"There's a Seal in My Sleeping Bag" by Lyn Hancock

When I find authors I like, I purchase more books to enjoy. One author I discovered in the last year was Lyn Hancock. She is well known in British Columbia for the books she has written since the early 1970s and for nature presentations she made in schools along with her then husband David.

I haven't read her books in order, and you don't need to. Each one can stand alone, but as you read more of her titles there are common threads and each book expands on previous topics and adventures. The first book I read was There's a Racoon in my Parka and then Love Affair with a Cougar. The newest book for me was There's a Seal in My Sleeping Bag (Alfred A. Knopf, 1972).

Sea lion (not a fur seal like Sam) at Powell River.

One animal that's prominent in many of Lyn's books is Sam, a northern fur seal that came into her life only one month after her honeymoon. David was always bringing home animals and birds, and a lot of their care fell on Lyn. Overcoming many challenges including lack of experience, having to force feed unwilling animals, and an initial deep seated dislike of fish, she became a strong force in the couple's conservation efforts.

Lyn had a complex schedule for animal care wrapped around her career as a teacher. Her work load compounded when David was away on speaking tours or scientific studies. She also took many of her animals to school to give students first hand experiences with nature.

Seagulls on Mittlenatch Island.

While Sam's story threaded its way through the book, Lyn also shared about adventures with David to study eagles, seabirds, seals, whales, otters, and much more. I could feel Lyn's fear of heights and could relate to her climbing cliffs on hands and knees, and sliding down on her bum. But I have to admit, she handled it much better than I could have. And all the while they were filming their experiences for conservation presentations and school tours.

I still have seventeen of Lyn's twenty books left to enjoy. You can find more information about her books and speaking engagements at the Lyn Hancock website or Facebook. I highly recommend you try or even reread one of her books. They are timeless. -- Margy