Review Detail

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.