Neema the Misfit Giraffe

by Robbie Cheadle, Michael Cheadle

Neema is different from her fellow giraffes. Their lack of understanding make her feel unwelcome. Neema sets off on a journey to find a new friends.

Includes illustrations, photographs, and links to video footage of giraffes, as well as fun giraffe facts.

41 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2023

About the author

South African author, photographer, and artist, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated seventeen children’s books, illustrated a further three children's books, written and illustrated four poetry books and written and illustrated one celebration of cake and fondant art book with recipes. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.

Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.

You can find Robbie Cheadle's artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/

Reviews

[Sally Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated book for children and the adults who read it with them. The illustrations are so eye catching throughout the book, and they will keep children engaged and offer opportunities to stop and talk about giraffes and their very unique form and colouring. The mother and son writing team have done an amazing job.

One of the key elements for me was the emphasis on how we all have a beauty, even if it is not recognised by those around us, or conforms to what is considered to be normal. Another is that there are others out there who empathise and accept us for who we are, and will reach out to smooth our path in life.

Reading on an interactive device means that you can stop, admire an illustration and then click through to YouTube to enjoy watching these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. As a bonus there are some funny giraffe facts that will get children both learning and laughing. Who knew a giraffe’s tongue was that long?

This is a short book but is packed with visual and written delights for children and adults. I am sure it will inspire a love of nature and an acceptance of how differences in those they meet can enhance their relationship with them. I can recommend this as a gift for any child.

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neema is a giraffe that looks a little different on the outside. Her current herd shuns her and Neema finally breaks away from them with no hope of finding acceptance or a mate. The story is beautifully told using rhyming, which is fun to read. There are amazing photos, video links, and artwork included that add that special layer to this children’s book. After the story, there are many giraffe facts included to add to the experience that is for beginning readers or parents and children to enjoy together—although I appreciated this too. This will make a fantastic gift for my youngest grandchildren. I can highly recommend “Neema the Misfit Giraffe” which not only entertains and educates but offers a lesson that being different is okay.

[D. Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this children’s story, Neema is a young female giraffe whose spots are darker than average. The difference in her coat leaves her feeling alone and struggling to find a mate. With nothing to lose, she leaves home, seeking a place to belong. Her journey brings her to a new herd, and she becomes friends with Amahle, a pregnant female who delivers a healthy calf. Perhaps there, Neem will find a mate and have a baby of her own. You’ll have to read the story to find out.

Cheadle’s knowledge of African giraffes is threaded throughout this story geared toward readers aged 7-13, or thereabouts. The story is told in verse, interspersed with photos of giraffes and video clips that send the reader to YouTube to see them in action. The story also includes stunning drawings by the author. The book concludes with several pages of fun facts about this graceful animal that I’m sure kids will enjoy. Highly recommended to children and their parents who want to learn more about giraffes while reading a heartwarming tale.

[Lauren Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robbie and Michael Cheadle are a talented mother/son duo writing team who have published several children’s books. Neema the Misfit Giraffe is their latest accomplishment, but although this book was written for children ages 2-9 years old, adults will enjoy Neema’s touching tale. All ages will benefit from the lesson Robbie and Michael incorporate through easy-to-read rhyming verse. Neema doesn’t fit in with the crowd that she deems as normal. She looks different than the giraffes she wishes to befriend, but they don’t like her simply because of this difference. Instead of letting kindness lead, they allow prejudice to dictate their behavior.

The notion of judging a book by a cover is unending, but we know this isn’t fair to anyone. Everyone has a story that deserves to be heard. Not only is the cover gorgeous, but the story of Neema is accompanied with lovely photographs from the duo’s personal adventures, along with Robbie’s incredible artwork. Video footage is also included that will take you to You Tube to watch these graceful animals in their natural habitats. You’ll enjoy the giraffe fun facts at the end of the story which offer an educational element.

I bought the paperback because I’m in a book-collecting mode. But I also love the feel of the pages as I progress to the end. So, this lovely book comes highly recommended for children and adults who enjoy a good life lesson, a reminder of the wonderful ripple effect of showing kindness. And I highly recommend the paperback to fully appreciate the beauty of this book.

[Thomas Wikman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neema is a giraffe with a dark-colored hide, and she is different from the other giraffes. She can’t find a mate and the other giraffes are being mean to her. Therefore, she leaves her home in search of a place where she can find a sense of belonging, somewhere where she can find love, acceptance, and happiness. Her mother was the only one who was grieving when she left.

This book features a beautiful story that tugs on your heartstrings, and it has an important message about not giving up, and about having the courage to move on from what is a hopeless situation. Some giraffes are kind and accepting while others are not. The story was beautifully written in verse and with rhymes.

The book was filled with beautiful photos of giraffes as well as art. There are also six short fun YouTube videos of giraffes in which you can hear the authors talking. For the paperback version you naturally must type in the paths. Towards the end of the book there are a few pages of giraffe facts. I bought this book for the children of friends of ours, but I read it first to make sure it was right for them, which it was. I can highly recommend this fun and informative book for all children below the age of 10. Reading this book to your children is also a fun way for adults to learn about giraffes.

[Miriam Hurdle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors, Robbie and Michael Cheadle, are a mother-and-son writing team. They have co-authored eleven Sir Chocolate children’s picture books and other books.

Neema the Misfit Giraffe is an inspiring story about a giraffe that has a dark-colored hide, different from the rest of the giraffes. Her peers’ mean comments make her feel sad and don’t belong. She wants to find a mate and have calves, but no male wants to court her. Even though her mother grieves about her leaving, she decides to go on an adventure to find her identity and a place he can call her own. Read to find out what happens to her.

The authors use rhymes to tell the story, which is suitable for elementary children. The print book is beautiful with close-up photography and drawing by the author. It includes video links to show the giraffe in action. Some fun facts about giraffes are included at the end of the book. Do you know how they drink from the ground since their legs are so long? Readers may find it interesting that the spots of the giraffes are like fingerprints. No two giraffes have the same pattern. I highly recommend this book to both children and adults alike.

[Patricia Furstenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neema, a giraffe with a dark hide, feels ostracized by her herd because of her differences. Determined to find acceptance and love, she embarks on a journey through the African wilderness.

"Neema is a different looking giraffe,
She wants to find a make and give birth to a calf,
In Swahili, her name means grace,
Matching her elegant body and face."

The poignant tale, narrated in verse, celebrates resilience and self-discovery.
This rhyme expresses Neema's desire for companionship and motherhood while emphasizing her individuality and elegance. It captures the essence of her personality and journey using simple yet evocative language.

The book offers an immersive experience, complemented by engaging YouTube videos of giraffes. Additionally, readers discover fascinating giraffe facts.

This enchanting tale of Neema's journey is highly recommended for young readers to enjoy with an adult. It not only tells a captivating story but also provides opportunities for meaningful discussions and shared moments of wonder. It's a book that both children and adults will enjoy as they explore themes of acceptance, resilience, and the beauty of diversity together.

[Kaye Lynne Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I requested an ARC of the latest children's book by Robbie and Michael Cheadle. I've followed this mother son writing team for several years, and truly enjoyed many of thier Sir Chocolate book series for young children. (I've reviewed many of those and will direct you to them at the end, if you're interested.)

Neema the Misfit Giraffe is the first book in their new Southern African Safari Adventure series, and I wanted to see how their talents have developed as they've grown together as authors. As in the Sir Chocolate series, Robbie has designed the cover and illustrations herself, but this series features, not fondant art, but a cover done in gorgeous water colors and breathtaking photographs of live animals in the South African bush illustrate the pages. Also like the Sir Chocolate series, the book's message is delivered in delightful verse.

Neema the Misfit Giraffe features an eye-catching cover that is bright and colorful, beautiful illustrations and even links to video of the animals their characters are based on, and fun facts about giraffes. This series is going to be a lot of fun, but it is also very educational, and I just love it.

[Jan Sikes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children's book is filled with gorgeous artwork, fantastic images, videos, and a wonderful message. Neema is a giraffe that doesn't fit in with the others. Her skin color is different and she suffers because they don't accept her. This story shows children how it's okay to be different. It also encourages them to search for a place to belong, to fit in. There are also a large number of facts about giraffes. These authors have done their homework. Along with stunning images, there are videos the reader can view that show the animals in their habitats. Then at the back of the book are some fun facts about giraffes that children will easily learn from. The story is told in poetic phrases that flow, are easy to read, and will hold a youngster's attention. I highly recommend this book for any child, regardless of their age. I will be sharing this one with my grandchildren.

[Chris Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful little book. I really enjoyed reading this sweet story about Neema the Misfit Giraffe. She had been unhappy because the other giraffes had shunned her. So she goes on a journey and she finds lovely new friends. And it even gets better, but you will have to read the rest to find out.
It’s great to learn all the facts about the giraffes, although I know most of those since I live in South Africa now, but it’s still fun to read it again.
The artwork, the photos and the videos have made this even better. Well done from Robbie and Michael Cheadle.
I highly recommend this book for children and grown-ups.

[Gwendolyn Plano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a visually touching read. The writers, a mother and son team, partnered to create a multidimensional story replete with beautiful photography, videos, and original artwork. Though meant for children, the book warmed my heart and taught me a lot about giraffes. The theme is one familiar to us all – the universal awkwardness of being different. In Neema the Misfit Giraffe, it is Neema’s different color that evokes attention. Through gorgeous verse, the reader is guided into Neema’s pain and, as well, her dreams. I highly recommend this sweet story.

[Darlene Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book about giraffes for children who love animals. The pictures are amazing and the ability to click onto videos will appeal to today's readers. Along with interesting facts about giraffes, the story centres around Neema who doesn't fit in as she is different than the other giraffes. The subtle message is that it is OK to be different and that you will eventually find others who will accept you. This would be the perfect book to read along with a child and discuss. Well done, Robbie and Michael.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neema finds a home!

This is a wonderful story about finding your tribe even when you think you’re alone.

Neema is a young giraffe with different coloring than the rest of her herd and must stand back while others mate and have babies while she remains alone. She dreams of finding someone who will love her no matter what she looks like. She gathers her courage and launches out on her own to search for a group to call her own and finds a new family in the end.
There are many fun facts to learn, links to fascinating videos, and some beautiful photography.
I highly recommend this to readers of all ages.

[Teagan Geneviene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story for animal lovers of all ages. Robbie Cheadle's illustrations are a marvelous surprise and beautifully drawn. This author's many talents continue to impress. Highly recommended.

[Sue Coletta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous Fun

Neema the Misfit Giraffe is such an adorable read. Not only do you get a sweet story told in rhyme but the photos, videos, and artwork provide a visual feast. And then the authors include fun facts! My granddaughters and I loved every page!