Giraffe's can't dance? - 10 out of 10 from me! (Giraffes Can't Dance - Giles Andreae)

Member Name: LAURALILIA

Product:	Giraffes Can't Dance - Giles Andreae
Date:	21/01/09 (135 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quality children's book which addresses some social issues

Disadvantages: Only that I have never seen it on offer!

Giraffes Can't Dance - by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees

I have reviewed another children's book as I have recently moved house and at the moment, I am busy unpacking all my children's books.

***What's it all about?***

The author Giles Andreae is also the author behind the Purple Ronnie greeting cards and calendars etc. The same upbeat rhyming tone is also used in Giraffes Can't Dance. He has also written other storybooks and poems, such as The Lion Who Wanted to Love and Commotion in the Ocean.

This is the story of Gerald. Gerald is a giraffe who might best be described as 'gangly', and just a bit challenged in the movement department! Every year the jungle animals hold a dance and Gerald is dreading it. The story shows us animals that all perform spectacular dances, while Gerald looks on anxiously. When it is his turn to step up, all the animals begin to laugh and tease Gerald for even attempting to take part.

He feels like a fool and creeps off into the night; sad and alone, leaving the fun behind.

Whilst looking at the moon, a cricket advises Gerald to try a different dance, one that suits him. The cricket began to play the violin and Gerald was inspired! He danced gracefully and felt fantastic at his great achievement.

One by one the animals re-appear, amazed to watch Gerald dance; they thought him the best dancer. Gerald was modest in his glory and exclaimed that anyone can dance when they have the right music.

***Opinion***

When I buy a children's book I keep one eye on educational value and the other on pleasure and this fulfils both. Educationally, it uses interesting verbs, adjectives, rhyme and even throws in alliteration for good measure. The rhyming lilt throughout, makes you almost race through the book as you get into a rhythm. It is also useful if children want to guess some of the rhyme as they get into the book. (We have the big version of the book that we use in Reception class).

The illustrations are by Guy Parker-Rees and are colourful and amusing (I love the chimps doing a cha-cha-cha!)

The book could also be used to link into a safari topic and also within circle time (PSHE) to discuss issues such as meanness, having belief in oneself, forgiveness etc.

When you read the book your children of course feel empathy for Gerald and understand the fact that you can be whatever you want to be and it's ok to be different. It also addresses the issue of being alone.

One thing that seems odd is that Gerald has to prove himself to gain the friendship of the other animals back; they don't apologise for laughing at him. I'm not sure that this sends the right message to children. It seems to be accepting of the fact that Gerald had to please his friends for him to be accepted again. Perhaps I am being picky, perhaps there is a bit of reality in that..., maybe that is the law of the playground too, unfortunately.

Anyway, I have probably looked at it a bit too deeply! It is still a thoroughly entertaining read, which my children would want to read over and over, which is the point of any book at this age; to develop a love of reading.

***AVAILABILITY***

It is currently available on Amazon for £4.19 (32 pages) and is also available as a board book for £4.79. The publisher is Orchard books.

Summary: Excellent book to develop a love of rhyme.