The Giraffe Who Was Afraid Of Heights
by David A. Ufer; Illustrated by Kirsten Carlson
Published by Sylvan Dell Publishing (June 30 2006 Release)
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Reviewed by Jennifer Peacey
Told from the perspective of a young giraffe with a fear of heights, this beautifully illustrated book teaches children that it's okay to be afraid.
Hoping to help their son conquer his fear of raising his head up into the air, a young giraffe's worried parents send him off to see the village doctor. As the giraffe sets out on his journey, he meets a monkey with a fear of climbing trees, and a hippo who is terrified of the water.
Together, the three young animals discuss their fears and decide to travel together across the African savannah. When they encounter danger in the form of a hungry crocodile that thinks the monkey would make a perfect lunch, the animals band together to protect their friend and in the process learn how to triumph over fear.
At the back of the book is a brilliant section entitled "For Creative Minds," which explores fun animal facts, discusses animal adaptations, and includes a craft activity with instructions for making a mix-and-match activity book.
This section is what makes Sylvan Dell books stand out from the crowd--combining a thoughtfully written story with educational "story-stretching" activities.
Armchair Interviews says: The Giraffe Who Was Afraid of Heights is a gentle reminder for young children that everyone has fears, and that there are ways of overcoming them.