The Laughing Giraffe

The Laughing Giraffe is a story about Thulani, a gentle and quiet giraffe living in the savanna of Southern Africa. With his long, thick lashes, Thulani captivates everyone around him. Join Thulani on an adventure filled with surprise when his friends attempt to make him laugh. Written by Deborah L. Lafond and illustrated by Amanda Leighton, this book will bring joy to readers of any age.
Teachers, parents, and grandparents will find this story illustrating critical concepts for living and working together. Thulani's friends show empathy, a willingness to help their friends, and an acceptance of differences. The book contains a list of characters with Zulu names and meanings, a drawing, the animal species, and a description of each. The illustrations are realistic and whimsical, making it perfect for early primary grades.

Deborah Lafond lives on Little Sebago Lake, Maine. A retired United Church of Christ minister, she has always loved writing and telling children's stories. She and her husband have three children, three grandchildren, and a houseful of props, puppets, books, and toys that lead to endless forays into fantasy and fun.

Amanda Leighton is an illustrator from Maine who studied art at SMFA in Boston. She loves drawing wildlife and learning about different animals and cultures from around the world.