Giraffes Can't Dance
What’s inside...
Gerald the giraffe longs to dance, but his legs are too skinny and his neck is too long, causing his knees to buckle whenever he tries to twirl. At the Jungle Dance, while other animals gracefully dance, Gerald is mocked for his inability. However, with encouragement from a small supportive creature, Gerald learns that embracing his uniqueness and finding his own rhythm can allow him to dance joyfully. The bestselling Giraffes Can't Dance is now a board book! Giraffes Can't Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend. With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.
Age
1-3
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Gerald The Giraffe
Cricket
Discussion points
What do you think made Gerald feel sad at the dance?
How do you think Gerald felt when he finally danced?
Why is it important that we all find our own music, like Gerald did?
Can you think of a time when you tried something different and it made you happy?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own feelings about a time you felt different or couldn't do something well. This shows empathy and encourages openness. Highlight the importance of perseverance and finding one’s unique capabilities, drawing parallels to Gerald’s journey. Use expressive reading to highlight emotions, helping your child connect with Gerald’s experiences. After discussing the questions, encourage your child to dance to their favorite song, embracing Gerald's lesson that everyone can dance when they find music that they love.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The protagonist, Gerald the giraffe, feels isolated and inadequate because he can't dance like the other animals. However, by the end of the story, Gerald discovers his unique style of dancing and embraces his individuality.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own talents and quirks, understanding that it's okay to be different and that everyone has something special about them.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the initial ridicule and struggles, Gerald doesn't give up on trying to dance. With encouragement from a friend and his own determination, he eventually finds joy and success in dancing.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence and trying again, even when faced with difficulties or failures.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Encouragement
Explanation: A crucial turning point in the story is when a cricket encourages Gerald, helping him discover his own rhythm. This act of kindness and understanding changes Gerald's outlook.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of supporting others who may feel left out or different. They see how positive words and actions can significantly impact others' lives.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Diversity
Explanation: The variety of animals and dances in the jungle celebration highlights the beauty of diversity and the different talents each creature brings.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and embrace diverse cultures and personalities in their community.
Example Lesson: Confidence
Explanation: After finding his own rhythm, Gerald dances proudly in front of all the other animals, who now admire his unique moves.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of confidence and self-assurance in their abilities, encouraging them to proudly showcase their skills and achievements.