Happily Ever Esther: Two Men, a Wonder Pig, and Their Life-Changing Mission to Give Animals a Home

This heartwarming sequel to Esther the Wonder Pig (2016) begins as animal activists and married couple Jenkins and Walter and their 600-pound pig move from suburban Toronto to Campbellville, Ont., to open the Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary, dedicated to rescuing farm animals. The book follows Jenkins and Walter as they adjust to farm life, rescue animals, learn to manage volunteers and staff members (not to mention unruly male pigs), and even navigate a feud with the Manitoba Pork Council. The authors bring the same jovial tone they used in their first book and affectionately humanize Esther, whom they call their daughter. When Esther reaches adolescence and starts to rebel, Jenkins reflects, “I don’t think Esther was looking to hook up with a bunch of drunk wild boars in the woods, but I suddenly found myself thinking like any parent who [has] a problem child on their hands.” When the sow faces a life-threatening illness, her keepers spend thousands on her care and happily report her recovery. In addition to escapades from the their first years on the farm, the authors, both vegans, include 23 pages of “Esther-approved” recipes. Fans of the Wonder Pig franchise will find lots to love here. Photos. [em](July) [/em]