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

Gr 2-4–Pincus’s nonfiction picture book displays the importance of the animal-human connection. Walnut, the dancing White-naped crane, had been in and out of zoos her entire life. At 24 years of age, hope had been all but lost at the prospect of her accepting a mate and hatching any chicks. As a hatchling in Wisconsin, Walnut had imprinted on humans and therefore wanted nothing to do with other cranes; she identified as a human. This was a big problem, given that White-naped cranes were dwindling in the wild. Upon Walnut’s arrival at the Smithsonian National Zoo, her keeper, Chris Crowe, developed a bond with her over two years. Over the duration of 11 years, Walnut laid seven eggs that successfully hatched. Readers’ hearts will soar at the bond between Walnut and Crowe. Pictures depict Walnut at various stages of life and warmly demonstrate what patience and love can accomplish; these digitally rendered illustrations mimic watercolor. Well-paced and thoughtfully written, this book is certain to captivate readers across a broad age range. Additional material in the back contains further information about Walnut and cranes, as well as a Q&A with Crowe.