Giraffe of Montana, Vol. II
by William Bowman Piper; Illustrated by Bill Megenhardt
Published by Little Pemberly Press(to come)
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Reviewed by Jamie Driggers
Imagine every fictional personality you've ever hear or read about (did you know that King Cole lived next to King Arthur?), throw in a smattering of talking animals and a princess or two (one who goes to medical school), plop them in Montana and stir in a little conflict. That's what you get when you pick up Giraffe of Montana Vol. II.
The wise Giraffe and his friends character our society. They have meetings where they spend prolonged amounts of time discussing issues and creating committees. They begin projects without knowing how to finish them. They go to movies. Heroes emerge, as do those who claim unfounded power (because who says the two that think to change their names should make all the name-change rules?). And in the midst of it, they learn cooperation, forgiveness, bravery, and self identity.
But I didn't get it. My children and I eagerly looked forward to beginning this book. The cover full of exotic animals alongside people made for a great start...that kind of fizzles out.
Eventually I had to go back and re-assure myself it was, indeed, for children. It just began to feel like a comment on society rather than fantastical entertainment. That isn't to say that there was nothing redeemable about this book. It is well written and will stretch the listener's vocabulary. And, after all, a talking giraffe who is friends with a princess can't be all bad to the younger set. I just doubt they will be begging for multiple re-reads.
Armchair Interview says: More a lesson in values than pure entertainment that seems more for adults than children.