School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-Giraffe does not like to try new things like his friend Bird does. But Giraffe moves out of his comfort zone when he notices that Bird is missing and decides to follow the feathers. In the end though, it is Bird and some other friends who rescue Giraffe who has landed in quicksand. A strength of this title is the action verbs and rich vocabulary that is introduced. For example, craggy is used to describe the mountain Giraffe climbs, his journey is perilous. The text and illustrations also work well together. For example it says, "Giraffe is determined. He leans forward, digs in his hooves, and stomps all the way to the top." In the illustration Giraffe has a serious look on his face. His belly and neck have vines wrapped around them as he marches up the steep mountain. This title lends itself to discussion about friendship and being open to try new things. -VERDICT A strong choice for a preschool storytime or a one-on-one sharing.-Robin Sofge, Prince William Public Library System, VA © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
The zany odd couple is back again in an exciting new adventure.Giraffe and Bird may have learned to coexist, but they're by no means identical. Giraffe likes stability, routine, predictability, while his feathered friend is a thrill-seeker, off wherever the wind might take him. Giraffe doesn't minduntil he misses his friend and wonders where he's gone. Following some feathers wafting in the breeze, Giraffe soon finds himself on his own adventure, making new friends along the way who help him on his quest. Giraffe must find the courage to survive perilous obstacles such as steep mountains and entangling vines. Bender's sharp wit, onomatopoeic language, and cartoon-style illustrations capture Giraffe's exasperation, determination, and terror and, above all, the joy of his reunion with his best friendright before they get themselves into more trouble! Bender includes a map of the locations Giraffe visits in his odyssey; inset pictures of the new animals in this book, a bush baby and an ibex, along with their Latin, scientific names offer bonus STEM material. May this series continue with more humorous adventures that teach, ever so gently, that best friends have to let each other roambecause the reunion is that much sweeter.A sequel that delivers; may Bird soon have his own starring role in an upcoming story. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
As established in earlier books (Not Friends , 2017), Giraffe and Bird are good friends, even though the tall, angular one prefers a quiet life while the round, fluffy one seeks out adventure. This time, though, it's Giraffe who goes on an adventure when he thinks his friend might be in need, following the map (and all its troubles) that's presented on the end pages. But it's worth the effort, as both are rescued in the end. Bender's language is lively and poetic: Giraffe gazes and grazes, Bird swoops and soars and explores. Her illustrations focus on Giraffe's very expressive face, which often dominates his orange-and-brown-colored pages, while Bird, when not displayed in full glory on his blue-tinged ones, is just a feather or two, leading Giraffe on his quest. More than one rescue is needed here, which adds to the tale's tension. Savor for the warmth of the illustrations, the fun, and the read-aloud possibilities.--Edie Ching Copyright 2018 Booklist
