Giraffe Problems
Age 3+
Picture Storybooks
Penguins aren’t the only animal out there with problems, oh no…
Praise for Penguin Problems: "A small philosophy manual for readers of all ages ... wonderfully original" Observer
From Jory John and Lane Smith, the winner of the 2017 Kate Greenaway Medal, comes a laugh-out-loud companion to the acclaimed Penguin Problems. Edward the giraffe can't understand why his neck is as long and bendy and ridiculous as it is. No other animal has a neck this absurd. He's tried disguising it, dressing it up, strategically hiding it behind bushes ... anything he can think of. But just when he's exhausted his neck-hiding options, a turtle ambles in and tries to help him understand that his neck has a purpose ... and looks excellent in a bow tie.
Creators
Jory John is the author of the picture books I Will Chomp You! and Quit Calling Me a Monster!, both illustrated by Bob Shea, and Goodnight Already! and I Love You Already!, illustrated by Benji Davies. He is the co-author of the New York Times bestselling novel, The Terrible Two, and the bestseller All My Friends Are Dead, among many other books. He lives in San Francisco, USA. Find Jory online at joryjohn.com and on Twitter as @joryjohn.
Lane Smith has written and illustrated a number of novels and picture books for children, including the two Caldecott Honor titles, Grandpa Green and The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Stories. He was a 2014 recipient of a Society of Illustrators Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2017 winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal, and was named an Honor Artist by the Eric Carle Museum. He lives with his wife, book designer Molly Leach, in rural Connecticut, USA. Find Lane online at lanesmithbooks.com.
Reviews
Giraffe Problems is a comical tale of believing in yourself and making the best of what you’ve been given, with that subtle sarcastic wit that we love. A great companion to its predecessor for ages four and up.
CBCA: Reading Time Blog
This refreshingly droll story acknowledges the desire all children have to blend in with the crowd whilst showing them that different is perfectly ok and useful to boot.
Boomerang Books
This is a lovely story of self image, of being happy with what you are, of not wanting to change to fit with others. A funny story, beautifully illustrated (watch out for the lift the flap page) and stylishly designed, the book will be a hit amongst early readers
ReadPlus
Giraffe Problems reminds us that we are all different, but that those differences have their own benefits, and we should look for the opportunities they offer, and how we can help others using our own talents.
Kids' Book Review
This is a wonderful follow on from the companion book Penguin Problems. Lane Smith’s images are stunning; including a memorable pull-out page. With a thinly disguised message about accepting yourself, even if different, this team offers up another page turner that is fun and meaningful.
Trevor Cairney Blog
The illustrations throughout this book are by Lane Smith. They are textured in a way that makes you feel as if the pages could be stroked. Simple yet beautiful, they add to the words giving extra emotion to the text.
Glam Adelaide
The book would make a wonderful base for teachers to discuss acceptance of one’s own self no matter what you look like as well as acceptance and welcoming by others.
Sharon Greenaway Reviews
