Northern Lights Book Awards
Gemina the Crooked-Necked Giraffe
Winner of the Picture Book Non-Fiction category
Author/Illustrator: Karen B. Winnick
Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens
Gemina the Crooked-Necked Giraffe is based on a real-life giraffe that was born at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. Like other newborn giraffes, she was almost six feet tall and had a long, straight neck. However, when she was three years old, a mysterious bump appeared. Over time the bump grew bigger, and the bigger it got, the more crooked Gemina’s neck became.
The friendly giraffe became famous, and children came from all over to feed her biscuits and watch her eat leaves off the acacia tree. More importantly, she showed the children that it is okay to be different-as in the case of one boy who had scoliosis, who after observing Gemina told his parents he wasn’t bothered by his bump anymore.
Though she may not have realized it, Gemina made a huge impact by teaching children and adults alike to embrace their differences. Fortunately for us, her legacy will live on through Gemina the Crooked-Necked Giraffe. A fun, light-hearted book with an important message.
You can view the full list of Northern Lights Book Award winners here: http://northerndawnawards.com/2019-northern-lights-book-awards-winners/