Book Review of Fam: The Remarkable Story of a Canada Goose Adopted by Sandhill Cranes
The Children’s Book Review
Fam: The Remarkable Story of a Canada Goose Adopted by Sandhill Cranes
Written by Martha Harding and Gary Noren
Photographs by Gary Noren
Ages: 4-10 | 40 Pages
Publisher: Beaver’s Pond Press (2025) | ISBN: 978-1-64343-494-0
What to Expect: Non-Fiction, Geese, Photographs, and Belonging.
A Canada goose named Fam shares the true story of how he was adopted and raised by a pair of sandhill cranes on a Minnesota lake.
When an abandoned Canada goose egg is taken in by a pair of sandhill cranes, an unlikely family is formed. Young Fam grows up alongside his crane brother, Sam, learning to navigate the world despite their physical differences. From learning to fly and “painting” feathers for protection to joining the great migration, this narrative follows Fam through several seasons as he discovers where he belongs and what it truly means to be a family.
The writing is engaging and educational, utilizing a first-person perspective that makes the natural world accessible to children. By personifying Fam, the authors successfully weave scientific facts about avian behavior—such as diet, flight patterns, and migration—into a touching narrative about inclusion and adoption. The prose is lyrical and maintains a gentle pace.
Fam’s story is supported by photos that document real-life interactions between Fam and his crane family—these images are crucial to the book’s impact, providing visual evidence of this rare interspecies relationship. Additionally, the inclusion of labels for various lake birds and a “Fun Facts” comparison table adds significant visual-educational value for young readers.
This heartwarming true story is a beautiful celebration of the fact that love, rather than appearance, defines a family. It is a perfect choice for nature lovers, families with adopted children, and educators looking to discuss themes of belonging and diversity with children.
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About the Authors
Martha Harding is a writer, musician, and educator widely known for her engaging presentations for both youth and adults. Adopted as a child, she deeply understands the importance of belonging and believes this story of love, acceptance, and inclusion will resonate with adopted children and families of all kinds.
Now retired, Marty and her husband and coauthor, Gary Noren, volunteer with nonprofit groups dedicated to conservation, historic preservation, and the arts in the Saint Croix River watershed. Whether at home or on the road, they are always ready to explore the natural world–by foot, bike, canoe, or skis–Marty with her binoculars and Gary with his camera in hand. They are honored to have witnessed the extraordinary and heartwarming story of Fam unfold over more than three years.
Gary Noren, MEd, is a photographer and environmentalist known for his captivating nature photos. He hopes his photography will spark curiosity and inspire children to discover the wonders of nature just beyond their doorsteps.
