Anne and her Tower of Giraffes

My children are constantly asking me, “What’s your favourite animal?” Although there are many fascinating creatures in the world, my favourite is the giraffe just like Anne Innis Dagg the inspiration behind Karlin Gray and Aparna Varma’s new narrative non-fiction biography Anne and her Tower of Giraffes: The Adventurous Life of the First Giraffologist.

In this story we meet Anne, a lover of giraffes and a pioneer in studying wild animal behaviour. Readers learn about Anne’s determination, her love for these gentle giants and the sexism she faced trying to share her love with the world.

I love that Karlin Gray chose Anne Innis Dagg as the focus of her story. Dr.Dagg grew up in Toronto and even has an baby giraffe at the Toronto Zoo named in her honour, giving this story some great Canadian connections. The story takes readers on a journey from 1937 to the present and shows readers how through determination dreams can be achieved.

I love learning more about female trailblazers who have often been silenced throughout history. I had never heard of Dr. Anne Innis Dagg before and was interested to learn how she was one of the first to study wild animal behaviour, coming before famous primatologists Jane Goddall and Dian Fossey. Readers will enjoy the story of how Anne was inspired to learn about giraffes and how she shared her knowledge with the world.

This story has fantastic backmatter. There is a quick Q & A with Dr. Innis Dagg as well as an author’s note which includes a special note about Apartheid, since Anne was studying in South Africa during that time. I love when authors and publishers can include this important information for readers to get a fuller picture of life at the time. Finally, there is a list of resources not just for children but also for their adults if they are particularily inspired.

Not to be forgotten, Aparna Varma’s illustrations are adorable! The pencil crayon drawings are fun and appealing. I love the way she captured the giraffes, realistic with a softness that makes them seem so cuddly and cute!