Loading...
266th out of 1,730 books
—
2,365 voters
My rating:
add to my books
Giraffes Can't Dance
.
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published
September 1st 2001
by Scholastic Inc.
There is a good chance some of your friends read this book. Sign in to see!
sign in »
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
1,634)
Giraffes are one of my favorite animals so when I saw the cover of this one, I knew I wanted to read it. The message in Giraffes Can't Dance is that you shouldn't listen to others when they tell you that you can't do something. You should find your own way of accomplishing it. Gerald the giraffe learns that "we can all dance when we find music that we love."
The best part of this one for me, though, is the illustrations. If you've ever wanted to see warthogs waltzing, rhinos...more
The best part of this one for me, though, is the illustrations. If you've ever wanted to see warthogs waltzing, rhinos...more
Addyson absolutely loves this book. There is a great message about finding yourself. The illustrations are detailed and fun and it's easy to read out-loud.
view 1 comment
What a fantastic book! It was the title of the book which first captured my attention and I decided I wanted to read it. The book uses a lot of colourful illustrations throughout which will be sure to capture every child’s attention/imagination. The moral of the story is that we should not judge anyone on face value and I think this would be a useful book to introduce to children as young as 4 years old especially if any pupils in your class are experiencing bullying/prejudices.
The ...more
The ...more
Sheena O'connell
added it
Giraffes Can’t Dance
This is a beautifully illustrated book about a Giraffe called Gerald who lives in the Jungle. Gerald is long, skinny and bandy knees and as a result of this poor Gerald can’t dance and the other animals in the jungle make fun of Gerald for been different and not being like him. Geralds struggles to fit in. This is a great book to convey the message of inclusion and friendship to younger children. From this heart-warming book they discover that even though tour different ...more
This is a beautifully illustrated book about a Giraffe called Gerald who lives in the Jungle. Gerald is long, skinny and bandy knees and as a result of this poor Gerald can’t dance and the other animals in the jungle make fun of Gerald for been different and not being like him. Geralds struggles to fit in. This is a great book to convey the message of inclusion and friendship to younger children. From this heart-warming book they discover that even though tour different ...more
Ahdeelah Hussain
added it
Giraffes can’t dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
This is a story about a giraffe called Gerald, he strongly believed he couldn’t dance and lacked confidence. Everyone in the jungle awaited the great jungle dance that comes one a year and all the animals participated. They all said to Gerald that Giraffes cannot dance therefore he strongly believed he couldn’t and felt very sad. Until one night he meets a cricket who was watching Gerald earlier on and encouraged him that he can danc...more
This is a story about a giraffe called Gerald, he strongly believed he couldn’t dance and lacked confidence. Everyone in the jungle awaited the great jungle dance that comes one a year and all the animals participated. They all said to Gerald that Giraffes cannot dance therefore he strongly believed he couldn’t and felt very sad. Until one night he meets a cricket who was watching Gerald earlier on and encouraged him that he can danc...more
From the makers of 'The Chimpanzees of Happy Town' comes this beautiful story book about a clumsy giraffe who can't dance. All the animals in the forest are enjoying their yearly Jungle Dance, and poor Gerald feels so left out...
All of his animal friends laugh at him and ridicule the awkward giraffe, till he meets a cricket, who shows him that we all have a dance within us, sometimes we just need to find a different tune to dance to, something that we love....
Another beautifu...more
All of his animal friends laugh at him and ridicule the awkward giraffe, till he meets a cricket, who shows him that we all have a dance within us, sometimes we just need to find a different tune to dance to, something that we love....
Another beautifu...more
‘Giraffes can’t dance’ is such a brilliant and funny book! I found it really satisfying to read and to look at. It is brightly illustrated with lovely pictures of the different animals included in the book.
It is about a giraffe who meets a group of animals in the forest dancing to music. The giraffe feels like he is no good at dancing to the music and feels that everyone around him is either looking or laughing at him. He walks off into another part of the woods under the light from th...more
It is about a giraffe who meets a group of animals in the forest dancing to music. The giraffe feels like he is no good at dancing to the music and feels that everyone around him is either looking or laughing at him. He walks off into another part of the woods under the light from th...more
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
ISBN 978-1-84121-565-5 First published by Orchard Books in 1999
This edition published in 2002
Gerald the giraffe can’t dance like the other animals because his neck is too long, his legs are skinny and his knees give way whenever he attempts swirling around. All the animals are invited to a dance. The other animals are able to perform amazing dances ranging from the tango through to cha-chas. When Gerald ...more
ISBN 978-1-84121-565-5 First published by Orchard Books in 1999
This edition published in 2002
Gerald the giraffe can’t dance like the other animals because his neck is too long, his legs are skinny and his knees give way whenever he attempts swirling around. All the animals are invited to a dance. The other animals are able to perform amazing dances ranging from the tango through to cha-chas. When Gerald ...more
I love giraffes and I love dancing--and I could tell by the cover art that giraffes CAN dance, despite the title ;-> This is a rather typical story of the main character feeling inadequate and made fun of by others who are "better" at a certain activity than he is--in this case, dancing--before discovering his own hidden talents at which point all the others are mighty impressed. But, the somewhat over-tired theme is made up for in the fun cast of characters (lions doing a tango, ...more
Gerald is a tall giraffe that wishes he could dance like the rest of the animals. However, his legs are so skinny, his neck is too long, and his knees buckle whenever he tries to twirl around. At the Jungle Dance all the animals do their fancy waltzes, cha-chas, and tangos. When Gerald tries to give dancing a try he hears, “Giraffes can’t dance,” making him leave the festivities very sad and down. Until a little creature his him some uplifting advice leaving the other animals in amazement!
...more
...more
Giraffes Can't Dance.
Gerald is a giraffe that has always wanted to be a dancer but believed he couldn’t because of his skinny legs and long neck. Once a year a dance was held in the jungle which all the animals would attend but Gerald never participated as everyone told him giraffes cannot dance. One night Gerald meets a cricket that encourages him that he can dance he just needs to find the right song. The cricket tells Gerald to listen to the music around him the movement of the tre...more
Gerald is a giraffe that has always wanted to be a dancer but believed he couldn’t because of his skinny legs and long neck. Once a year a dance was held in the jungle which all the animals would attend but Gerald never participated as everyone told him giraffes cannot dance. One night Gerald meets a cricket that encourages him that he can dance he just needs to find the right song. The cricket tells Gerald to listen to the music around him the movement of the tre...more
Giraffes Can't Dance is a motivating and inspiring book that everyone should read. Giles Andreae wrote a wonderful story about a giraffe, Gerald, that is laughed at and called weird because he cannot dance. Gerald mets an unlikely friend that is able to help him through this difficult time where he was sad and alone. This book had a great underlying message that shows children that even if you are different, you are special. In the story, Gerald is told that if you are different, you just ne...more
Giraffes can’t dance is a story with a moral. It’s a story about Gerald the giraffe that lives in the jungle and it’s the annual jungle dance but Gerald can’t dance because his legs are “thin”. Then he comes across a friendly cricket who tells him that “sometimes when you’re different, you just need a different song” and the next thing you know Gerald is dancing and grooving in his own special way to the music of a moonlit evening.
The delightful tale tells two vital mora...more
Giraffes Can’t Dance:By Giles Andreae.
“We all can dance, when we find music that we love.”
A truly magnificent picture book with a truly inspiring message!
All the animals in the Jungle can dance, except for Gerald the giraffe. After a clumsy attempt to join in with the ‘waltzing warthogs’, the ‘rock’ n’ rolling rhinos’ and the ‘elegant and bold’ lions at the ‘Jungle Dance’ Gerald is left feeling humiliated, sad and very alone. On his journey home from the dance, ho...more
“We all can dance, when we find music that we love.”
A truly magnificent picture book with a truly inspiring message!
All the animals in the Jungle can dance, except for Gerald the giraffe. After a clumsy attempt to join in with the ‘waltzing warthogs’, the ‘rock’ n’ rolling rhinos’ and the ‘elegant and bold’ lions at the ‘Jungle Dance’ Gerald is left feeling humiliated, sad and very alone. On his journey home from the dance, ho...more
Description: A giraffe named Gerald is the worst dancer in the jungle, and he's embarassed every year at the jungle dance. A cricket helps him understand that everything makes music, and he figures out how to dance to his own tune.
Themes: animals, jungle, dancing, learning new skills, overcoming fear/defeat, underdog victory, rhyming
Great features: bright colorful pictures, rhyming language
Red Flags: none
Opportunity for interactions: You can ask...more
Themes: animals, jungle, dancing, learning new skills, overcoming fear/defeat, underdog victory, rhyming
Great features: bright colorful pictures, rhyming language
Red Flags: none
Opportunity for interactions: You can ask...more
Giraffes Can’t Dance written by Giles Andrede and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees is a beautifully written rhyming story about a giraffe named Gerald who thinks he can’t dance. Every year the animals hold a jungle dance something that Gerald never looks forward to, as the other animals make fun of him and tell him that he can’t dance. One day this all changes when Gerald finds some music that allows him to dance and move freely. The story is in no doubt bought to life by the most wonderful ill...more
This is a story about a giraffe named Gerald who is teased by the other animals in the jungle because he can’t dance. Until one night after he is laughed out of town because of his ‘moves’ he meets a friendly cricket who advises Gerald that maybe he needs different music to dance to. With this advice Gerald listens to the sounds around him and he begins to dance with all the other animals around him watching with amazement.
This is an amazing book which can show children that it is ok to b...more
This is an amazing book which can show children that it is ok to b...more
Giraffes Can't Dance is an excellent book that can be used in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 classes.
It illustrates the fact that everyone is different; being unique isn't a bad thing. We should learn to appreciate people for their differences.
This book could be used in both PSHE and in RE.
PSHE - We are all different and we are all good at different things. Someone may be excellent at Maths but might not be very good at art.
In RE this book could be used to illus...more
It illustrates the fact that everyone is different; being unique isn't a bad thing. We should learn to appreciate people for their differences.
This book could be used in both PSHE and in RE.
PSHE - We are all different and we are all good at different things. Someone may be excellent at Maths but might not be very good at art.
In RE this book could be used to illus...more
One of the first things that stands out about this particular book is the effective use of the peritext to draw the reader in. The cover and the endpapers depict a dancing giraffe--contrary to the title's claim. This gives readers a chance to make predictions and discuss how the artwork relates to the title. The rich colors and extensive details in the pictures throughout the book also offer young readers a chance to analyze the story individually. The book works as a read-aloud, but probabl...more
This as a really touching and inspiring story that sends out a message to one and all. It is about a giraffe that 'can't' dance and when he attempts to he is laughed and teased at by other animals in the jungle. When he goes off by himself he listens to the sounds around him and most importantly his own body. He begins to dance and dance so well that the other animals are left in shock.
This is a beautiful story book that has many appealing images for both adult and child. I would recommend...more
This is a beautiful story book that has many appealing images for both adult and child. I would recommend...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
This is a story about a giraffe call Gerald who cannot dance. Gerald is teased by the other animals because he is not a very good dancer. Gerald gets laughed out of the town after the Jungle dance. However, Gerald receives advice and guidance from a very wise cricket who teaches him to listen to the sounds around him and his own body. Gerald learns to dance better than all the other animals who are left shocked at how good of a dancer Gerald has become! This is a very entertaining book with rhym...more
This is a wonderful tale about Geoffrey the giraffe. Geoffrey was clumsy and would buckle at the knees when he would try to run. When the day came for the big jungle dance, Geoffrey wanted to participate, but the other animals teased him and he left the dance. While gazing at the moon, a cricket told him, "Sometimes when your different you need a different song." As the cricket begun to play a violin Geoffrey slowly began to move. Suddenly he was dancing. the other animals cheered for ...more
This is now one of my favorite children's books! The main character is a giraffe who has a disability with his legs. The lions call him weird and make fun of him for not being able to dance. Towards the end, a cricket explains to the giraffe that you can find your own music. After the giraffe listens to the branches in the wind and to music he dances in his own unique way. The lions tell him he is the best dancer they have ever seen. This story would be great to teach about bullying or how being...more
I really enjoyed this book. I had a great time using this book as a jumping point for creating code-breaking lessons and text user lessons. Children can practice rhyming word recognition, and also practice using different writing styles to create individual book reviews.
This book can also be a great counting book in math. How many lions were dancing? How many of the animals were at the dance? This book could also be used to introduce ratio. 1 out of all the animals could NOT dance. 7 ...more
This book can also be a great counting book in math. How many lions were dancing? How many of the animals were at the dance? This book could also be used to introduce ratio. 1 out of all the animals could NOT dance. 7 ...more
Kipi
rated it
Recommends it for:
parents, grandparents, teachers
Recommended to Kipi by:
Nancy Michalik
An absolutely wonderful little book! Gerald is a giraffe who watches the other animals dance and believes that he can't...until a smart little cricket tells him that sometimes when you're different "you just need a different song." There are so many lessons gently packed into this story...be true to yourself, believe in yourself, be kind to those who are different, explore new possibilities...and on and on.
The illustrations and beautiful, bright and detailed, and the rhyt...more
The illustrations and beautiful, bright and detailed, and the rhyt...more
Giraffes Can't Dance is one of my favorite childrens books! It is about Gerald the giraffe who is awkward and gets made fun of because he cannot dance like the other jungle animals. They make fun of him and he is sad because he can't dance. He meets a grasshopper who tells him maybe you just need to dance with a different beat of the drums, so he listens to the wind and then he moves. It tells children that when you think you can't do something, try again and you would be surprised. It is a wond...more
Giraffes Can’t Dance
The strong points that this book has is it main message which is to keep trying and never giving up. Teaching children the lesson of perseverance is very valuable to them, and their current and future achievements. It also has moral development aspects such as being a helpful friend which is good for children learning to build and maintain relationships.
I think this book is suitable for ages 3-7/8. It can make valuable contributions to lessons such as ...more
The strong points that this book has is it main message which is to keep trying and never giving up. Teaching children the lesson of perseverance is very valuable to them, and their current and future achievements. It also has moral development aspects such as being a helpful friend which is good for children learning to build and maintain relationships.
I think this book is suitable for ages 3-7/8. It can make valuable contributions to lessons such as ...more
This is a fun book that celebrates diversity and emphasizes that it is the differences that make us unique and interesting and not just cookie cutter imprints of our friends or parents. It also encourages us to dream big, no matter how impossible that dream might be. We enjoyed watching the pages animated as the story is narrated by Billy Dee Williams on a Scholastic Storybook Treasures DVD. It included seven other sing-along songs with animations of the illustrated books. It was a great way t...more
Ann
rated it
This is a book about Gerald the giraffe who "can't dance" and all the other African animals at the Jungle Dance (where warthogs waltz and lions tango) make fun of him. Gerald begins to believe that maybe they are right, that maybe he is just useless. Until he happens upon a cricket who shows him another point of view:
"Excuse me!" coughed a cricket
who'd seen Gerald earlier on.
"But sometimes when you're different
you just need a different song."...more
"Excuse me!" coughed a cricket
who'd seen Gerald earlier on.
"But sometimes when you're different
you just need a different song."...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1001 Book Reviews...: Giraffes Can't Dance: Review | 1 | 2 | Oct 19, 2011 10:48pm |
Readers Also Enjoyed
Giles Andreae is the author of several children's books, including the best-selling Giraffes Can't Dance, illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees. He is the creator of Purple Ronnie, one of the most successfully licensed cartoon characters in his native England.
Giles lives with his wife and three children in Notting Hill, England.
More about Giles Andreae...
Giles lives with his wife and three children in Notting Hill, England.
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
