Geraldine by Elizabeth Lilly (review)

Geraldine is the only giraffe at her new school, and she hates the way she stands out. Then she meets Cassie, a human girl in her class who also feels like an outcast, and the two become fast friends. Their friendship gives both of them the courage to make more friends, and soon neither of them feels like they have to hide—unless they’re playing hide and seek, of course. This isn’t the most original of plots, but it’s capably handled, and Geraldine is an engaging protagonist. Humorous watercolor and ink art in a palette of yellow, green, and brown gives this sensitive story of friendship a warm and whimsical feel. Geraldine’s expressiveness is all in the twists and drape of her long neck across the page, her brown spots spilling out of her black ink outlines, and Cassie often mirrors her, her long ponytail winding fancifully like Geraldine’s neck. Geraldine’s story will speak to readers who have felt like fish out of water—or a giraffe in human school—and it offers opportunities for conversations about reaching out to newcomers.