#blogbookaday: Giraffe Problems

Summary:

“Can you guess what’s making this giraffe self-conscious? Could it be . . . HIS ENORMOUS NECK Yes, it’s exactly that–how on earth did you figure it out?

Edward the giraffe can’t understand why his neck is as long and bendy and, well, ridiculous as it is. No other animal has a neck this absurd. He’s tried disguising it, dressing it up, strategically hiding it behind bushes–honestly, anything you can think of, he’s tried.

Just when he has exhausted his neck-hiding options and is about to throw in the towel, a turtle swoops in (well, ambles in, very slowly) and helps him understand that his neck has a purpose, and looks excellent in a bow tie.

Jory John and Lane Smith have truly outdone themselves in this companion book to Penguin Problems.” (Taken from Goodreads)

Review:

Edward does not like his very long neck – it makes him feel extremely self-conscious. He complains about his neck to the reader comparing it to many of the other animals that he meets, until he comes across Cyrus, a tortoise. Cyrus’s neck is too short and he needs help reaching a ripe banana on the tree. Edward and Cyrus become fast friends when they realize how much they admire each other’s necks.

Personal Reaction:

I love Jory John’s writing style as it’s hysterical to read aloud and just a funny story in general. Edward’s complaints about his neck made my mom and sister laugh out loud as my neck is also very long and they kept saying it sounded just like me. It made all of us laugh out loud, which is the best thing to do when we’re all together celebrating the holidays together. Lane Smith’s illustrations have great print and texture (plus the animals’ expressions are so perfect for the story!)

Title: Giraffe Problems
Author: Jory John
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 25, 2018

This is a new idea I’m trying on my blog this year that was inspired by @donalynbooks and @heisereads – to provide a brief review of a picture book every day of 2018. You’ll get a brief summary of the story, a review of the content, illustrations and theme, my personal reaction to the book and all the pertinent publication information! Enjoy!