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Celeste The Giraffe Loves to Laugh
Celeste was a friendly, happy little giraffe. She had a kind heart and she made others laugh. But Celeste sometimes worried that she wasn't enough. It seemed like other animals did much cooler stuff. Join Celeste the Giraffe on her hilarious journey as she finds out what it is that makes her unique.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
24 pages, Hardcover
Published October 25, 2019
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 9, 2020
I’ve read this book at least five times but haven’t known what I’ve wanted to say before now. Today I was reminded of the importance of laughter when things aren’t going smoothly. As a result I’ve appreciated Celeste’s humour much more than I have during previous reads.
When Celeste the giraffe compares herself with the other animals she doesn’t think she’s good enough. She can’t roar like a lion. She’s not as fast as a cheetah. Each time she tries to imitate another animal she fails.
Eventually she realises that while she will never be a good snake, rhino, monkey or other animal, she is uniquely qualified to be herself.
The rhythm flows well most of the time and of course this book includes the requisite fart joke:
If I was reading this book with a kidlet I don’t think I’d be able to resist pretending I was each of the animals in the book and encouraging them to do the same. I’m not saying that we’d be competing or anything, but I am saying I would win and would expect fits of giggles to ensue.
I’m definitely going to be recommending my librarians consider adding this book to the ones they read to local preschoolers. I think the kids would love it.
When Celeste the giraffe compares herself with the other animals she doesn’t think she’s good enough. She can’t roar like a lion. She’s not as fast as a cheetah. Each time she tries to imitate another animal she fails.
Eventually she realises that while she will never be a good snake, rhino, monkey or other animal, she is uniquely qualified to be herself.
The rhythm flows well most of the time and of course this book includes the requisite fart joke:
‘Maybe I could be a fish!Matt Cosgrove’s illustrations are adorable, bringing out the humour of Celeste’s attempts to mimic the other animals. The animals are all very expressive and the colours are vibrant.
I’m great at blowing bubbles!’
But the bubbles came out the other end,
which started MAJOR TROUBLES.
My favourite Celeste expression comes when she crashes into a tree. I have a soft spot for the innate cuteness of an animal sticking its tongue out. Don’t worry; she’s okay!
If I was reading this book with a kidlet I don’t think I’d be able to resist pretending I was each of the animals in the book and encouraging them to do the same. I’m not saying that we’d be competing or anything, but I am saying I would win and would expect fits of giggles to ensue.
I’m definitely going to be recommending my librarians consider adding this book to the ones they read to local preschoolers. I think the kids would love it.
November 9, 2019
This is a great children’s book and has a really lovely message
March 19, 2020
In the tradition of Edward the Emu, this is a book about learning to be yourself, be comfortable in your own skin and focus on your strengths, rather than perceived weaknesses. I'm not a fan of "celebrity" books for kids, but this the exception to the rule. A fantastic, fun text with a good message and delightful illustrations from the awesome Matt Cosgrove.
October 19, 2019
Lots of fun with great illustrations about a giraffe who learns that sometimes it is best to be happy with who you are.
July 13, 2020
Fun read- Nice message but the ending could be better.
February 1, 2021
Not as rib tickling as I expected. Saved by Matt Cosgrove's winsome illustrations.
November 4, 2022
Celeste tried to be like the other animals and in the end chose to be herself and teach others how to laugh.
April 30, 2023
Such a great book on teaching kids to just be themselves ❤️
April 11, 2024
I thought it was really cute, all the animals Celeste tries to be and fails. I liked her realizing what she is good at and being happy to be herself.
February 15, 2020
This review was published on Lost in a Good Book
Barber’s story is about Celeste the giraffe who is happy and friendly but worries she isn’t enough. Thus starts her journey trying new things to become cooler. It reminded me a lot of Macca’s Makeover, which I am going with it’s ok since Matt Cosgrove actually illustrates this book so he must not mind.
Celeste tries all the things her friends do in order to try and become cooler including roaring like a lion, running fast like a cheetah, or making a splash like a hippo. Barber’s story flows with a steady rhythm and the rhymes are creative, but the story is completely enhanced by Cosgrove’s accompanying illustrations.
The illustrations are typical Cosgrove – adorable, brightly coloured, and whimsical, but there is still a unique feel that doesn’t look like his typical Macca design. This gives Barber a look of her own and a style unique to her book while still being utterly adorable.
I love Cosgrove’s work so the illustrations are the real winner here. I enjoyed the story too, it’s fun and clever, not to mention great to read aloud. The formatting helps with tone and emphasis as well; the varying font styles and different sized words help get the right tone and humour across to gain the full effect.
This is a great story about using your own unique skills and talents to help other people and not to want what others have because you think they’re better. A good message for kids and told in a fun and colourful way.
Barber’s story is about Celeste the giraffe who is happy and friendly but worries she isn’t enough. Thus starts her journey trying new things to become cooler. It reminded me a lot of Macca’s Makeover, which I am going with it’s ok since Matt Cosgrove actually illustrates this book so he must not mind.
Celeste tries all the things her friends do in order to try and become cooler including roaring like a lion, running fast like a cheetah, or making a splash like a hippo. Barber’s story flows with a steady rhythm and the rhymes are creative, but the story is completely enhanced by Cosgrove’s accompanying illustrations.
The illustrations are typical Cosgrove – adorable, brightly coloured, and whimsical, but there is still a unique feel that doesn’t look like his typical Macca design. This gives Barber a look of her own and a style unique to her book while still being utterly adorable.
I love Cosgrove’s work so the illustrations are the real winner here. I enjoyed the story too, it’s fun and clever, not to mention great to read aloud. The formatting helps with tone and emphasis as well; the varying font styles and different sized words help get the right tone and humour across to gain the full effect.
This is a great story about using your own unique skills and talents to help other people and not to want what others have because you think they’re better. A good message for kids and told in a fun and colourful way.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews