Giraffes

Children's Literature - Nancy Garhan Attebury

Pebble Plus books are designed with text that allows early readers to have successful reading experiences. This book about giraffes from the "African Animals" series has the power to attract, engage, and inform young readers. Divided into four sections, it includes information about habitat, characteristics, and habits of gangly giraffes. A clear map introduces readers to Africa, while another highlights the African area in which giraffes live. Readers will learn that giraffes' spots are like fingerprints; no two giraffes have the same pattern. In addition, they will discover that a giraffe's tongue can be as long as a child's arm and that giraffes can go many days without drinking water. Lions are named as giraffe predators, and readers find out that female giraffes keep babies (calves) safe with a powerful kick. Brightly-colored, full-page close-up photos add to the text. A glossary and resources follow the text. This book will help early readers glean basic information about giraffes. It is an excellent supplement for classroom nature and geography lessons. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury