When Tess De Boer’s grandfather dies, her mother and uncle inherit the family homestead, a blueberry farm called Willowcreek, located near the wetlands of Pitt Polder, B.C. Tess has also inherited her grandfather’s love of birding – in particular, his fascination with the sandhill crane – a love her mother and father do not share. Pitt Polder is one of the last nesting places for the sandhill crane in the Lower Mainland, a habitat threatened by plans for development. Tess’s own uncle leads the campaign for theme parks and hotels to replace precious wetland and generations-old farmland, including Willowcreek itself.

This is Annette LeBox’s first novel and it is a real treat for nature-story lovers. There’s a glossary in the back for those urban readers who have never heard of arum or Labrador tea. The beauty and mystery of the marsh are captured in well-crafted text and beautiful black and white illustrations by Kasia Charko.

LeBox, who lives near the real-life Pitt Polder, is the author of two picture books, Miss Rafferty’s Rainbow Socks and another collaboration with Charko, The Princess Who Danced with Cranes. A teacher and environmental activist, her love of the natural world is evidenced by detailed descriptions of the settings and of Tess’s affection for all living things. The story, however, is as much about personal growth as it is about land development.

Although Tess forms tentative friendships with classmates, the girl from Toronto remains on the outside until she meets the colourful “bird woman,” Clara, and her pet crane, Tabi. Clara involves the trio in a plan to raise a baby crane in captivity. The attention and love that the little bird, Miracle, requires help Tess form lasting bonds with her new-found friends.

There are two themes running through this novel. The first is historical, involving the natural history of the polder, the De Boer family history, Tess’s memories of city life, and summers spent with her grandfather. The second is anticipatory, including the fate of the polder and Tess’s ability to find a new niche for herself. Above all, Tess feels compelled to protect the habitat of the sandhill crane. That her grandfather would have wanted her to do so makes her efforts all the more meaningful, bringing memories of the past and hope for the future together.

This is a unique and well-written novel, perfect for a lazy summer afternoon at the cottage or under the shade of a tree in the park.