This book by Catholic retreat leader and writer William J. Fitzgerald contains stories, reflections, and prayers honoring animals. He concurs with Mechtild of Magdeburg who said, "The truly wise person kneels at the feet of all creatures." When Fitzgerald thinks of the amazing journeys of salmon and geese, he feels inspired to take on arduous tasks. Looking at the struggle of the whooping cranes to just evade extinction, the author muses on human attempts to survive ethnic cleansings and senseless wars. Fitzgerald believes that animals are messengers of God who call us to prayer. He includes examples after each chapter based on his readings and responses to cranes, wolves, eagles, desert tortoises, and other creatures. "One Hundred Cranes" is a wonderful primer on our spiritual relationship with animals.