Dancing with Tex: The Remarkable Friendship to Save the Whooping Cranes

Dancing With Tex:  The Remarkable Friendship To Save The Whooping Cranes brings a true environmental story to life about the power of friendship in saving the Whooping Cranes from extinction.

Tex is a rare Whooping Crane from Texas who believes she belongs with people. George is a young man from Canada, who wants to save the cranes. Together, Tex and George become dancing partners over six years to help Tex lay a fertile egg.  Ultimately, Tex's chick made a difference in keeping the Whooping Crane alive on earth. But it wasn’t easy.

Since Tex was raised by her zookeeper, Fred, and she didn't see another bird for her first sixteen days, she believes her real family is people. The big problem is: scientists need Tex to lay a fertile egg, and she refuses to be near other birds.  

Meanwhile, two college buddies, George Archibald and Ron Sauey, decide to do something no one has ever done before -- create a place to protect all fifteen species of cranes. It becomes The International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin. After collecting 14 different species of cranes, they’re missing the rarest type of all: the Whooping Cranes.

Eventually, George and Ron manage to bring two Whooping Cranes, Tex and Tony, to their place. They know all cranes choose a dancing partner before laying an egg. Tex won’t dance with Tony. Will she dance with George? How can George help her lay an egg? What happens when everything keeps going wrong?  

As our planet faces ongoing environmental concerns, Dancing With Tex demonstrates the importance of caring for our endangered species. Author Lynn Sanders and illustrator Sergio Drumond beautifully capture an exciting event in history. It made national news in 1982 on the Johnny Carson show, and deserves to be known by children everywhere. 

Added bonuses include an introduction, useful scientific vocabulary words, questions & answers, and a “behind the scenes” closing. This inspiring, dramatically illustrated story makes a memorable gift for children young and old.  A testimony to how faith, belief and perseverance can make our dreams come true.

"This unusual story about the relationship between a man and a bird, so beautifully told by Lynn Sanders and illustrated brilliantly by Sergio Drumond, is an example of the many efforts needed to help endangered species survive the impacts of modern humans." George Archibald, "The World's Crane Ambassador," Co-Founder, The International Crane Foundation, Award-Winning Conservationist. "A beautiful and compelling real-life story of love and caring between a human and his endangered, feathered friend. Not only was it a joy to read, but the author powerfully makes her point that it is up to all of us to make sure that earth's creatures are allowed to survive, and to thrive." Bob Burg, Internationally Best-Selling Author, Speaker, Co-Author of The Go-Giver. "I LOVE this book! It teaches kids how anyone can make a difference in positively affecting our world. Parents and children will love this story." Teresa De Grosbois, International Speaker, Influence Expert, Founder of Evolutionary Business Council, Wildfire Academy, Best-Selling Author. "We're glad to see a book that helps connect young people with endangered birds. Every one of those connections is an opportunity to spark a new conversation, save another species and leave behind a world that's still full of wonder and the wild." Kieran Suckling, Executive Director, Center for Biological Diversity. "A unique story wrapped up in a wonderfully illustrated book, with a special message for the conservation of cranes." Roger Lederer, Founder of Ornithology.com. "I loved this fascinating true story about the transformational power behind a unique friendship. Inspiring for children too!" Sonia Choquette, Globally Celebrated and Dynamic Spiritual Teacher, Consultant, Storyteller and Transformational Visionary Guide. "George Archibald has inspired me and many others through his accomplishments and dedication. This delightful, charmingly illustrated story of his experiences with Tex shows young readers the value of hard work, persistence and friendship." Jane Chandler, Patuxent Crane Flock Manager, 1990-2014.