Giraffes Can't Dance
Every child who has ever felt clumsy deserves to meet Gerald.
Why they ask for it again
They laugh at the animals dancing, then quietly side with the giraffe who cannot. Kids know exactly what that feels like.
Our review
Gerald the giraffe is laughed off the floor at the Jungle Dance. Later, alone under the moon, a small cricket tells him that sometimes when you are different, you just need a different tune. Then he dances, and the whole jungle shuts up.
It does what most message books fail to do, which is make the message a joy to read. The pictures are a riot, and the chimps doing the cha-cha are worth lingering on. For a kid who has already started comparing themselves to others, this is a useful book.
How to read it aloud
Let the rhythm get bigger and sillier during the Jungle Dance. Then go nearly silent for the moon scene, and let Gerald's dance start slowly.
The catch
The lesson is on the nose. Older kids will spot it coming, though few of them seem to mind.
Is it scary?
Some teasing, which can sting a sensitive child. It is resolved fully and warmly.
Books like Giraffes Can't Dance, and what to read next
The Girl, The Lights & The PrinceA girl who heals the world by dancing, also told in rhyme.
We're Going on a Bear HuntFor a kid who has to move while they listen.
The Day the Crayons QuitA funnier, sharper take on being more than people assume.
Also good for
Quick answers
What age is Giraffes Can't Dance for?
Ages 2–7. The sweet spot, in our opinion, is age 3 to 5.
How long does Giraffes Can't Dance take to read aloud?
About 5 minutes at a calm bedtime pace, by our estimate. Allow longer if you do the voices.
Is Giraffes Can't Dance scary?
Some teasing, which can sting a sensitive child. It is resolved fully and warmly.
What should we read after Giraffes Can't Dance?
We would suggest The Girl, The Lights & The Prince (we have a personal connection to this one), We're Going on a Bear Hunt, The Day the Crayons Quit.