---

There’s so much more to this story than just an announcement of a local book launch party; although props are due as it’s no simple feat to make a book.   

Fam: The remarkable story of a Canada Goose adopted by Sandhill Cranes, is the product of Gary Noren and Martha Harding who put their energies as writer and photographer to create a book, even though as retired citizens they could have easily filled their free time with  volunteering pursuits.  

Both are grounded in the natural world and this common passion keeps them  tuned into goings-on that alot of humans may overlook. Their observations and documentation of a young orphaned goose who they noticed being accepted into a family of sandhill cranes on the shore of Green Lake,  laid the foundation for  this kids’ book.

The authors’ world grew about four years ago when they noticed an oddity taking place in their neighborhood.  An orphaned young goose  had latched onto a sandhill crane family and the cranes didn’t seem to mind the outsider.  Gary took photos (naturally) and posted them on the internet, and Marty was recording the finer observations.  In winter, she researched this unique phenomenon of acceptance of a non similar species using resources at the public library where they visit in Texas.  The librarian’s help,  as well as Chisago City neighbors who let Gary and her follow the goose, helped make this possible.

Gary and Marty are also appreciative of Wild River State Park Naturalist Sean Hoppes for using an early draft of the book to entertain and educate young park visitors. The feedback and kids’ input on the story was invaluable in developing the final 40-page product and associated lesson plans.

The goal has always been to deepen understanding of what the natural world has to teach us and, “... demonstrate that family is all about the bonds we build and less about how we came into our family,” said Gary. 

Working with Beaver Pond Press in St. Paul, the story of Fam: The remarkable story of a Canada goose adopted by Sandhill Cranes came together.  The Twin Cities book distributor Itasca Books has the title listed on its website alongside other “Minnesota stories” about topics like Joe Mauer. the band Castaways and a tale about early women’s hockey.  The on-line Amazon bookstore carries it and Bookshop.com availability is in the works.

Fam is meant for children ages 6-11.  There is a website being finalized that offers additional resources for igniting  curiosity and conversations on what the true nature of family amounts to.   Fam the goose has a mate now which the crane family has been introduced to,  but you’ll have to buy the book or hear more from the authors.                  

Gary and Marty hope to see you at the book release party, which is being officially celebrated Sunday, September 28 at Uncommon Loon Brewery on Highway 8, in Chisago City, from 2-4 p.m.  The book  is due on shelves and at cyber-booksellers September 1.

The party includes readings, children’s activities, refreshments and social time.

---