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Neck & Neck
A giraffe's self-esteem is tested during a confrontation between unlikely look-alikes!
Everybody loves Leopold the giraffe. He inspires awe and wonder. His adoring fans gaze and cheer. Best of all, they feed him lots of deeeelicious snacks! But, one day, a shiny, bobble-headed new rival comes in and ruins everything...a giraffe-shaped balloon! Just how far will Leopold go to prove that he's the hero of the zoo?
Everybody loves Leopold the giraffe. He inspires awe and wonder. His adoring fans gaze and cheer. Best of all, they feed him lots of deeeelicious snacks! But, one day, a shiny, bobble-headed new rival comes in and ruins everything...a giraffe-shaped balloon! Just how far will Leopold go to prove that he's the hero of the zoo?
40 pages, Hardcover
First published June 5, 2018
6 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
September 29, 2019
Humorous, but even if he learns a lesson in the end, the main character is a bit too petty for my tastes.
July 15, 2018
Wiil empathy win out over being the centre of attention for lofty Leopold? To save or not to save ... that is the question. This dilemma provides many laughs.
January 26, 2019
This book caught my eye as I meandered by the books at Costco, reminding myself I was just looking and I had no intention to purchase anything. Really. Truly.
I opened it and stood there laughing and grinning and thoroughly amused. Marie Kondo talks about things that bring you joy... this book brought me joy and I decided to give it a home with me (after some dollars were exchanged). I feel like I just bought a puppy, that's how adorable this book is.
I opened it and stood there laughing and grinning and thoroughly amused. Marie Kondo talks about things that bring you joy... this book brought me joy and I decided to give it a home with me (after some dollars were exchanged). I feel like I just bought a puppy, that's how adorable this book is.
March 31, 2021
Not so bad. Fun story about jealousy that was most of the times, silly.
September 13, 2018
Leopold the flesh-and-blood-bonefied giraffe will NOT be outloved by a stupid airhead! But when one little boy takes his balloon adoration a little too far (read: he buys every giraffe balloon in the zoo then makes fun of Leopold), Leopold must decide if he wants to do what feels right (letting all the boy's balloons float away in the breeze) or what IS right (saving the boy's balloons and returning them).
VERY cute. And, a very good lesson. Sometimes what IS right doesn't feel as good as what feels right.
VERY cute. And, a very good lesson. Sometimes what IS right doesn't feel as good as what feels right.
August 25, 2019
A very silly book about a very silly giraffe who enjoys getting all the attention at the zoo and feels threatened by ... a balloon. Yes that's silly. Yes, Leopold does pretty much what you think he will do ... eventually.
The art is not my favorite style. The author / illustrator drew and colored the art on her tablet, and computer illustrations (and especially computer coloring) are not my thing. There is a note that credits an editor, two designers, a production supervisor, and a production editor, and is this a book or a movie??
The art is not my favorite style. The author / illustrator drew and colored the art on her tablet, and computer illustrations (and especially computer coloring) are not my thing. There is a note that credits an editor, two designers, a production supervisor, and a production editor, and is this a book or a movie??
August 2, 2018
What a funny book! I liked how Leopold tried to compete with a balloon giraffe. It was funny watching him try and do the moves. But he was too tall and couldn't.
I feel that this is a good book to read to little kids and laugh with them at the things that Leopold tries to do.
I feel that this is a good book to read to little kids and laugh with them at the things that Leopold tries to do.
September 20, 2024
I adore the cartoonish illustrations in this book! The message of selfishness and mean-spiritedness seemed to stick in my 3 year old but the writing is a little sporadic and it doesn’t flow very well. Overall, solid 3/5 stars ⭐️ and would recommend. I would say maybe ages 4+.
July 31, 2018
The illustrations are just hilarious. Love this deviation from the Magnolia books.
December 1, 2019
I don't like balloons
July 23, 2018
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle
An adorable picture book about a self-absorbed giraffe that becomes a hero. So cute. I loved the facial expressions. Who would have thought that a giraffe could have such an emotional range? Very well done. I really enjoyed the silly illustrations.
A very cute story.
I got this from the library and looked through it with one of the kids I work with. He enjoyed the silly pictures, especially when the giraffe retreated to his tree. A nice book with a unique story.
An adorable picture book about a self-absorbed giraffe that becomes a hero. So cute. I loved the facial expressions. Who would have thought that a giraffe could have such an emotional range? Very well done. I really enjoyed the silly illustrations.
A very cute story.
I got this from the library and looked through it with one of the kids I work with. He enjoyed the silly pictures, especially when the giraffe retreated to his tree. A nice book with a unique story.
July 18, 2018
Clever story about empathy. A giraffe enjoys the love he gets at the zoo until he comes across a rival...a bobbing, grinning rival (kids will notice it is a balloon) that appears to be just a tall as the giraffe. Leopoldo the giraffe will go to almost any length to erase his competition, until empathy arrives.
January 16, 2019
I adore this book! I love that the giraffe expresses real feelings openly - like happiness, jealousy and pouting.
Essentially giraffe loves attention and gets upset when he has to compete for that attention against a giraffe shaped balloon.
The illustrations are cleaver and clean looking.
The story is straightforward and the writing is well constructed.
I would definitely add this to a feelings or giraffe storytime. This book would pair well with Giraffe Problems by Jory John, A Giraffe and a Half by Shel Silverstein, Giraffe's Can't Dance by Giles Andreae and Geraldine by Elizabeth Lilly.
Essentially giraffe loves attention and gets upset when he has to compete for that attention against a giraffe shaped balloon.
The illustrations are cleaver and clean looking.
The story is straightforward and the writing is well constructed.
I would definitely add this to a feelings or giraffe storytime. This book would pair well with Giraffe Problems by Jory John, A Giraffe and a Half by Shel Silverstein, Giraffe's Can't Dance by Giles Andreae and Geraldine by Elizabeth Lilly.
October 31, 2017
Sometimes rivals are SO annoying! Giraffe gets the perfect revenge only to discover he is out-numbered. A trip and then comes the question, should he help or not?
Adorable and very understandable story of jealousy AND doing the right thing. Parsley's illustrations are hilarious and she uses the "tall" format so well.
Adorable and very understandable story of jealousy AND doing the right thing. Parsley's illustrations are hilarious and she uses the "tall" format so well.
August 18, 2018
Poor Leopold the giraffe’s self esteem is damaged when a shiny, bobbing, smiling rival comes along and threatens to ruin everything! Lots of laugh out loud moments and great book to open the door for discussion on jealousy, empathy, and making the right choice. A definite #classroombookaday for my 4/5 grade students!
December 10, 2018
Humorous picture book about a giraffe, who wants to be the center of attention at the zoo, but is facing stiff competition from a balloon with a giraffe head. Kids laughed while I read this one. It's short, perfect for toddlers & preschoolers, but elementary students will probably get a kick out of it too.
January 22, 2019
Neck & Neck by Elise Parsley. PICTURE BOOK. Little, Brown and Company, 2018. $18. 9780316466745.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL-ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: EL-AVERAGE
Leopold is a giraffe who loves being the center of attention at the zoo. When a young boy starts praising his giraffe balloon as being better than the real thing, Leopold gets a little bent out of shape.
The best part of this book are the illustrations--I love them. The reactions on Leopold's face are fantastic, and I really like the style of the artwork. That being said, its a difficult book to read aloud so I think it is more suited to older elementary students who can read it to themselves. The story is amusing enough, but definitely lacks that certain something to make it a lasting classic.
Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL-ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: EL-AVERAGE
Leopold is a giraffe who loves being the center of attention at the zoo. When a young boy starts praising his giraffe balloon as being better than the real thing, Leopold gets a little bent out of shape.
The best part of this book are the illustrations--I love them. The reactions on Leopold's face are fantastic, and I really like the style of the artwork. That being said, its a difficult book to read aloud so I think it is more suited to older elementary students who can read it to themselves. The story is amusing enough, but definitely lacks that certain something to make it a lasting classic.
Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
June 13, 2018
At the zoo, Leopold the giraffe is king. Everyone adores the gentle giant. He fills visitors with excitement and wonder. In return, he is feed yummy snacks. However, one day, giraffe-shaped balloon tries to overtake Leopold's territory and snacks. How far will Leopold go to prevent his spotlight from being stolen?
The picture book was a fun and delightful read. The story shows how when can compete to win affection (for this story) just by doing the right thing. The storyline at first was a bit hard to decipher at first, especially to young tots I read the story too. However, they liked the drawings and silly antics Leopold did.
**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**
The picture book was a fun and delightful read. The story shows how when can compete to win affection (for this story) just by doing the right thing. The storyline at first was a bit hard to decipher at first, especially to young tots I read the story too. However, they liked the drawings and silly antics Leopold did.
**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**
March 15, 2019
Age: K+
Animals: Giraffe
Emotions: Jealousy
Family: New baby
Everyone loves giraffe but when a happier, shinier, more agile balloon receives more adoration, Giraffe's jealousy overtakes his ability to be kind. In the end, he saves a whole bundle of giraffe balloons and receives praise for his effort.
Perfectly silly but best for an older audience who can laugh, not reel back in fright, at the horror-filled face of the boy after his balloon is popped.
A note at the end reveals that this book can be used for sibling rivalry: "For Winnie: who showed up one day and started hogging all the attention."
Animals: Giraffe
Emotions: Jealousy
Family: New baby
Everyone loves giraffe but when a happier, shinier, more agile balloon receives more adoration, Giraffe's jealousy overtakes his ability to be kind. In the end, he saves a whole bundle of giraffe balloons and receives praise for his effort.
Perfectly silly but best for an older audience who can laugh, not reel back in fright, at the horror-filled face of the boy after his balloon is popped.
A note at the end reveals that this book can be used for sibling rivalry: "For Winnie: who showed up one day and started hogging all the attention."
April 16, 2019
Leopold the giraffe LOVES being the star of the show at the zoo. When an interloper appears and threatens to steal some of his fans, Leopold must do something.
This was a humorous look at jealousy and ultimately choosing to do what is right rather than what you might prefer to do. Parsley's illustration style is so fun, and she's put a lot of emotion into Leopold's expressions. A very fun trip to the zoo with some great opportunities to talk about how to deal with feelings of jealousy, and what to do when you're tempted to do something mean vs something kind. Highly recommended.
This was a humorous look at jealousy and ultimately choosing to do what is right rather than what you might prefer to do. Parsley's illustration style is so fun, and she's put a lot of emotion into Leopold's expressions. A very fun trip to the zoo with some great opportunities to talk about how to deal with feelings of jealousy, and what to do when you're tempted to do something mean vs something kind. Highly recommended.
September 18, 2019
A humorous story about the rivalry between a giraffe and a balloon. Leopold the giraffe is the star of the zoo - at least until a giraffe shaped balloon comes along and steals the spotlight. Leopold decides to take matters into his own hands (hooves?) and get rid of his rival once and for all. But in the end he discovers that playing nice just might be the best way to earn respect and admiration. This would be a fun read aloud for an early elementary school classroom. I especially enjoyed Leopold's comically exaggerated range of expressions!
July 17, 2018
A giraffe loves being adored by the zoo visitors. One day a young boy brings a giraffe balloon and talks about how much better the balloon is. The giraffe is jealous and solves the problem in a rather sad way (kids will love the illustration). The boy returns with a dozen giraffe balloons which break free. The giraffe makes a different decision this time and discovers that being kind works as well as being adored.
October 1, 2018
I love the silliness of this giraffe and the look alike balloon. I saw this at a book store and brought it home from the library. I love Elise Parsley's way of drawing the expressions on the giraffe main character. I was thrilled to see it featured in a zoo story instead of a big furry predator. This giraffe and the child visitor with a balloon of a giraffe's head have some face offs and the ending is so unexpected. I bought a copy so I could share it with a grandchild.
June 17, 2019
Leopold loves his life at the zoo. Kids laugh and cheer and feed him snacks. And then a kid brings over a giraffe balloon and Leopold feels threatened. “It’s just like the real thing, only better.” So, he pops the balloon so that the kid can give him his full attention. But the boy stomps off. Where did Leopold go wrong? The boy brings back a whole fist full of balloons, but trips and they go flying. Only Leopold can stop the balloons from flying away. “To save? Or not to save?”
Cute.
Cute.
June 21, 2018
This is such a fun read aloud. It is full of preschool-like emotions that remind me of Anna Dewdney's Llama Llama. Giraffe enjoys his immense popularity at the zoo until one day he comes face to face with a new rival for attention. Cute, original concept with a character preschoolers will identify with.
September 4, 2018
All I kept thinking was Animal Abuse. Seriously can the little boy be reprimanded by an adult? Teasing a giraffe is not funny. The giraffe is not nice either as he is pushed to his limit. I have to wonder why and how this book thought it was good for children. Ok, in the end all is well but the mean spirited is unnecessary.
April 19, 2019
A story for very young readers and learners. Would be most appropriate for kids in early childhood through kindergarten. The story is cute with few words on each page and the illustrations easy to follow. There is no real content in the story so its a book that would be read for leasure and that would probably be it. The illustrations are adorable.
April 24, 2019
A giraffe struggles with jealousy and petty actions against giraffe balloons that a child likes better than the giraffe. When he learns to overcome his feelings and do the right thing, he finds that there is enough love to go around, especially after an act of kindness.
Kindness breeds kindness.
Kindness breeds kindness.
April 24, 2023
This is really dramatic and funny, but the pettiness goes on too long for my tastes. I am not going to read this for my zoo storytime because too much of the book involves bad behavior, and I often get such young kids that I don't think the book is appropriate. It is much better for pre-K to school-age kids who can laugh at the jealous giraffe's antics and understand the moral of the story.
January 23, 2018
P cute story about a giraffe who gets a bit jealous of a balloon giraffe (wants all the attention and snacks to itself). Parsley renders some great giraffe faces, especially the face of decided malice, but it's not a standout for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews