All Except Winston

by Rochelle Brunton, Nicoletta Bertelle (Illustrator)

Winston the Giraffe is often left out by his peers because he's different. He is often ignored and deals with feelings of loneliness. But when something dangerous happens, it's Winston who saves the day with his special strengths and skills. Bright illustrations and a relatable story will teach readers the value in their differences and how to treat others with respect.

32 pages, Library Binding

Published July 30, 2022

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giraffes are my most favorite animal, so I had to grab this one and I'm so glad I did.

Sweet, sweet Winston has a shorter neck than the others. You can't help but feel a little sad for him, but it seemed like he wasn't too worried about being left out all the time. But after he saves the day he's so happy to be included. The illustrations by Nicoletta Bertelle were a perfect addition to help tell this great little story.

*Thanks to Windmill Books, Rochelle Brunton and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*

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[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm... a book that pays credit to the outsider, when the giraffe Winston, that doesn't get involved in doing anything with any of the other giraffes, saves the day. What the volume doesn't let on is why Winston is such a loner in the first place – so yes he gets to be valuable and much-loved as a result, but this leaves major issues hanging. And the fact that even the target readers should sense that means this can't be thought of as a major success – three and a half stars, still, mind.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The giraffes all reached for the best fruit and twigs in the African sun, but Winston ate alone. He drank alone, as well as played alone and slept alone. When Winston heard a rustling, he heard it alone. Will Winston be able to get the attention of the other giraffes in time?

All Except Winston has whimsical illustrations that are expressive and well drawn. The story itself is written in broad strokes and can be interpreted in different ways. Is Winston alone because he wants to be, has he been shunned by the others, or does he simply not know how to relate to his peers? The lesson and message that can be gleaned from All Except Winston can be used by educators or parents to help children who are struggling with feelings of insecurity and low self worth. Although this book has deeper meaning, children will just enjoy hearing how Winston's being alone becomes an asset to the rest of his peers.

Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy of All Except Winston by NetGalley and the publisher, Windmill Books. The decision to read and review this children's book was entirely my own.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book for kids. It's a sweet story about a giraffe who is never included in play with the other giraffes, but who saves the day despite that. I think this one will be really relatable to young children who have trouble making friends, or interacting with their peers. It shows that it's ok to do things by yourself. I am a little sad at the ending of the story, as it takes Winston saving the day for the other giraffes to appreciate him, and I think some kids might take that to heart to mean they have to "earn" friendships, so caretakers may need to be aware of this and reinforce the idea that you can do nice things despite how others may treat you, but overall it's a sweet story.
This review was in exchange for a free advance e-copy of All Except Winston.

[LiteraryCryptid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet story about inclusion and community.

Winston is different from the other young giraffes with his shorter neck, and finds himself excluded from the group activities because of this. But when the other giraffes are in trouble Winston is the only one who is able to notice the danger and save the day.

The design of characters is absolutely adorable. Winston's story is a great way to introduce young readers to diversity and inclusion, as it touches on disability, ostracization and community. I would highly recommend this story for young readers and schools.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a darling story about a sweet giraffe named Winston. All Winston wants is to feel included. He watches all his friends eat and sleep and play games and he just wants to feel included. One day he gets his chance and saves the day. Hooray for Winston! I totally will buy this book and read to my classroom. The illustrations are wonderful as well. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of Winston the giraffe in the African Savannah and how he fits in with other giraffes after playing alone, until one day he sounds the alert of trouble coming to the herd and startles them to run to safety. And now he belongs.

[mar✰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

ser diferente a veces puede hacer que los otros necesiten tu ayuda. la ilustración muy bonita.

thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book.

[Tina Athaide · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and a fun way to remind children about being kind and respecting everyone's differences.

Thank you NetGalley and Windmill Press for the ARC.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why is Winston alone? This story makes no sense. Are we supposed to intuit that the other giraffes exclude Winston, or is he just shy? Are they discriminating against him because he's small? If this doesn't make sense to an adult reader how is a kid supposed to understand. And I'm still disturbed by the drawing of Winston "riding" another giraffe. No thank you.

I'm now grateful that the complete set of social emotional books was not yet available when I put in my scholastic order, I'm beginning to think whoever decided on lumping these books together knows nothing about social emotional elementary education. I will not be ordering more in this series after Boris the Boastful Frog, Do Not Disturb the Dragon! & I-go Robot all disappointed.