Geraldine Hardcover – Picture Book, June 26, 2018

This story is so adorable and really hits home for anyone who has ever felt like an outcast. My three year old daughter loves to describe each picture; the artwork is so creative!

I have never written a book review before so please excuse my lack of flowing words or exciting descriptions. I can only tell you how this book made me, an adult feel. An adult who remembers being the new kid in school, the uncertainty of it, and the hope of fitting in and finding at least one friend. And I didn’t even have an amazingly cool neck. I did however find my talent, share it with others, and eventually gain confidence that I am awesome....just like Geraldine finds out about herself. But back to why i LOVE this book.What Author/Illustrator Elizabeth Lilly has done is take a scary, serious subject (going to a new school, and possibly being different in some way from the other kids) and she has sprinkled humor and hysterical illustrations that are endearing all throughout this book. Some reviewer called Geraldine’s neck “The most expressive neck in all of Children’s Lit.” That has to be the best description ever. If there were no words in this book, you would still be laughing and smiling.There are so many clever things in this book. I think any child nervous about being different in school, will get this book especially. I also like that Elizabeth ends the book showing that by having confidence in yourself and your unique talents, as well as supporting and championing others, you will naturally attract others to this good energy. This is one of the first books I ever got on Kindle and thought, RATS! I NEED THE HARDCOVER!!! So, it arrived today. I drove around with it on errands and looked at it in parking lots. Then at home. Then after dinner. I am giving it a place of honor on one of the shelves in my recording studio so kids can read it while they wait their turns to sing. On second thought, I may have to let them borrow it....if they read this book in the studio, they will end up laughing at the wrong time. It really is that heartwarming and funny.I can’t wait to see what Elizabeth Lilly does next. Her delicate yet alive pen and watercolor illustrations feel like the real deal to me, not oversaturated or too digital. Hand drawn and perfect. I think I have an Art crush on Geraldine. You will too.

This is a stunning book that brought me to tears upon my first read. The illustrations are so beautiful and engaging, and the storyline is so well written. I found it so impressive that the illustrator wrote the actual story as well, as that isn't too common in the children's literature world. I LOVE this book, and I know anyone would be just as enamored with it. <3 So proud of Elizabeth Lilly, can't wait for her next book!!!

A lovable giraffe named Geraldine who's devastated when she and her family move to a place where she's the only giraffe in school. Hilarity and pathos ensue. I love how the ending isn't completely roses, just like life. But you have lots of grins and tears along the way. And yes, Geraldine has got to have the most expressive neck in all giraffe-dom.

For any child moving to a new town, or trying to fit in, this is a perfect story of acceptance and finding one's special place in the world. Geraldine the giraffe has a unique voice that all children will relate to. A beautiful debut from author/illustrator Elizabeth Lilly.

When Geraldine lived with other giraffes, she did not stand out and she was not special but when her family moves, things change. Watching and reading about Geraldine’s spunk and disgust about moving, is comical. Moving amongst people, Geraldine the giraffe, is now noticed as she is now the only giraffe. Geraldine does not like to be different and she tries to hide and she wants to be left alone. One day, she meets Cassie who also feels alone and special. I liked Cassie’s attitude, as she is feisty and angry and she just wants Geraldine to leave her alone.Over time, the two of them create a bond over games, lunch and time spent together. The illustrations show the two of them doing a variety of activities together. When Geraldine decides to introduce Cassie to some girls sitting at a lunch table, I liked how the two friends prepare and encourage each other before the introductions. I feel, that part of how they are accepted to their peers has to do with how these two friends are presented. The end of the novel is cute and put a smile on your face.Cassie’s attitude was perfect for this novel and I liked Geraldine’s shy and withdrawn mannerism. Geraldine didn’t shy away from Cassie when she spoke back to her but she continued on, which is interesting. I liked the water colored illustrations and enjoyed that the illustrator sometimes included lots of smaller illustrations on one page rather than one large one. Nice children’s book.

A thoroughly entertaining take on the angst of having to move to a new home and a new school. The story comes alive once the Geraldine is plopped in the middle of her new environment. Though the main character is a giraffe, every child who has moved and experienced being the new kid, or the odd kid, will totally identify with this character. This fun book is an inviting way to explore the challenges of moving and a great read for any classroom at the beginning of the school year.

In this cute and quirky book, a lovable, if dramatic, giraffe named Geraldine must move to a new town with her family. Outside of Giraffe City, she feels like an outsider in her new school. Making one friend helps make the difference, as Geraldine learns to be part of the community while being herself. A great books for kids entering a new school and all those struggling to fit in.