Giraffe Math

by Stephen Swinburne, Geraldo Valério (Illustrator)

A picture book that introduces math concepts through the artful sharing of giraffe facts, for fans of  Ten Magic Butterflies  and  Zero the Hero .

Twiga the giraffe introduces young readers to fascinating facts about giraffes and their relationship to other creatures—all by using math concepts such as measurements, graphs, shapes, word problems, and more. 

This interactive picture book explores these spectacular animals through a STEM lens as everything from their speed and size to their intricate camouflage patterns (which act as internal air conditioning) and other body characteristics are featured. It’s an in-depth look at the animal kingdom’s most beloved gentle giants.  

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Animals, Mathematics, Stem

40 pages, Hardcover

Published August 22, 2023

Reviews

[Guylou (Two Dogs and a Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

GIRAFFE MATH by Stephen Swinburne, gorgeously illustrated by Geraldo Valério, ingeniously merges learning with adventure. Twiga the giraffe embarks on a captivating journey, skillfully intertwining math concepts and captivating giraffe trivia. Ideal for young minds and fans of educational picture books, it's a vibrant STEM exploration through measurements, graphs, shapes, and word problems, all wrapped in the fascinating world of giraffes.Valério's illustrations beautifully engage young readers, capturing the majesty of giraffes while emphasizing their distinctive attributes. Despite its remarkable content, a drawback for Canadian readers lies in the exclusive use of the imperial system initially. However, the author's conversion table at the end offers a remedy. For an immersive and educational experience that both children, parents, and grandparents will relish, GIRAFFE MATH is an enchanting addition to any young reader's library.

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[Darlene Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun nonfiction book about all things giraffe and all things math. There are lots of interesting facts about the giraffes. They are also counted and measured for height and weight, among other factors, and compared to other animals. For example, a giraffe is 20 feet tall while a horse is 6, a third grader is 4, and a dog is 2. A fun addition is the triangular shapes a giraffe's legs make when they bend to drink and beautiful collage illustrations fill each page. Backmatter includes information about the giraffe's life cycle and geographical homes, as well as a glossary, short quiz, metric conversation for all the measurements, additional resources, and ways to help giraffes. This book could easily provide a format for a fun and multidisciplinary research project about a favorite animal for mid-elementary students - research and writing, math, science, geography, and art illustration. What's not to love?

[L M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would have been better titled Amazing Giraffe Facts or something like it. I don’t think most of the “math” that was in it was robust enough to merit the word math in the title. For example, the page with the drinking giraffe standing in either an isosceles or equilateral triangle depending on how far they need to reach. I would have liked to have seen something about different watering holes and predators and a question of why do giraffes sometimes need to drink with their legs further apart? Etc.

The illustrations are attractive and there are a lot of great facts. I just don’t think the giraffe facts that feature measurements or shapes are presented in a way that encourages mathematical thinking

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an entertaining vehicle for learning math skills! Stephen Swinburne has created a magical entry point into a broad array of concepts including height, weight, patterns, vision, speed, and so much more. Giraffes are a familiar and beloved animal to many children, but adults too will be won over by Swinburne’s engaging voice and presentation style. For example, did you know that another name for a giraffe herd is a tower? Or that a group of giraffes walking is known as a journey? Young readers cannot help but learn on every spread, and love each "pizza pie-sized hoof" step along the way.

[Nicole Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher for my honest review.

Have a kid interested in animals but weary about math? This book is a great way to get them started. Using interesting facts about giraffes, kiddos will be using graphs, word problems, shapes, measurements, and even a quiz at the back to encourage more math skills. A great book for those reluctant to study math.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! I know a lot about giraffes and I learned new things about them in this book. The main idea is measurement, lots of comparing with the size of an 8 year old. I would definitely use this in class during a measurement unit. The measurements are given in Customary Units. If you want the Metric, it is in the back of the book. Great illustrations. I've got to buy this book!

[Melisa Sevall]

This is a book of facts about giraffes that also incorporates some math, mainly in the form of measurements. Also uses pictures and data to compare different sizes, weights, features etc. Some numbers above 2nd grade level (decimals, hundreds of thousands) but mostly within reach. Would make a good mentor text for expository / informational writing.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative nonfiction picture book about giraffes that uses math to compare and contrast giraffes to other animals. The math ranges from simple to more complex in using shapes, graphs, measurements, and more, but the accessible text (told from the giraffe's point of view) and the large, attractive illustrations make it easy to understand. Loaded with lots of fascinating facts, (a giraffe's hoof is the size of a medium pizza), make this a must read for giraffe lovers and a fun book to include in math units.

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably a good book for teachers to read to start a math or animals unit. However, the content is too difficult for its picture book format. With a title like "Giraffe Math" and its picture book format, I thought we would be counting giraffes/other safari animals.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing book that seamlessly incorporates both mathematical and scientific concepts as you learn all about the fascinating world of giraffes through math. I think this is great for any grade but will really hit home with children between ages 6-9.

[Ann Haefele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love to learn new facts from kids’ books. Now I want to go to the zoo to watch the giraffes with my new knowledge.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute entry point into math with a beloved animal!

[Margaret Boling · Rating 3 out of 5]

11/12/2023 ~ I wish there were some photos of actual giraffes. Interesting presentation of information; the book could have a better hook. I am adding to my elementary library. I'll probably shelve it with ungulates (hoofed animals in the 590s) rather than with math.