IT WILL BE OK

Every day best friends Zebra and Giraffe go to the watering hole together.

But today Giraffe has climbed a tree, hanging on precariously, all because he has seen a terrifying spider. Will it “crawl up [his] hoof”? Will it chase him? Zebra reminds him how strong and fast he is compared to a tiny spider, but Giraffe is adamant about remaining in arboreal safety. Zebra knows that Giraffe’s fears are unwarranted—and perhaps even silly—but understands that they are very real and upsetting. So Zebra just hangs around, allowing his quiet presence to comfort Giraffe. When there is no further sign of the dreaded spider, Giraffe nervously descends, offering heartfelt gratitude to his friend for staying with him. When Giraffe spots the spider again, with Zebra at his side he bravely speaks to the little creature, who immediately runs up the tree recently vacated by Giraffe. Giraffe understands and, with Zebra, resolutely waits beneath. Katzenberger tells the tale simply and directly, emphasizing the friends’ kindness and patience and (just barely) refraining from preaching. Sinquett’s brightly hued cartoons delightfully express the characters’ emotions and personalities, lightening the message of the text without diminishing it. The subtitle is unnecessary, as is the cloying aftermatter, indicating a lack of trust in the young readers who will easily grasp that message, especially with a grown-up to guide them.

Read the sweet tale of kindness; skip the unnecessary addenda.