What if a little gosling grew up in a family of sandhill cranes? It sounds impossible—but it's true!
On a quiet bay of Green Lake in Minnesota, two sandhill cranes raised a baby Canada goose alongside their own baby sandhill crane. For three years, this family lived together, migrated south together in the fall, and returned to Green Lake together in the spring.
Told through tender language and stunning photography, Fam: The Remarkable Story of a Canada Goose Adopted by Sandhill Cranes is a true tale of an unlikely family and its powerful bonds. Perfect for young nature lovers, adopted children, and families of all kinds, this heartwarming book celebrates the beauty of differences—and shows that love makes a family. In addition, it's a perfect resource for elementary educators, naturalists, and children's therapists, and a touching gift for adoptive families. Visit the authors' website (FamFamily.org) for more breathtaking photos, captivating videos, educational guides, and links to conservation groups and wildlife areas.
The story of Fam is a true story. Children relate to it because it is told through Fam's eyes and with Fam's voice. And they love the photographs, which bring the story further to life—in addition to documenting the actual events of this unique and remarkable tale.
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.
"My students were captivated by the wonderfully real story of Fam, a Canada goose raised by a sandhill crane family. They instantly connected with the stunning photographs of local wildlife. The book masterfully blends narrative and factual content, telling the heartwarming story of Fam while offering rich, accessible information about nature. Equally inspiring was how the authors discovered this remarkable tale through close observation—inspiring my students to make observations of their own!" — Elizabeth Weiss, Elementary Educator, Frederic, Wisconsin
"Fam: The Remarkable Story of a Canada Goose Adopted by Sandhill Cranes is a story of animal behaviors that provokes human emotions. As I've presented the book out loud, kids and adults light up and share their feelings of joy, sadness, wonder, and triumph as they follow the true adventures of birds that bend boundaries. With beautiful photographs that complement the written story, everyone will connect to this surprising tale." — Sean Hoppes, Interpretive Naturalist, Wild River State Park, Minnesota
