Dancing with Tex

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.