cover image A Surprise for Giraffe and Elephant

A Surprise for Giraffe and Elephant

Paul Gude. Disney-Hyperion, $16.99 (56p) ISBN 978-1-4231-8311-2

Chatty, bossy Elephant and her quiet pal Giraffe star in three new vignettes in Gude’s follow-up to When Elephant Met Giraffe. In the first tale, Giraffe expresses his creative side by playing his alpine horn, with mixed results (“Giraffe!” Elephant shouts. “It’s too early for alpine horns!”) Next, the duo’s toboggan ride through their savanna environs isn’t as fun as imagined. And, finally, Elephant takes a very literal approach to planning Giraffe’s “surprise” party. Striking just the right tone between prickly and sweet, Gude offers a succinct, drily funny tribute to the seesaw nature of friendship. Ages 3–5. Agent: John Rudolph, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. (Feb.)