Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae

Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees
This book was so enjoyable to read and the illustrations were so colorful and animated! This book is about a giraffe named Gerald who feels slightly awkward around other animals. He realizes that he can't be graceful like the other animals when they gather for the annual "Jungle Dance" in Africa. Gerald sees how elegant the lions, rhinos, and baboons dance; but when it is Gerald's turn to dance all the animals start to laugh at him and making fun. Gerald walks away feeling sad and alone. On his walk he discovers a friendly cricket that convinces him that he just needs a different song to dance and prance to. The cricket conjures up a song on his violin and all of a sudden Gerald can sway and shuffle to the music beautifully. Gerald realizes he is really dancing and was elated! I also like this book because it conveys a message that not everyone will learn and look the same when it comes to life lessons. I love that Gerald enjoys and embraces his uniqueness! I think one of my favorite lines of the book is "We can all dance, he said, when we find music that we love."