When Giraffes Go to Space or Cook

According to the correspondent of Iran Book News Agency (IBNA), one day a teacher in class asks her students to draw a giraffe; a very simple task that shouldn’t involve many challenges. However, this very task can greatly nurture the talent and imagination of Muni, a student who initially struggles to draw. Realizing that all the children in the school are different from each other, she tries to draw different giraffes, and suddenly these giraffes become very famous in school, and everyone loves them.

‘My Giraffe Can Fly’ is a book that encourages attention to and respect for differences. It aims to foster children’s ideas and imagination, asking them to see things differently, because the world appears beautiful precisely because of these differences.

For example, when Muni decides to draw and fills her home and school with her cute giraffes, she draws a blue and polka-dotted giraffe. She sends her giraffes to space or depicts them in various professions. This draws people’s attention, and her teacher greatly encourages her; even at one point, the teacher tells her that the very purpose of asking the children to draw giraffes was to see their different perspectives on the subject.

In parts of this book, practical methods are offered for children to view the world differently; for instance, they are asked to think and then put their thoughts onto paper without fear and draw, and not to be afraid of the outcome, because this work will definitely foster their imagination, and if it’s amazing and extraordinary, it is valuable.

‘My Giraffe Can Fly’ is written by Mert Arik and illustrated by Hussein Sonmezay. Nazli Khalili Safa has translated it into Persian, and Safir Ardehal Publications, which acquired the publishing rights from its publisher in Turkey, has made it available to enthusiasts for 100,000 Tomans.