Cries of the Wild

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

Jeff Lederman operates the Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre on
B.C.’s Saltspring Island. The Centre rescues and rehabilitates for
release back to the wild a wide array of animals, using mainly
alternative therapies, homeopathic approaches, and herbal remedies.

Cries of the Wild is a collection of essays, each telling the story of
one animal’s rescue, treatment, and release. The patients include
seals, an eagle, a fox, a porcupine, crows, raccoons, dolphin, sea
lions, hawks, a coyote, deer, and owls, among other creatures. For each
rescue incident, the fact-packed text includes general information on
the species, details of the specific problem, treatment notes, and
environmental issues. The style is that of a journal, which gives a
strong sense of involvement and urgency. The tone is factual,
businesslike, fast-paced, and stripped of any sentimental, flourishes;
yet concern for the injured animals pours out of every page.

A gallery of 17 exquisite soft-pencil illustrations by Donald Gunn and
more than 60 black-and-white photos support the journal. Four essays on
key environmental issues add still another layer of richness to the
book. This passionate, energetic work is informative and even inspiring.