Giraffe and Jackal Are Friends (Again!)

This is a really lovely tale of two friends, Giraffe and Jackal, and what happens when a new student joins them at the Savannah School.

Giraffe is happy to reach out and look after Aardvark, who needs help settling in. But Jackal feels left out and resentful.

How the two friends use non violent communication methods (NVC) makes for an important story, and will help young children to understand that there are positive ways of addressing negative emotions and disputes, and of reaching a better understanding.

The story is accompanied by quirky illustrations which greatly enhance its already significant charms. Highly recommended.

It's a good book!! The messages is well delivered although the illustrations aren't my fave. Good job~

And thank you Netgalley, publisher, and author for the ARC in exchange of my honest review

"Giraffe and Jackal Are Friends (Again!)" by Mary MacKenzie and Lisa Robinson is a great book for kids. It's about Giraffe and Jackal, who are very different but still best friends. The story shows how they handle conflicts and feelings by talking kindly to each other, which is an important lesson. Even when a new friend, Aardvark, joins, and jealousy stirs up, they learn how to work through it and be friends again. The book is easy to understand with cool pictures, making it a fantastic way to help kids learn how to handle their emotions and get along with others.

We all get jealous. This is something we learn at even a young age. I liked that it showed it and did not turn it into a shame thing

Creative and unique to friendships. Provides resources and historical facts to communicating in healthy ways.

Giraffe and Jackal are the best of friends, until Aardvark comes along. Giraffe is eager to invite Aardvark into the friendship, but Jackal is not so sure. Jackal wants his friend Giraffe all to himself. While Giraffe includes Aardvark in activities, Jackal pulls away, and even sets Aardvark up in a (not-too-scary) dangerous situation. Giraffe and Jackal eventually communicate with each other and come to an agreement that makes everyone happy. They call all play together, but sometimes Giraffe and Jackal will play alone, like before their new friend joined the group.

I absolutely loved this book and will be nominating it for the Red Clover Book Award program in the state of Vermont. The illustrations are sweet, and a little silly, and very clearly convey the emotions of the individual characters. I like that they were able to talk through their changing friendship dynamic and that the story wasn't presented as one character was right while the other was wrong, instead it shows both of their honest, relatable emotions, and how they worked through them.

The story would be an excellent mentor text for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) activities, but would also just be an enjoyable and highly relatable read-aloud for elementary school children.

Thanks to Sounds True Plublishing for this ebook!

This was such a fun and artistic rendering of an all-too-common playground scenario: a new friend arrives and an old friend feels insecure (among other feelings). The author and illustrator bring these issues to life and validate the characters big feelings in a way that is sure to make children feel the same way about theirs. This is sure to be a favorite at our house!

Title: A Delightful Tale of Friendship Renewed - "Giraffe and Jackal Are Friends (Again!)" by Mary Mackenzie and Lisa Robinson

"Giraffe and Jackal Are Friends (Again!)" by Mary Mackenzie and Lisa Robinson is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated children's book that celebrates the magic of friendship, forgiveness, and the joy of rekindling bonds. This delightful book is a perfect addition to any child's library.

The story brings together the charming characters of Giraffe and Jackal, who have experienced a falling out in their friendship. Mary Mackenzie and Lisa Robinson's storytelling is engaging and easy to follow, making it suitable for young readers. The narrative takes children on a journey as Giraffe and Jackal work to rebuild their friendship.

The book is filled with delightful and colorful illustrations that perfectly capture the emotions and expressions of the characters. Lisa Robinson's artwork adds depth and charm to the story, making it even more captivating for young readers.

"One of the most endearing aspects of 'Giraffe and Jackal Are Friends (Again!)' is its focus on the themes of friendship, forgiveness, and the joy of rekindling connections. The book emphasizes the idea that misunderstandings and disagreements can happen in any friendship, but with effort and understanding, friendships can be rebuilt and become even stronger.

The narrative structure, with its engaging storytelling and expressive illustrations, creates an immersive reading experience for young children. It is perfect for both independent reading and shared reading with parents, caregivers, or teachers. The story serves as a wonderful conversation starter about the importance of forgiveness, empathy, and the value of lasting friendships.

In conclusion, "Giraffe and Jackal Are Friends (Again!)" is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated children's book that celebrates the themes of friendship and forgiveness. Mary Mackenzie and Lisa Robinson have created a delightful and engaging story that encourages young readers to appreciate the value of understanding, empathy, and the joy of rekindling connections. This book is a charming addition to any child's library and serves as a wonderful tool for teaching children about the significance of maintaining and rebuilding friendships, even after moments of disagreement and misunderstanding.

This book follows the ups and downs of 2 friends Giraffe and Jackal as a new one joins the class, the Aardvark. Jackal is unhappy and tries to get Aardvark in trouble but ultimately helps get him out of it. Big emotions are normalized and expressed simply in a way that the nonviolent communication tactics feel easy to understand and implement. I really enjoyed the whimsical illustrations and felt that the book felt interesting even with a predictable storyline and not preachy.
I received this eARC from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions my own.

This children’s book covers topics of friendships, and how to handle another friend entering the group. Feelings that can rise such as jealousy and resentment, but how to be inclusive and kind

A cute little story for read aloud time. The children enjoyed the story and it taught important principles. Fun pictures to go with.

Giraffe and Jackal are pretty damn adorable. This book helps paint a very important picture of friendship and the highs/lows that can be experienced, while keeping it child-friendly and easy to understand.