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

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

4.3

0.0 (0)

309 0

Write Review Add to favorites

Author(s)

Meeg Pincus

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Gillian Eilidh O'Mara

Publisher

Candlewick

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

January 28, 2025

ISBN

978-1536232363

Buy This Book

The true story, widely reported on social and in print media, of a white-naped crane who saw her human keeper as her mate—forging a remarkable connection that might just save a species

What was wrong with Walnut? The white-naped crane was friendly and curious—except when it came to other cranes. Raised by humans, Walnut didn’t see herself as a bird and could not live peacefully—or breed—with others of her species. Rejected by several zoos, she arrived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Conservation Biology Institute. Would this be her last chance? Meanwhile, Chris Crowe had also just arrived at the zoo, as crane keeper. It was his job to care for and help breed the birds at the institute. It was clear that breeding Walnut wasn’t going to be easy, but with skill and patience, Chris slowly earned the crane’s trust, and an extraordinary partnership evolved. In a picture book sure to appeal to wildlife fans—and anyone who appreciates a unique unlikely friendship tale—award-winning author Meeg Pincus shares the story of the incredible bond between a crane and her keeper.

Editor review

1 review

Endangered White Naped Crane

February 27, 2025 (Updated: June 04, 2026)

Overall rating

4.3

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

Learning Value

4.0

White-naped cranes are in danger of becoming extinct and Walnut may be the key to help save her species. There's only one problem: she thinks she's a human. When some species are born, they imprint on those that they see first. This can become an issue when it happens between two different species, like it did with Walnut. Even though breeding her will help save the white-naped cranes, she attacks any male crane that approaches her.

When she's transferred to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), a guy named Chris Crowe is assigned to work with her, but it isn't easy. He has to try to make him see her as one of her species, and not a human. It takes a lot of patience and time, but Chris Crowe manages to pull it off.

THE CRANE AND THE KEEPER educates children on both how biologists work to save endangered species and the mannerisms of a white-naped crane. The illustrations are beautiful with their water color detailing. In the back of the book, young readers can find more information about Walnut and other white-naped cranes, Chris Crowe, and the NZCBI. There's also a glossary for supplementation at the end.

Final Verdict: I would recommend this to young readers aged four and older who loves nonfiction books, especially those about animals. This will inspire young readers to explore the path of becoming zoologists.