Giraffes CAN Dance!

Over 9 years of bookselling, dozens of children have become part of my storytime "history"--crayons clutched in cookie-crumbed fingers, little ones falling off benches when overly excited. Introducing them to Clifford (and quietly reminding the older children not to spill the beans about the person inside of Clifford). Frantically coming up with crafts that won't bore the mini-artists. And, finally, picking out the books.

In many ways, I judge children's picture books by their ability to stand up to my many-cultured, high-energy storytimes. How were the pictures? Were the children interested? Many books have passed the test, but one of the best is Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae.

Gerald the giraffe can't dance. His legs are long and wobbly. He is shy and intimidated by the talented-tangoing lions. But with the help of a violin-wielding cricket, Gerald learns some very important lessons--ones we all need to hear.The pictures are stunning and bright and the rolling rhymes make it a perfect read-aloud. Every child deserves to hear this story! As my co-worker reminded me the other day: we aren't just selling books. We are creating the next generation of readers.

Might as well set the standard high.