Tall Tails from the Giraffe Hotel

Book excerpt: Billy Giraffe has been struck by Cupid’s arrow. He wants to engage the interest of beautiful Carolyn Tawny-Mane, who has just gotten a job at the local newspaper, The Giraffe Gazette. He tells her of his adventures with friends, crazy hotel guests he’s met at the Giraffe Hotel, and the triumphs of his Grandfather Torch, when he fooled a lion and saved the clan from a rhinoceros stampede. Billy realizes he is a truly good storyteller, and that he can stand up for himself, despite a tattle-tale brother and two older know-it-all sisters. Says the author, “As a young man I was not allowed to read comic books or any kind of fantasy at all. So I surprised my family and friends when I created the story line for this book. I wanted to bring more fantasy into my life and share the joy of it with others. I have always liked giraffes due to their mild but adventurous natures, and feel they have not been understood as well as elephants, tigers, and bears.”