The backstory of this children\u2019s book is almost as charming as the book itself. Author Stuart King was telling his young stepdaughter about his trip to Tanzania, which involved many experiences, including seeing animals and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
When his stepdaughter thought that perhaps giraffes had been part of the climbing party, King laughed\u2014and was then inspired to create a giraffe, Grayson, who commits himself to the goal of climbing a mountain.
The book shows Grayson training for his goal, both physically and mentally, despite the skepticism of his animal friends. Milan Samadder\u2019s illustrations are delightful, and Grayson, with his hopeful smile,
is especially appealing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the main part of the story, King shares a little about his own adventures in Tanzania, putting
them in context with Grayson\u2019s success.
Grayson the Giraffe Climbs a Mountain offers something for children of various ages. I read it with my 6-year-old, who loved Grayson\u2019s story and the art. My 9-year-old thought that part was more suitable for his younger sister than for him, but he was intrigued by King\u2019s added information and photos of his Kilimanjaro trip.
Katherine MacLean is a teacher and reading specialist and mother of three children, aged 6, 9, and 12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n