Inviting a Giraffe to Tea

Have you ever been "too" something? Too young, too old, too short, too tall, too black, too white, too ugly, too fat, too skinny, too smart, too noisy, too quiet - just too different? We think if we surround ourselves with people just like us, we will somehow be better and, in essence, elevate and preserve ourselves.

Animals do the same thing - but mostly just for preservation related to food supply and safety. They are guarded and fearful of each other's dissimilarities.

But what if we removed the "too" for humans and animals?

Set in Uganda, Africa, a group of five very different animals found a way to not only get along but also enjoy being together. For years, a lion, a zebra, a leopard, a rhinoceros, and an elephant met weekly to share adventures over tea. They had long forgotten their differences.

All was well until the day a giraffe discovered the group, dredged up those differences and wanted to join in.

Should they invite the giraffe to tea?

Through words and original illustrations, this book teaches about Africa and the importance of diversity.

Patty Huston-Holm is a journalist and communications professional from Canal Winchester, Ohio, USA. Since 2009, she has been traveling frequently to Uganda, Africa, to assist with various writing projects, primarily at Uganda Christian University in Mukono, Uganda.