Megumi Iwasa (text), Jun Takabatake (illus.), Yours Sincerely, Giraffe, Gecko Press NZ, August 2016, 104pp., $16.99 (pbk), ISBN: 9781927271872
When a bored giraffe enlists the help of a bored pelican to deliver a letter across the horizon, it’s hard to imagine where that piece of mail could end up (or if it will get anywhere at all). Eventually, however, the note is delivered to a not-so-bored penguin who decides to write back. And so begins the very unusual friendship in Yours Sincerely, Giraffe.
As the letters continue, Penguin and Giraffe learn about each other and their very different lives. It certainly doesn’t help that their communications are filled with (quite funny) misunderstandings. Case in point, Giraffe’s unending curiosity about what Penguin looks like eventually drives him to try to dress up like a penguin with hilarious results. A cast of wonderful supporting characters — wise Professor Whale, a dedicated mail seal and Penguin’s girlfriend — all play a role and some even become friends themselves.
With wit and humour, warmth and heart, Giraffe and Penguin are, perhaps, the most unique pen pals ever to grace the pages of a children’s book. The idea of writing letters in this time of e-mail and social media is a lovely concept to share with children of the digital age. Additionally, Giraffe’s obsession with Penguin’s looks is a fun idea to explore with children: How could you figure out what someone (or something) looks like without pictures or videos? It’s certainly a novel concept today. Finally, the tone of this book — including the slow, thoughtful pace and quiet peacefulness of the characters’ lives — is like nothing I’ve read before. I believe that’s a testament to the wonderful Japanese perspective of both the story and the artwork.
Written by Japanese author, Megumi Iwasa and illustrated by award-winning illustrator Jun Takabatake, this internationally best-selling chapter book has been translated into seven languages. It’s approachable length, just over 100 pages, and wealth of entertaining line drawings gracing nearly every page, makes this a wonderful book for beginning readers aged 6 – 8. Yours Sincerely, Giraffe is a highly original story of friendship that would be a fantastic addition to any school library.
Reviewed by Stephanie Ward