
Gugu Giraffe
Description
A highly recommended complement for the animal biology, plant life, weather, water, and geography curriculum in K-3rd grade.
This story splashes in observations of the Okavango Delta and fable-styled animal interactions in the river through fine storytelling and artwork.
It all begins on a dry Botswana day when young Gugu, a giraffe, announces he wants to go fishing.
Specifically, Gugu wants to know, "What is a fish?"
Matriarch Chidinma of the nearby elephant herd allows Gugu to join her parade lumbering to the Okavango River.
There, Gugu can board a mokoro tourist boat to see about fishing.
Adventure awaits Gugu as the matriarch elephant, a crocodile, a hippopotamus, and a cormorant explain why they could not possibly be a fish!
Reference guide with book questions are included for teachers and student resources.
Product Details
Publisher | Capture Books |
Publish Date | January 01, 2024 |
Pages | 48 |
Language | English |
Type | |
EAN/UPC | 9781951084585 |
Dimensions | 8.3 X 5.8 X 0.1 inches | 0.2 pounds |
About the Author
Reviews
D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Gugu Giraffe Goes Fishing is a giraffe story that holds natural history insights about Botswana's wildlife. It tells of Gugu, a very tall giraffe whose neck is so long, he "...saw Botswana weaver birds in an acacia tree eye-to-eye."
Auralee Arkinsly's vivid descriptions are enhanced by the fine ink and watercolors of Yolanda Van Heerden. Together, they capture Gugu's environment and the natural world of Botswana. Thus, the story will serve dual purposes as an introduction to Botswana and as the story of a kind giraffe whose actions consider others' needs around him:
"One perky bird sang out, 'Gugu Giraffe, please eat around the other side of the sweet thorn tree so that we can nest in peace.' Gugu kindly meandered around the tree while his first stomach ruminated on leaves. Stomach parts two, three, and four churned on blossoms and seeds already eaten."
Gugu receives lessons on understanding, tolerance, and kindness from elephants and others:
Gugu asked, "Why do you rip the tree out of the ground, Mama Chidinma? Aww, why must you destroy it?"
"Chidinma used her elephant trunk to feel Gugu's neck. 'Halloo, Gugu! There you are. Why do you point out my weakness? I tip trees to test my might. Unlike you, I am not tall enough to reach the branches...'"
The animals of the Okavango Delta come to life and kids receive a powerful blend of geography, natural history, and curious discoveries as Gugu absorbs valuable lessons about the wild world around him.
Libraries, educators, and young people seeking multifaceted picture books that embrace the drama of fiction and natural history will relish Gugu Giraffe Goes Fishing for its winning story of evolving friendships and understanding wild things.
Donovan Literary Review
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