First published 2008
Gerald the giraffe watches from the sidelines at the Jungle Dance. His legs stretch too thin and his neck extends too far for graceful movement. Around him, warthogs waltz across the clearing while chimps cha-cha between the trees. Lions tango with elegant steps. When Gerald's moment arrives, the other animals mock him. They tell him giraffes cannot dance. Gerald's confidence crumbles under their jeers. Then a cricket approaches with advice that changes everything. The small insect teaches Gerald to move to his own rhythm instead of copying others. Gerald discovers he can sway and step in ways that work for his unique body. The story follows Gerald's journey from shame to self-acceptance as he learns that being different makes him special, not broken.
Genres: fiction, animals, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
32 pages · Paperback · Scholastic Audio Books