How Giraffe Got Such a Long Neck… and Why Rhino is so Grumpy

Title: How Giraffe Got Such a Long Neck… and Why Rhino is so Grumpy
Author: Michael Rosen
Traditional Literature

     This book tells one version of a giraffe myth from East Africa.  The pictures are very colorful and fun, young children would certainly enjoy looking at the illustrations by John Clementson.  However, I was not a big fan of the context of the book.  The story goes as there is a year of no rain and so all the grass is dried up and the animals cannot reach the leaves on the trees.  When Giraffe and Rhino meet, it is immediately apparent that Giraffe is more intelligent than Rhino because she can speak with words and full sentences.  Rhino though comes up with the idea to ask Man for help.  When they go to Man, after waiting a day, he gathers enough "magic herb" for the two animals to be able to reach the leaves on the tree.  Rhino forgets to be on time so Giraffe eats all of the "magic herb" and becomes dizzy until she is tall and has a long neck to reach the leaves.  Once Rhino returns, he is angry at Man and Giraffe, and it says he still is now.
     This story may get across the tale passed down from East Africa about giraffes and rhinos, however, I do not think it is a great book for children.  There is no positive moral of the story besides if you get there first you can take all of the prize.  The animals can talk, though with uneven intelligence, the human makes a "magic herb," the giraffe does not share the herb with his friend, and the rhino holds a grudge against the man and giraffe after he is too late.  These are not positive messages you want students to read about.  I understand that the purpose of the book may be simply to continue the African tale, but that is all I see it as.  The pictures are beautiful, but the story is not a great one for children.