Giraffe Asks For Help

Gary Giraffe is so excited to finally turn six — now he should be able to reach the acacia leaves all on his own!

When things don't go exactly as he'd planned, Gary is distraught. He tries and tries to get to the leaves himself, but he's just not tall enough. The other giraffes can do it — why can't he?

Gary doesn't want to have to ask for help, but his friends convince him that everyone needs help sometimes. And that's OK!

Includes a Note to Parents & Caregivers with more information on help-seeking and independence in children.

Nyasha Chikowore is a former licensed clinical professional counselor who has conducted individual, group, and family therapy, and provided classroom and school-wide prevention activities related to mental health.

She works to encourage help-seeking behavior in an effort to destigmatize all kinds of help, including mental health services. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology and plans to work with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples in the near future.

She lives in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Janet McDonnell is an illustrator whose work combines traditional media and digital magic, an author who has written, books, games, and magazines, and a teacher of kids from pre to high school.

She is an illustrator coordinator for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and on the advisory board of Play for Peace.

Janet lives near Chicago, Illinois.

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This picture book emphasizes asking for help from a friend or family member. It also has the themes of perseverance, problem solving, friendship and teamwork. I highly recommend this book for elementary school and public libraries.
—Oregon Coast Youth Book Preview Center

This book is highly accessible, entertaining and teachable (complete with a guide at the end for parents/caregivers to unpack the lessons of the story). Giraffe Asks For Help would make a wonderful addition to any child's or parent's bookshelf.
—BookTrib

Gary Giraffe learns to ask for help even when he feels the task is something he should be able to do alone...explains how important it is that children acquire the skill of asking for help and how parents can help accomplish this.
—Kirkus Reviews

Watch the author read Giraffe Asks for Helpopens in new window. Interested in this book? Purchase a copy to continue (or start) the conversation with the children in your life.