Zeraffa Giraffa
What’s inside...
This is the astonishing true story of Zeraffa, a giraffe who was sent as a gift by the Ottoman Viceroy of Egypt to King Charles X of France in 1826. A young boy, Atir, takes care of Zeraffa on her epic journey by felucca down the Nile and by ship across the sea. Zeraffa grows so tall that a hole is cut in the deck for her neck to go through, and the sailors sing songs as she gazes down at them. In France, Atir leads her through the countryside, and thousands of people marvel at Zeraffa in her yellow taffeta cloak. The whole of Paris falls in love with Zeraffa and the King builds her a special house in the Jardin des Plantes. On warm nights, the young princess, granddaughter of the king, visits and listens while Atir whispers stories to Zeraffa of a hot land far away, and on the breeze they all feel the kiss of Africa.
Age
5-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Zeraffa
The Boy
Discussion points
How do you think Zeraffa felt on her journey from Egypt to France?
What similarities and differences can you see between your life and Zeraffa's?
Why do you think the people were so fascinated by Zeraffa?
Can you think of a time when you were curious about something new or unfamiliar, just like the people in the book?
What does this story teach us about friendship and caring for others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by setting a comfortable reading atmosphere, perhaps relate a personal story about seeing an unusual animal for the first time to spark initial interest.
Ask clarifying questions to ensure your child comprehends Zeraffa’s journey, like what they think a journey from one country to another involves.
Encourage your child to describe what they imagine Zeraffa’s surroundings looked like, enhancing their engagement with the book’s illustrations and settings.
Link discussions to broader life lessons, such as the importance of kindness and understanding towards those who are different from us.
Conclude your reading session by asking your child how they would feel and what they would do if they met Zeraffa, fostering empathy and personal connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Zeraffa Giraffa portrays the journey of a giraffe sent as a gift to the King of France from Egypt. Throughout her journey and adaptation to a new environment, themes of empathy are explored as characters learn to understand and care for Zeraffa's feelings and needs.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize and respect the feelings and situations of others around them, whether they are friends from different backgrounds or new classmates.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The story shows how Zeraffa adapts to her new surroundings far from home, illustrating the resilience and adaptability of creatures when faced with change.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace changes in their own lives, such as moving to a new school or trying out new activities, with courage and positivity.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, various characters forge bonds of friendship with Zeraffa, providing her with companionship and comfort. This highlights how friendships can transcend differences in species and environment.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to be open to making friends in diverse settings and to be the kind of friend who supports and comforts others.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Zeraffa's presence in France sparks curiosity and interest among the French people about African wildlife and habitats. This element of the story underlines the importance of learning from new experiences and being open to acquiring knowledge about the world.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to explore and learn about cultures, animals, and environments that are unfamiliar to them, broadening their understanding and appreciation of the world.
Example Lesson: Kindness to Animals
Explanation: The careful and considerate treatment of Zeraffa by her caretakers highlights the moral lesson of treating animals with kindness and respect.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to extend compassion and care towards pets and wildlife, understanding their role in ensuring the well-being of animals.