Giraffe and Jackal Are Friends (Again!)
by Mary MacKenzie (Author) Nicole Michels (Illustrator)
Giraffe and Jackal express their feelings and resolve differences in a positive way, through the power of Nonviolent Communication.
Giraffe and Jackal are best friends, even though their personalities are different. Jackal tends to be grouchy and easily snap at others, while Giraffe is more peaceful and thoughtful. When the new kid, Aardvark, moves to school, Giraffe reaches out to be friends, but Jackal feels jealous and threatened. Jackal lashes out, endangering Aardvark, and a conflict ensues. By employing compassionate communication techniques, Giraffe helps Jackal work through his conflicted feelings in a positive way so that all three can be friends.
Based on the renowned Nonviolent Communication teachings of Dr. Marshall B. Rosenberg, this picture book offers kids easy-to-learn coping and communicating skills, all through the lens of a playful story with stunning illustrations and great characters.
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Publishers Weekly
Jackal is furious when best friend Giraffe befriends Aardvark, the new animal in class. “I don’t want to play with anyone but you!” Jackal yips at Giraffe. Spurning invitations to be included, Jackal intentionally sends unwitting Aardvark into a dangerous encounter with the school bullies—lions. Just as a hand-lettered “ROOOAR! ROOOAR!” overwhelms frightened Aardvark’s “Grunt! Snort! Squeak!” Jackal rescues Aardvark, and with a little nudging from Giraffe, realizes he hasn’t lost his place in his friend’s heart. Text by Robinson (The Sweetest Scoop) and mediator Mackenzie tackles the familiar theme of shifting friendship dynamics with a distinctly pedagogical voice; an afterword acknowledges the inspiration of Nonviolent Communication, a conflict-resolution methodology. The story gets its immediacy and emotional heft from sketch-like artwork by debut illustrator Michels, rendered in an intriguing mix of textures resembling marker, ink, woodblock, and watercolor. Each visual characterization is a little gem: generous, even-tempered Giraffe is almost an embellished stick figure, Jackal is a rangy swirl of moody black, and Aardvark is cute and benign, with appendages curving this way and that.
Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission
Lisa Robinson is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and the author of numerous picture books. Learn more at author-lisa-robinson.com.
Mary Mackenzie is an author, trained mediator, and CEO of the NVC Academy. Learn more at marymackenzie.net. Nicole Michels is an illustrator and co-owner of the design studio Bird and Banner. Learn more at nicolemichels.com.JUV039220 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Values & Virtues
Picture books
Emotions
Best friends
Giraffe
Aardvark
Interpersonal communication
Animal fiction
Savanna animals
Jackals
