The Giraffe That Walked to Paris [Hardcover]

Nancy Milton (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up

Retells the true story of how the first giraffe ever to come to Europe was sent by the Pasha of Egypt to the King of France in 1826, and the giraffe walked from the disembarkation point of Marseilles to Paris to see the King.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

What is the perfect gift for the king who has everything? In this fact-based picture book, the unusual present is a giraffe. In 1826 the pasha of Egypt offers to ship a giraffe to France as a gesture of peace and friendship. Travel arrangements are made and passage secured for the animal, her attendants and the three cows necessary to provide her with milk during the journey. The logistics become a bit sticky when the long-necked creature arrives in Marseilles. The only conceivable way to transport her to see the king in Paris is to walk--which she does. A zoo becomes the giraffe's eventual home and all of France enjoys seeing her there for many years. Milton's long-winded text is a bit lengthy for a picture book, but its light tone and historical significance should hook curious young readers. However, the story lacks a genuine sense of fun or spirit of adventure, which may turn some children off. Roth's pencil and watercolor illustrations feature a subdued, earthy palette and predominantly smiling people and animals. The art, though skillfully executed, adds little zip to the tale. Ages 5-9.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-- Although this resembles a picture book, it is actually, and surprisingly, nonfiction. In an attempt to improve relations between Egypt and France, who were on opposite sides of the Greek war of independence in the 1820s, the pasha of Egypt presented King Charles X with a giraffe, the first in Europe in over three centuries. But in the days before aircraft, how do you send a large, ungainly animal such a long way? The answer is depicted in this book--a sea : voyage to Marseilles, and then a six-week march to Paris. The brief text is written in a chatty style that deals effectively with the logistics of the move and its historical underpinnings. It also includes details that will appeal to young readers: the custom-made giraffe raincoat necessitated by France's cooler climate, the need for a cow in the entourage to provide La Girafe's daily rations, the unusual way a giraffe moves its legs in walking. The illustrations are attractive pastel cartoons and one full-color photograph of the giraffe's stuffed remains, still on display at La Rochelle. The book concludes with a historical note briefly outlining the background of the story. A charming illumination of one of history's more obscure footnotes. --Barbara Hutcheson, Greater Victoria Public Library, B.C., Canada
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers; 1st edition (April 28, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517581329
• ISBN-13: 978-0517581322
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,093,145 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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