A Giraffe and a Half

Over the years, I’ve read many Shel Silverstein books. Something in his playful- at times dark and wildly absurd storytelling, makes me feel alive. The rhythm of his poetry magically lines up with your heartbeat. He creates a world full of silliness across the full spectrum of emotions- and it sucks you right in.

From an early age, my daughter, Georgia, loved his stories and illustrations- the simplicity of black and white line drawings, cartoon like imagery depicting the most unthinkable scenarios- such as ‘The Giraffe and a Half’. A circular tale that builds up as you go, a motion forward, connecting a boy and his giraffe, on a journey that reminds us- just how far imagination can take us. And how sometimes, going full circle is just what happens. We add, subtract, shuffle - only to feel our feet land exactly where we started. But we are never the same after that round about journey, are we?

I happened upon this particular sleeveless copy of ‘A Giraffe and a Half’ at the house I’m staying in. A solo picture book piled up in the living room table along montecristo magazines, cookbooks and works of nonfiction. When I first read through it, I noticed the stains of markers bleeding through page 6. A colourful surprise- the giraffe’s suit made stripped and purple, the shirt checkered green… I like to imagine the one who felt the urge to paint this image in colours. A collaboration of sorts 🌈 Silverstein found a lifeline in love- in the face of tremendous loss. He wrote poetry, picture books, and songs -including 'a boy named Sue' recorded by Johnny Cash. He created from that depth and it resonates in our hearts- like cosmic ripples in the sky.

The educational media brand dedicated to celebrating music history, Raised by Hippies, has a great video on Shel Silverstein life and work. Click here to watch on their IG @raised_by_hippies.

Book: A Giraffe and a Half (Canada & U.S.A)

Words & Pictures by: Shel Silverstein

Published: 1964 HarperCollins