How Giraffe Got Such a Long Neck: ..And Why Rhino is so Grumpy - Hardcover

Rosen, Michael J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0803716214 ISBN 13: 9780803716216

Publisher: Dial, 1993

Synopsis

Illustrated with bright, cut-paper collages, an East African folktale explains how Giraffe and Rhino lived happily on the grassy plains, until the grass dried up and Rhino came up with an idea that changed their lives.

About this title

Reviews

Kindergarten-Grade 3-Through an effective blend of illustration and text, Rosen and Clementson offer an engaging picture book that tells one version of a porquoi story told by Eastern and Southern African tribes. The lively language is bright and repetitive: "In the beginning of the beginning Giraffe wasn't as tall as the trees. She was more like a deer, lean and quick and no taller than a bush." Then came a drought, and Giraffe and Rhino asked Man to help them reach the only food around-the leaves high up on the trees. While he prepared some magic herbs for them, Rhino wandered away and Giraffe, tired of waiting, gobbled them all down himself. With the economy of language required in storytelling, Rosen has created memorable characters: "Oomph!" snorts the Rhino more than a few times. Clementson's bright, stylized illustrations fill the pages with vibrant color, energy, and detail. A note indicates that he based his depiction of Man on early Masai tribesmen. From the design on Man's bowl to the one-dimensional animal figures, the effect is authentic. The connections made by this funny story to readers from other cultures are important ones. This would be a valuable addition to a folktale collection.
Lee Bock, Brown County Public Libraries, Green Bay, WI
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This gorgeous book may not lead to a movie deal for its author, but might well bring a great wallpaper deal for its illustrator. Clementson's vibrantly hued, densely patterned cut-paper compositions have soared in wit and personableness since his last collaboration with Rosen, How Animals Got Their Colors. Happily, this tale is neatly told verbally as well as visually. "In the beginning of the beginning Giraffe wasn't as tall as the trees. She was more like a deer, lean and quick and no taller than a bush." But drought comes, drying up all but the highest leaves in the trees. When Giraffe and Rhino ask Man to help them reach the trees, he gives them a magic herb. Rhino forgets to eat his, and so Giraffe imbibes both portions, resulting in a doubly long neck and a cranky Rhino. Although this is a traditional tale in East Africa, it is tendered here with markedly unconventional style. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The publisher notes that ``Versions of this story are told in many parts of East Africa,'' crediting a printed source and adding that ``the artist has based his depiction of Man on early Masai tribesmen''--an auspicious introduction to another handsome collaboration by the creators of How the Animals Got Their Colors (1992). In the beginning, Giraffe is shaped (in Clementson's vibrant cut-paper collages) much like a horse. In a time of drought, she and Rhino seek the help of Man, who prepares a magic herb to help them reach the juicy leaves of trees. Rhino forgets to show up when the herb is ready, so Giraffe eats a double dose and thus grows doubly tall--to Rhino's continuing annoyance. Briskly, simply told and illustrated with humor and an outstanding use of graphic design, an entertaining tale that makes a natural lead-in to Kipling's explanation for the rhinoceros's notorious bad temper. (Folklore/Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Ages 3-6. In the beginning, Giraffe's neck was short. Because he and laconic Rhino are unable to reach juicy tree leaves during a drought, they seek the help of Man and his magic herbs. The next day, Rhino arrives too late to collect his share. Giraffe has already consumed both portions, grown an enormously long neck, and is happily chomping away on the highest leaves. Rhino, to this day, remains cross with Man, Giraffe, and himself for missing out on the magic. Rosen's narration moves with a smooth cadence, and the ample dialogue, punctuated by Rhino's frequent "Oomphs," is rhythmic and lighthearted. The combination of simple plot, nicely differentiated animal characters, and arrestingly bold and colorful graphics inspired by Maasai design makes this a good choice for both independent and classroom reading. Source notes are included. Elizabeth Bush

Edition details

• Publisher: Dial
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0803716214
• ISBN 13: 9780803716216
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32