First off I would like the tell the publisher that the Kindle ARC was very choppy, the pictures and words didn't fit together as they should. However I was still able to read and enjoy this wonderful little book.


As the introduction for the book states this is “a story of empathy, kindness and friendship”. Empathy is a difficult thing to explain to a young child and I think this book does a very good job with it.

Zebra and Giraffe meet every day to walk to the watering hole together. But today Zebra couldn’t find Giraffe. Finally he looked up and spotted Giraffe sitting high up in a tree. Naturally he asked him why he was up there and what he was doing.

Feeling embarrassed but still worried Giraffe tells Zebra that he is afraid of a spider that is nearby. Zebra tries to explain to Giraffe that he is bigger, faster and stronger than the little spider but Giraffe is still afraid, “Your eyelashes are longer than its legs”. Finally, Zebra gives up talking and just stays close by. Giraffe expected Zebra to leave but he waited, and waited and waited.

Finally as the sun is dipping down in the sky Giraffe could no longer see the spider. He decided to finally get down. Giraffe tells Zebra “Thank you for staying by my side even if it seemed silly” and Zebra replies It’s not silly if it bothered you. I’m always here for you” Zebra smiled.

At the end of the book the author discusses what empathy is. “If you know someone is feeling scared or anxious, you can help them by showing empathy, like Zebra did. That means trying to understand what another person is feeling. Stay with them until they feel better. If your friend is still struggling it’s o.k. to get a trusted adult to help you.”

This is a short little book with a big message. I liked the simple drawings that conveyed the feelings without distracting from the message of feeling empathy for a friend.

I would recommend this book for ages 4 and up.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

This book is set to be published on February 2, 2021

Another burgeoning couple destined for their own treehouse next to Frog and Toad where they can get together for tea and discuss what creature they met today that scared them into an agoraphobic snit. Giraffe has an anxiety attic from spotting a vicious spider. His buddy zebra wants to go hang at the local watering hole. How is going to lure his buddy out? This is a great read-aloud particularly for empathy week ( I am kidding in elementary school every week is empathy week.... apart of course from that one night where we have the purge!)
Guidance counselors and librarians who never married will rejoice at a new title for the cannon. I know I am going to be sharing it with my unempathetic charges.