Books About Cranes

The Best Cranes Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Looking for excellent children's books about cranes? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Six Crimson Cranes
#1 in Series
The Crane Wife
The Blue Wings
Polar Bear Postman
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Cranes

Six Crimson Cranes
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2021

Six Crimson Cranes

Book #1 in the Six Crimson Cranes series

A princess must break a curse to save her brothers and her kingdom from a dark conspiracy.

454 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 109,473 ratings
Other
Summary: Princess Shiori'anma's forbidden magic spirals out of control, leading to her brothers' transformation into cranes and her own exile. Voiceless and alone, she must unravel a conspiracy threatening the throne. With a paper bird, a dragon, and an unexpected ally, Shiori faces a perilous journey. Can she embrace her magic and save her family before it's too late?
The Crane Girl
Sale price
$1895
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2017

The Crane Girl

By Curtis Manley, Lin Wang (Illustrator)

A mysterious girl weaves silk to repay kindness, but greed threatens to unravel everything.

40 pages· 1,276 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 239 ratings
$19.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Yasuhiro rescues an injured crane, only for a mysterious girl named Hiroko to appear at his door. Offering to weave silk to help his struggling father, her secret is threatened by the father's growing greed. As the silk brings prosperity, the stakes rise, revealing the true cost of avarice. Will kindness prevail, or will greed destroy the fragile bond they've formed? This enchanting tale, woven with haiku, explores the transformative power of friendship and the dangers of unchecked desire.
The Crane Wife
Sale price
$759
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1998

The Crane Wife

By Odds Bodkin, Gennadii Spirin, Gennady Spirin

A sail maker's kindness to a crane alters his fate.

32 pages· 1,382 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 338 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Osamu, a solitary sail maker, rescues an injured crane, unknowingly setting off a chain of events that will transform his life. As a mysterious woman enters his world, weaving enchanting sails, Osamu must navigate the delicate balance between love and the secrets that bind them. What price will he pay for his compassion, and what truths lie beneath the surface of this magical encounter? Discover a timeless tale of love, mystery, and the unexpected consequences of a single act of kindness.
The Paper Crane
Sale price
$759
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1985

The Paper Crane

By Molly Bang · Reading Rainbow series

A magical paper crane revives a struggling restaurant.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1986)
32 pages· 453 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 744 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a once-thriving restaurant, hope flickers when a mysterious stranger pays with a magical paper crane. As the crane dances, the restaurant's fortunes begin to change. Can this enchanting gift truly transform their fate? Discover the magic and mystery that unfolds in this captivating tale.
Crane & Crane
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2019

Crane & Crane

By Linda Joy Singleton, Richard Smythe (Illustrator)

Two cranes, one natural and one mechanical, build homes amidst challenges, mirroring each other's world.

32 pages
4.9/7 Bookroo·3.6/5 Goodreads · 139 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world where nature and machinery intertwine, a sandhill crane and a construction crane embark on parallel journeys. As they lift, stretch, and stack through storms and obstacles, both strive to create homes for new families. This vibrant tale, told through simple verbs, invites young readers to explore the fascinating similarities between the natural and mechanical worlds. Will both cranes succeed in their quest, and what surprises await at the end of their journey? Discover the harmony between bird and machine in this delightful picture book adventure.
The Blue Wings
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Blue Wings

By Jef Aerts, Laura Watkinson (Translator)

Two brothers' bond is tested when they try to save an injured crane.

224 pages
3.8/5 Goodreads · 233 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Jadran and Josh, brothers navigating a new family dynamic, discover an injured crane. Jadran, determined to help it fly, faces unforeseen challenges. As they struggle with their own fragility and strength, will their bond withstand the cost of their mission? Dive into a tale of brotherhood and resilience.
Utterly Lovely One
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2011

Utterly Lovely One

By Mary Murphy

A mother crane's song of love unites the animal kingdom.

32 pages· 267 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.3/7 Bookroo·3.1/5 Goodreads · 104 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A mother crane sings a heartfelt ode to her little one, celebrating its beauty and joy. As her song echoes, it draws other animals into a shared circle of love and affection. This tender and playful tale captures the warmth and energy of a parent's love, inviting readers to join in the celebration of life and connection. Will the crane's song reach every heart in the animal kingdom?
Hello, I'm Here!
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2019

Hello, I'm Here!

By Helen Frost, Rick Lieder (Illustrator)

A newborn crane takes its first steps, exploring the world with wonder.

32 pages
4.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 199 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A newborn sandhill crane embarks on its first journey, wobbling alongside its sibling under the watchful eyes of their parents. As they flap and dance, questions arise: Will they stand strong? What awaits in the skies above? With each step, the hatchling moves closer to the day it will soar with the majestic cranes. For now, the comfort of Mama's feathers offers warmth and safety. This lyrical tale, paired with intimate photographs, captures the tender moments of a crane's early life, inviting readers to witness the beauty of nature's first steps.
Polar Bear Postman
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2017

Polar Bear Postman

By Seigo Kijima

A polar bear postmaster must reunite a lost crane chick with its family.

32 pages
3.4/5 Goodreads · 107 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Milk, the polar bear postmaster, receives a plea for help from a crane couple whose chick is missing. As seasons change, another crane couple reports finding a lost chick. Can Milk solve the mystery and reunite the family? Join Milk and his forest friends on this heartwarming journey through Hokkaido, where every postcard brings a new twist.
All Eyes on Alexandra
Sale price
$759
Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 2018

All Eyes on Alexandra

By Anna Levine, Chiara Pasqualotto (Illustrator)

A distracted crane must lead her family on a migration journey.

32 pages
4.5/5 Goodreads · 24 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Alexandra Crane struggles to follow her family during their migration to Israel's Hula Valley. Her curiosity often leads her astray, worrying her family. As they embark on their journey, Alexandra faces a challenge: can she transform her wandering spirit into leadership? With the stakes high, Alexandra must decide if she can guide her family safely, proving that sometimes a poor follower can become an exceptional leader. Will her adventurous nature be their downfall or their salvation?
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