to help Springer, as if in real time. Springer's story is also nicely interspersed with facts about orcas, resident orca culture, the dark history of capture, and ongoing threats to whales and dolphins today.

This is a highly readable, enjoyable story, carefully grounded in research and the author's direct personal experience. I really appreciate that the back matter includes ways readers can help the endangered orcas recover, and inspiration to take that kind of action.

The warm watercolor illustrations throughout are an absolutely beautiful accompaniment to the text and help bring the story to life even more.

Highly recommend for both kids and adults.

[Heather K Veitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orca Rescue! is a delightful, educational book with gorgeous illustrations. It follows the story of an orphan Orca calf, named Springer, who is rescued by scientists and researchers in 2002. It is discovered that her family actually lived 400 miles away, and so a community effort is launched to nurture the malnourished Orca calf and return her to her pod.

This captivating story is retold with passion and commitment, and there are facts and information about Orcas and their societies, lifestyle, and so on woven throughout. The more factual segments do not detract from the story but rather add to it, and I loved reading about the history of Orcas in the Pacific Northwest of America and Canada, despite knowing much of the detail already.

This was a quick and informative read which was also highly entertaining. I loved the illustrations and, despite the poignancy of the undetermined future surrounding Orcas in this part of the world, there were themes of hope, commitment, and joy underlying the challenges faced by the author and the rescue team. Highly, highly recommended.

I received an e-ARC from the publisher, Kids Can Press, through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sara Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orca Rescue by Donna Sandstrom was a very well written and engaging book.

The book included the story line of Springer, what humans and agencies were doing, animal behaviour, anatomy, ways people can help, additional reading, among other things.

As someone who loves animal behaviour, I was most fascinated by this part of the book. I used to write papers on Orcas growing up, and I still learned new things from this book.

I did not realize this was a children’s book when I requested it. As I was reading though, I thought this book would be nice for children. It is written clear enough for a child to understand, and the illustrations add a nice visual to the story and learning process. I think this would be more geared to a parent reading to their child or a more advanced young reader.

I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would, and I would recommend it to children or adults who love animals and stories of determination, dedication, and resilience.

I received an eARC from Kids Can Press through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Andrea Lackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really wonderful book. It is the story about a young orca, Springer, who was found by herself in Puget Sound. The book centers around efforts to rescue her. Woven into this story are a lot of facts about orca whales. I loved how the information was spaced throughout the story. Rather than being facts stuck in, it felt like an interesting and integral part of the story. Almost as though you were also learning information to participate in what was happening.

The story was thrilling. Good writing and good storytelling. It was also hopeful, that for all the horrible things humans have done, we are also capable of good.

I loved this book. It was fun, engaging, and I felt like I learned a lot. Definitely recommend for animal lovers, both older kids and adults.

Thanks to NetGalley for my ARC

[Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story about the discovery of a 2 year-old orca named Springer that somehow became separated from his pod and how the U.S. and Canadian government officials along with several nonprofits working together to find a way to unite Springer with his pod in a first time ever endeavour. Thought this is a middle grade children's book, I appreciate as an adult learning new things, like orcas are not technically whales but part of the dolphin family, and that each pod has its own echolocation signature. The book has interspersed water color illustrations that are kid friendly but I would have appreciated actual photographs. At the book's end there is a glossary of terms, internet resources, and ways that kids can help with orca research efforts. A perfect book for 3rd-6th graders who love orcas or animals in general.

[Tasmin Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book!!
The pictures are beautiful and I can't stop staring at them.
And this story is so easy to read and would be perfect to teach children about Orcas and rescuing.
It has the right amount of information and honestly the cutest story. I can't stop smiling at Springer and the help she got. I didn't know about this Orca before finding this book. I did know about Keiko and I'm so happy that he's experience taught people the don'ts as well as the do's.
Orcas are my favourite Marine animal and I'm so happy this book is around to teach people about the wonderful creatures that they are.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me have a copy of this book for an honest review.

[Erica (EricaEreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Cue the Orca fangirling/Autistic hyperfocus*

Have I been obsessed with Orcas since 1994? Yes, I have. Does this mean I get too excited when they're in books? Yes, it does. But goodness Sandstrom's easy-to-follow prose and Burwash's soft watercolor illustrations just filled me with all the warm, fuzzy feelings when I read it over my lunch hour. This would be a great pick for kids new to and/or interested in the species, as the book intersperses illustrative factual panels throughout the narrative story of Springer's rescue to provide context to the biology, behaviors, and history of pods living in the Pacific Northwest. The prose and layout also are a great bridge for readers ready to leap beyond picture books to navigate a more complex, in-depth text. Whale-lovers, unite!

[Jane Shambler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am honestly at a loss as what to write. Because everything I think of I feel won't do this book the justice it deserves.

It's a wonderful story about the saving of a baby Orca and reuniting her with her family. She was found under weight but scientists knew where her pod were. So they set out to put them back together.

It's wonderfully illustrated.

It's aimed at a younger audience but I enjoyed it nonetheless. It is truly a heart warming read. One that I will probably read again and again.

Give it a go. If you love all animals this will not disappoint you.

Enjoy!

[Amanda Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book discusses the best and worst of humanity but focuses on the best. It is the true story of how a lost young whale was found in Puget Sound and the United States and Canada had to join forces to get the whale back to his family 400 miles away. There are sections that pause to give orca facts or history on capturing whales for entertainment. The end of the book discusses threats to whales and how to help. It's a fascinating story. I am impressed that scientists were able to find Springer's family.

[Wade Huggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orca Rescue is the story of an orca named Springer that becomes lost from his pod after his mother dies. Students who enjoy stories about scientists helping and rescuing marine life will really enjoy this story. The orphaned orca story has a happy end that children will enjoy and the children will like learning about the research done by scientists to help the orca survive and be readmitted to the pod

[Alexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved reading this book, I rode the ferry to school every day on Vashon and saw Springer quite a few times going to and from school, I didn’t really remember everything that went into rescuing Springer so I loved reading this to learn all about it. I can’t wait until my girls are a little older and I can read this with them too!

[bookishdoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.

This was fantastic. Even though I'm not the intended audience, I had so much fun and learned so much reading this. This is one that I can't wait to add to our library!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Had the pleasure of meeting the author and reading this great middle grade reader that is perfect for adult whale and animal fans too, or for sharing as a family! Looking forward to an author event with Donna soon!

[BiblioBrandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated book about an orca who is separated from its pod, rehabilitated, and returned. It is a really sweet and heartwarming story that I think will appeal to all. End notes and supplemental information provide historical and scientific background.

[Eileen Winfrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid read about getting an orphaned and lost orca back to her pod. The perfect answer to the question “do you have any non fiction chapter books?” in my elementary school library.

[CJ Sowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love cetaceans and I love Springer. She 100% deserved her happy ending! <3

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my 7 year and he loved it. I have always been fascinated by Orca's, so this was such a lovely story to read.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book that was passed onto me by my sister and niece while I am not sure which of the two actually had read it or not.

Anyway Orca Rescue is the tale of the rescue of a two-year-old northern resident orca who appeared all by herself in Puget Sound after the believed death of her mother and the attempts to reunite her with her family. As a result some of the entries are provided with a date for those readers who are wanting to follow along chronologically with the story of the whale herself, some of the people who were working to get her home together and also a successful conservation story that documents how far we have come in not only our technology but also our understanding of these magnificent animals that are so iconic.

Throughout the telling of Springer's actual story, though, is provided a lot of information on orcas in general such as the various cultures that they have, whale behaviors, anatomy, their conservation status, how we identify them and researchers name them, etc. At the same time is included information on how orcas first became captive creatures, the results on the animals and their wild populations as well as the tragic tale of Keiko that so many older readers will know quite well that becomes a comparison to the success of Springer.

The book then ends on explaining where Springer now stands in her own history while providing real photos taken of her throughout her life. And there is also provided to readers further information on the northern resident orcas matrilines thus revealing that Springer's grandmother and great-aunt have both passed on by the publication of this book. Then the book basically ends on the note of giving the reader some suggestions as to what they can do to help marine life and the oceans in keeping them safe for future generations.

Readers will find the book is richly illustrated although not in bright colors and the forms of the humans are a bit off just like orcas. This can be seen in the cover art, which appear in the book as well, with the strange proportions of the orca on the bottom left who looks to be rather more elongated than befits an orca and with the dorsal much further back than is realistic. Furthermore the pod shown on the cover seems to be formed of all females with no males in sight, which is also a rather weird presentation in my own eyes.

In the end, though, the book was rather informative and quite quick to read while should be able to hit on something for everyone if you are reading this book as a family or group.