Part of the Serendipity beginning reader series, this small story is about Memily, the only child giraffe in the entire Jasmine Jungle. Dismayed by her failed attempts at playing with friends - those lanky legs trip her up every time - Memily becomes ashamed of her height. She begins to walk around with knees and neck bent, but even this can't disguise her difference. The taller she grows, the worse she feels, until she takes to hiding in trees. One day, as she wanders amongst the trees, she meets a new giraffe, Hershel. He teaches Memily that her height isn't the problem that she always believed it was.

This story has a great set up to teach children about self esteem, until the very end, where the realization is rushed and it spends all of one paragraph didactically moralizing rather than letting us see Memily make the realization herself. This major flaw aside, it is a sweet story that evokes the honesty of childhood, with a humorous tone that teaches an important message in an easy and funny way. If only the ending were handled better, it could be a great story. As it stands, it is just okay, but simple and light, and would work as a supplement to other books about self esteem. ( )

A book of good character. Teaches children to accept themselves for who they are. Memily, a tall giraffe, looks all over the jungle for friends to play with. She finds that she just doesn't fit in with the other creatures and secludes herself, until she finds a fellow giraffe that explains to her the nature of being who you are is just fine. A heartwarming story with a happy ending and a good message. ( )