WEST SEATTLE BOOKS: Whale Trail founder tells Springer’s story in ‘Orca Rescue!’

The West Seattleite who founded The Whale Trail, Donna Sandstrom, has just published a book for young readers telling the story of the event that immersed her in orca activism, the rescue of Springer the wayward whale. You’re invited to a launch event in West Seattle this Sunday. Here’s the announcement:

Whale Trail founder and local author Donna Sandstrom’s book “Orca Rescue! The True Story of an Orphaned Orca Named Springer was published this month by Kids Can Press.

The middle grade nonfiction book tells the riveting story of how a young orca was discovered in Puget Sound – lost, alone and 300 miles away from home. Six months later, the 2-year-old orca was rescued, rehabilitated, and returned to her family on the north end of Vancouver Island.

It’s the first and so far only successful orca reunion in history. Almost twenty years later, Springer is thriving, tending her two calves. And on the day the book was published, Oceanwise announced that she is expecting again!

The story is told as it happened, from Donna’s perspective as a community organizer on the project. Many of the events described in the book happened here, including Springer’s initial discovery by researcher Mark Sears, and a pivotal town meeting at The Hall at Fauntleroy.

The book is beautifully illustrated. Fact spreads are interspersed with the narrative, and learning resources include maps, matrilines,and a glossary. The book recently received a starred review in Kirkus Review, and is a selected pick by the Junior Library Guild.

Join Donna and other team members to celebrate the book’s publication, and Springer’s continued success. Books will be available to purchase on site from Paper Boat Booksellers. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Please bring proof of vaccination and wear a mask. We look forward to celebrating with you!

What: “Orca Rescue! The True Story of an Orphaned Orca Named Springer” Book launch and signing featuring members of Springer’s team
When: Sunday October 17, 3 to 5 PM.
Where: C&P Coffee, 5612 California Ave SW
Cost: Free!

Event will be held outside, weather permitting.

2 Replies to "WEST SEATTLE BOOKS: Whale Trail founder tells Springer's story in 'Orca Rescue!'"

  • Judy October 15, 2021 (10:51 am)

    I devoured this book!  Donna writes so invitingly from her front-row seat on Springer’s rescue and the illustrations are a just-right cross between fine and primitive.  If you want to know what happened to this Orca and its wider implications for species survival, buy this book!

  • anonyme October 16, 2021 (6:54 am)

    A good time to remember that it’s not too late to rescue Lolita from the Miami Seaquarium where she has been imprisoned for more than 50 years.  Her tiny, swimming pool sized tank (the smallest in the world) and her solo living situation are in violation of the Animal Welfare Act, and yet the Seaquarium has never been required to correct these horrendous and cruel conditions.  Lolita (Tokitae) is a Southern Resident from L-pod, with living relatives.  Whether she thrives or only comes home to die, she at least deserves a chance to swim free and see her home and family again.  Bring her home.

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