The Crane and the Keeper

October 15, 2024
Preschool-Grade 3 As a white-naped crane, Walnut was part of a dwindling species. The others in captivity were closely related, so it was important that she, whose parents had been wild, reproduce. Unfortunately, she had imprinted on a human early on in her life. In her mind, she was human too. When sent to zoos for mating, she lashed out at male cranes who approached her. She was sent to a zoo in Virginia, where Chris Crowe, the new crane keeper, took care of her. At first, Walnut was aggressive, but after years of patience and many treats, Crowe gained her trust. She sat quietly for injections, which enabled her to lay fertilized eggs, and she helped her species by raising seven chicks. Pincus' telling of this true story is sympathetic to both Walnut and to Crowe, whose boyhood experience of seeing a bison inspired his career choice. O'Mara, a Scottish artist, illustrates the story with great warmth. The back matter offers further information on Walnut, crane species, and animal imprinting. A picture book with broad appeal.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 15, 2024
Walnut, the white-naped crane, has a long and fulfilling life thanks to help and patience from wildlife keeper Chris Crowe. Born in 1981, Walnut is an unusual crane who imprinted on a human as a chick. This upbringing meant that she rebuffed potential mates, which concerned conservationists, since her genes were crucial to the survival of her species. Walnut was sent to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, where she met Chris Crowe, a wildlife keeper with a special devotion to animals. His unusual methods and complete dedication to Walnut enabled her to give birth to seven chicks over 11 years, an important contribution to the crane population. This compelling tale about the unique connection between bird and humanity will help young readers understand the harm humans have done to the world's wildlife and the ensuing responsibility they have to make things better for creatures. The illustrations enrich the narrative with stunning close-ups of Walnut and other birds taking flight against a warm, sunset sky. Backmatter includes information about Walnut, other white-naped cranes, and animal imprinting, along with a Q&A with Chris Crowe. Readers will finish the book with empathy for Walnut and appreciation for the work conservationists do. The story successfully demonstrates Crow's long-held mantra: "If humans harm wildlife species, then humans must save them." Crowe and other humans have tan skin. An informative, richly illustrated call to action. (websites and further reading, bibliography, glossary)(Picture book. 6-9)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 1, 2025
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. Kirsten Caldwell

(Copyright 2025 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from December 13, 2024

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. VERDICT This outstanding book with great information is endearing as well, demonstrating the power of perseverance, love, and commitment. A first purchase wherever children flock.-Tracy Cronce

Copyright 2025 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2025
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.

(Copyright 2025 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)