Giraffes: Reaching for the Sky
The tallest animals on Earth
Encourages practice, and helping a friend
5 min read · 3-5
Listen to this storyThe story
High above the golden savanna, a little giraffe named Geri looks up at the tall acacia trees. He dreams of reaching the very top.
He stretches his neck as high as he can, but the sweet green leaves are still far out of reach.
One sunny morning, a bright, colorful bird lands on a high branch and sings about the magical Star-Leaves.
Geri's eyes sparkle with wonder. He decides that today is the day he will stretch his limits and reach for the very top.
Every day, Geri practices his stretches. He stands tall on his tiptoes, reaching closer and closer to the clouds.
While practicing, Geri spots a little monkey crying. Its favorite toy is stuck high up in the thorny branches.
With a gentle nudge of his nose, Geri reaches into the thorns and lowers the toy to the happy little monkey.
Suddenly, a strong gust of wind sweeps across the plains, tangling the sparkling Star-Leaves deep within the highest branches.
Geri takes a deep breath and stands on his very tiptoes. He stretches his neck higher and higher toward the tangled branches.
With one final, mighty stretch, Geri gently nudges the branch. The sparkling Star-Leaves shake free and begin to drift down.
Geri gathers the falling Star-Leaves and shares the sweet, glowing treats with all his happy savanna friends.
Looking out over the wide savanna, Geri learns that being tall is best when you can watch over your home and help those below.
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