Hannah's Call To Care

In Hannah’s Call to Care by Claudia Clark, twelve-year-old Hannah Stewart narrates her journey from curious animal lover to committed wildlife warrior in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. When her father rescues an orphaned kangaroo joey named Summer, Hannah learns firsthand that good intentions can sometimes harm wild animals without proper knowledge. Guided by seasoned carers Michelle and Greg, she volunteers at their sanctuary, mastering pouch checks, rescue missions, and the messy realities of wildlife rehabilitation. Along the way, Hannah confronts dangers to Australian fauna—barbed-wire entanglements, dog and cat attacks, vehicle strikes, habitat loss, bushfires, and the ethics of euthanasia. Each chapter interweaves practical “how-to” advice (building a possum box, conducting pouch checks, spotting heat-stressed animals) with personal anecdotes of rescues, releases, and bittersweet farewells.

Through Hannah’s eyes, you’ll see both the heartbreak of loss and the triumph of each animal returned safely to the wild. This book is heartwarming, and animal lovers and those with a keen sense of respect for the environment and the ecosystem will be inspired by this story. Claudia Clark writes beautifully about empathy, compassion, and responsibility, showing how young Hannah’s story reflects these values. Her character arc is cleverly accomplished, and it is interesting to notice how her excitement and passionate love for animals transition from merely liking animals to taking responsible actions. This book taught me one crucial message: anyone, regardless of age, can make a difference for wildlife. By pairing engaging storytelling with clear action steps, Claudia Clark targets a young audience of animal lovers, as well as parents, teachers, and community volunteers. Hannah’s Call to Care is a stunningly illustrated book that delights and instructs. I enjoyed the gorgeous prose and the author’s ability to bring the wildlife to life in its details.