What In The World Is Wrong With Gisbert?

Title:  What In The World Is Wrong With Gisbert

Author:  Jochen Weeber

Illustrations: Fariba Gholizadeh

Publisher: Flyaway Books

ISBN: 9781947888029

Review:

Gisbert, a young giraffe, was starting kindergarten. He was tall enough to do whatever he wanted, and that included playing with his friends. On his way to school something changed, he heard hyenas whispering things about his spots. Gisbert felt himself shrinking. Each day Gisbert experienced unkind words about his trumpet playing, his long neck, his pole climbing skills and how he got stuck on the waterslide. Gisbert shrunk and shrunk and shrunk and eventually didn’t go back to school for a whole week. He hadn’t wanted to tell his parents what was wrong, but he needed to and so he did. They hugged him and tickled him, but he didn’t feel any better. One day there was a small present at his door. Do you think it was from his friends at school?

This heartfelt story with soft colorful illustrations teaches young readers how words can hurt. It also teaches that it’s okay to be different or unique. Parents and teachers can have discussions with children regarding how they are different from each other and also how to be kind.

Courtesy of Edelweiss