Giraffes Can’t Dance: questions to ask and activities to try
Gerald the giraffe can't dance the way the other animals do, until he finds music that suits him. Giraffes Can't Dance is about doing things your own way, and that still counting.
What age is it for? Giraffes Can’t Dance is best for ages 4–7. Good for: A child who measures themselves against what other children can do.
Giraffes Can’t Dance (Giles Andreae)
- Age
- 4-7
- Best for
- A child who measures themselves against what other children can do
The useful conversation isn't that Gerald tries harder: it's that he finds his own way. Ask whether we all have to be good at the same things, and notice what your child does in their own style.
What it helps with
- Comparing yourself to others
- Doing things your own way
- Being laughed at
- Confidence and self-belief
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Do we all have to be good at the same things?”
- “How did Gerald feel when the other animals laughed?”
- “What did the cricket tell him?”
- “What helped Gerald find his dance?”
- “What do you do in your own special way?”
- “What could you say to a friend who thinks they're no good at something?”
5-minute activities to try together
Your own dance
Put on a song and let everyone make up their own dance, with no right or wrong moves.
My way list
Make a list of things your child does their own way, like drawing, building or telling stories.
Free printables: Giraffes Can’t Dance worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
The Lion Inside (Rachel Bright)
- Best for
- A child who feels too small or too quiet to be noticed
- Age
- 4-7
Perfectly Norman (Tom Percival)
- Best for
- A child who hides something about themselves to fit in
- Age
- 4-7
The Snail and the Whale (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Children who feel small, or too little to make a difference
- Age
- 3-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 1 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.