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 Smithsonian Kids 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.
SELECTION
| 2025 Junior Library Guild Selection
Pincus’s nonfiction picture book displays the importance of the animal-human connection. . . This outstanding book with great information is endearing as well, demonstrating the power of perseverance, love, and commitment. A first purchase wherever children flock. —School Library Journal (starred review)
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. . . . An informative, richly illustrated call to action. —Kirkus Reviews
This narrative nonfiction picture book spotlights an important example of wildlife conservation. . . Readers will be inspired by this story of success. —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
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. —The Horn Book
A picture book with broad appeal. —Booklist
Meeg Pincus is the author of many award-winning nonfiction books for children. Among them is Cougar Crossing: How Hollywood’s Celebrity Cougar Helped Build a Bridge for City Wildlife, illustrated by Alexander Vidal, which was awarded the Bank Street College Cook Prize. She also wrote the Golden Kite Honor Book Winged Wonders: Solving the Monarch Migration Mystery, illustrated by Yas Imamura, which Kirkus Reviews called “a fascinating and inspiring STEAM-driven tale” in a starred review. Meeg Pincus lives in southern California.
Gillian Eilidh O’Mara is an illustrator, author, and mixed-media artist. She has illustrated several books for children, including When God Made the World and All the Colors of Christmas, both by Matthew Paul Turner. Gillian Eilidh O’Mara lives and works in Scotland.
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 Smithsonian Kids 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.
Awards
SELECTION
| 2025 Junior Library Guild Selection
Praise
Pincus’s nonfiction picture book displays the importance of the animal-human connection. . . This outstanding book with great information is endearing as well, demonstrating the power of perseverance, love, and commitment. A first purchase wherever children flock. —School Library Journal (starred review)
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. . . . An informative, richly illustrated call to action. —Kirkus Reviews
This narrative nonfiction picture book spotlights an important example of wildlife conservation. . . Readers will be inspired by this story of success. —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
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. —The Horn Book
A picture book with broad appeal. —Booklist
Author
Meeg Pincus is the author of many award-winning nonfiction books for children. Among them is Cougar Crossing: How Hollywood’s Celebrity Cougar Helped Build a Bridge for City Wildlife, illustrated by Alexander Vidal, which was awarded the Bank Street College Cook Prize. She also wrote the Golden Kite Honor Book Winged Wonders: Solving the Monarch Migration Mystery, illustrated by Yas Imamura, which Kirkus Reviews called “a fascinating and inspiring STEAM-driven tale” in a starred review. Meeg Pincus lives in southern California.
Gillian Eilidh O’Mara is an illustrator, author, and mixed-media artist. She has illustrated several books for children, including When God Made the World and All the Colors of Christmas, both by Matthew Paul Turner. Gillian Eilidh O’Mara lives and works in Scotland.
