ACCESS DIGITIZED EDITION
Guide/Reviews Database
SCIENCE
Pincus, Meeg

The Crane and the Keeper: How an Endangered Crane Chose a Human as Her Mate

40 pp. | Candlewick Entertainment | February, 2025 | Trade ISBN 9781536232363 $18.99
(2) K-3 Illustrated by Gillian Eilidh O'Mara. This nonfiction picture book tells the intriguing story of Walnut, a white-naped crane who imprinted on a human when she first hatched in 1981. Over the next two decades, she is subsequently sent to, and removed from, multiple zoos due to aggressive behavior. At the age of twenty-four, she enters a specialized breeding program for endangered cranes under the care of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), where she forms a close relationship with crane keeper Chris Crowe. Pincus skillfully weaves information about animal behavior and themes of trust and companionship into a story that highlights how patience and understanding can lead to extraordinary connections. The text is informative and accessible, detailing Walnut's journey while emphasizing the importance of conservation and explaining the critical role of breeding programs in preserving wildlife. O'Mara's digital illustrations, using soft colors that beautifully capture the realistic expressions of the crane, effectively convey the bond between bird and human. Back matter includes a glossary, a bibliography and resources, an interview with Crowe, and further information about NZCBI.
Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2025

RELATED 

SCIENCE

How to Build an Insect
by Gibson, Roberta
SCIENCE

A Quick History of Math
by Gifford, Clive
SCIENCE

Butterflies Are Pretty...Gross!
by Mosco, Rosemary
SCIENCE

Summertime Sleepers
by Stewart, Melissa
SCIENCE

Birds
by Krestovnikoff, Miranda
More

Get connected. Join our global community of more than 200,000 librarians and educators.

This coverage is free for all visitors. Your support makes this possible.

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?