Parents and educators looking for a book to open a discussion with children about differences should look no further than The Too Tall Giraffe. This book encourages children to be courageous and be themselves, and to accept others as they are. Crissy Maier does a fantastic job at uniting the concept of tolerance and acceptance with vibrant images and an important lesson about our value in the world.
-Lisa Moser, Author, Communications Coach, and Speaker
A beautiful book about how we're each different and each brings a unique value to the world. While the story is engaging, the lessons are timeless. Don't forget to read about the author and illustrator at the end of the book. It will bring a whole new level of appreciation for the book and the depth built into it. Powerful!
-Rhonda Bolling, author of Can a Cookie Change the World? & 2016 Author of the Year Award Winner
Being seen as "different" is hard. By teaching kids that their difference is actually their superpower, The Too Tall Giraffe allows them to reframe that difference early, setting them up for less heartache and more success. This is the book the world needs to read right now.
-Scott Harvey, Professional Speaker, Communication Consultant, & Coach
Parents and educators looking for a book to open a discussion with children about differences should look no further than The Too Tall Giraffe.
-Cheri Dotterer, MS, OTR/L Dysgraphia Consultant
The Too Tall Giraffe encourages children to look past their differences and find value in each other. In our fast-paced, interconnected world, this message is more important than ever.
-Nanette O'Neal, author of A Doorway Back to Forever fantasy series
2021-10-25
A tall giraffe uses her size to help others in this picture book.
Savannah is teased and ostracized due to her towering stature. The other giraffes at school even accuse her of cheating, claiming she uses her “long neck” to scope out the answers. Savannah feigns illness to avoid class but doesn’t fool the doctor, who insists she “had the strongest snort he’d ever heard.” After Savannah’s teacher catches her up on a lesson about lions (the “animal…most dangerous to giraffes”), the student spots “something lurking in the grass.” At lunch, Savannah is the only giraffe tall enough to reach the tree branches. Although still hurt by her classmates’ meanness, she generously drops “some leaves” for them. But when she spots a lion, her quick thinking saves the day. Savannah snorts loudly to warn the others, which enables them to escape safely. Despite her courageous act, Savannah doubts her classmates will show up at her birthday party. But when everyone attends the celebration, the giraffe is ecstatic. The students thank Savannah for her kindness and bravery. Savannah’s plight will be relatable to anyone who has ever struggled to fit in. Maier deftly shows how insecurities can ultimately become personal strengths that readers can utilize to help others. Brueckner’s hand-drawn illustrations depict realistic giraffe habitats and deliver detailed portrayals of the creatures. Featuring browns, greens, and soft blue skies, the appealing scenes include a few anthropomorphic touches, such as giraffes toting backpacks.
An uplifting, enjoyable animal tale featuring a sympathetic hero.
