Genre: Children's 4-8 years
Published: November 7, 2023
Pages: 32
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.
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.
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review.
This is a story about two friends who have a disagreement about making a new friend. As a person who tended to lose friends when another was added to the group, I could definitely relate to some of the concerns in this story. I probably would have benefited from having an example of how to talk about my feelings on the matter. Unfortunately I'm not longer a child, so this book is being published about three and a half decades too late for me. In the end, Jackal and Giraffe do talk about how the actions made each of them feel and they come to an agreement of sorts.
I like how this book really emphasizes talking about differences and feelings, because that was definitely not something I got growing up...or if I did, it didn't stick because I still can't really talk about my feelings (and it drives my husband batty). I would absolutely read this book several times because I very much in favor of the lessons. The illustrations looked scratchy, but definitely helped to tell the story.
Overall I give Giraffe and Jackal are Friends (Again!) 4.7639 out of 5 stars. - Katie
Mary Mackenzie is an author, trained mediator, and CEO of the NVC Academy. Learn more at marymackenzie.net.
Lisa Robinson has a BA in psychology from Cornell University, an MD from Tufts University, and an MFA in Writing for Young People from Lesley University. She works as a therapist for children, teenagers, and adults, and is the author of numerous picture books. Lisa lives in Newton, Massachusetts. Learn more at author-lisa-robinson.com.
Nicole Michels is an illustrator and co-owner of the design studio Bird and Banner. Learn more at nicolemichels.com.
Lisa Robinson has a BA in psychology from Cornell University, an MD from Tufts University, and an MFA in Writing for Young People from Lesley University. She works as a therapist for children, teenagers, and adults, and is the author of numerous picture books. Lisa lives in Newton, Massachusetts. Learn more at author-lisa-robinson.com.
Nicole Michels is an illustrator and co-owner of the design studio Bird and Banner. Learn more at nicolemichels.com.
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