The author, Nicholas Read, spent a year observing and recording stories at Critter Care, a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Langley, BC. This book chronicles the daily activities through vivid photographs and entertaining, although sometimes sad, stories about its injured and orphaned visitors. Stories of residents like Dame, an elderly river otter whose teeth are too worn down for her to eat; Meatloaf, an overweight pet squirrel that was surrendered; and Edna, a tiny mole accidentally unearthed in a backyard, will captivate readers. There is ongoing tension between the philosophy of the Conservation Officer Service and the centre as the government policies sway towards destroying rather than relocating animals. Readers will learn about the dangers animals face as humans move into their natural habitat, as well as about animal welfare and conservation. Interviews with staff, interns, and volunteers played a large part in the content of the book.

Other End Matter: List of some animal rescues in BC
Images: Colour photographs
Bibliography: Yes
Index: Yes

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools

Nicholas Read is a journalism instructor at Langara College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He collaborated with Ian McAllister on several books, including Wolf Island, A Bear's Life, The Seal Garden and The Great Bear Sea and wrote City Critters, about urban wildlife. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Nicholas Read's profile page

“Abundant, eye-and-heart-arresting, color photographs and excellent layout complement the text’s call to action. Inspiring.”
—Kirkus Reviews

"The strength in Read’s immersive narrative, research, and observation-driven story will certainly lead young animal lovers, with some guidance, to think deeply about the ethical ways we can co-exist with our wild neighbours."
—Quill & Quire

"A hitch-hiking marmot, a river otter needing dentures, and an overweight squirrel named Meatloaf are just three of the charming characters in Nicholas Read's delightful and informative book about the Critter Care Wildlife Rescue Centre. A wonderful contribution to efforts to conserve wildlife in British Columbia."
—Ann Eriksson, author of Bird's-Eye View: Keeping Wild Birds in Flight and Dive In! Exploring Our Connection with the Ocean

"Filled with emotionally uplifting and inspiring true stories of rescued animals, as well as the harsh realities that some of them face, Caring for Critters provides a glimpse into the fascinating world of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. This utterly engaging and informative book is a must-have for every wildlife lover, young and old."
—Rob Laidlaw, author of The Dog Patrol and founder of Zoocheck