Anne and Her Tower of Giraffes: The Adventurous Life of the First Giraffologist

An unusual animal—the giraffe—catches the attention of a young girl who yearns to learn all about it. But she’s thwarted at every turn: she finds no books about giraffes, no attention to the animal in her school studies, no encouragement to pursue her interest at university. Refusing to be deterred, with several science degrees in hand, she heads off to Africa for a year of firsthand observations of giraffes. Back home, she runs into unyielding rejection of her plan to teach zoology at university: only men are given those jobs. So the world’s first giraffologist, Anne Innis Dagg, turns to writing to share her research. Recognition of her groundbreaking studies comes only much later in her life.

This picture book documents Anne’s lifelong passion for giraffes with simple text and lively colored pencil sketches that trace her struggles to turn a dream into a career: to share her knowledge with the world. Young readers will empathize with Anne’s despondency, cheer for her determination and rejoice at the delight she finds in her studies. The results of all her hard work – more than 20 books and a movie – are only given brief mention. In the “Author’s Note” in the final pages, biographical details offer a bit more about her accomplishments and delayed recognition, and the conservation work she undertook. Anne’s own words in response to interview questions will help children understand her single-minded passion. “Resources for Kids” lists specific publications by Anne Innis Dagg, and some news reports, mainly of interest to older readers.

The younger audience that is the target for Anne and Her Tower of Giraffes might not grasp the significance of the time context as there is little to identify the 1950s setting until halfway into the story. Also, there is only one specific reference to the prejudice that eventually turned her to writing when denied a university professorship, although this was a major obstacle throughout her lifelong studies. Readers hoping to learn more about giraffes may be disappointed in the few facts given: they have big brown eyes, they eat acacia leaves, and make vocal noises.

A worthy introduction, Anne and Her Tower of Giraffes will arouse interest in a young audience for this first giraffologist. For a more detailed account of Anne’s life, including her efforts against bias to gain recognition for her body of work, and far more information about giraffes, another recent publication, Kathy Stinson’s The Girl Who Loved Giraffes and Became the World’s First Giraffologist will satisfy older readers.