The Giraffe, the Pelly and ME

by Dahl, Roald

[Amber (The Literary Phoenix)]

This little book was quirky, fun and adorable.  Everything I'd expect from Roald Dahl.

I know I don't often review children's books, but some just deserve a bit of love.  Silly nostalgic books from silly nostalgic authors.  Between The BFG and Matilda, Roald Dahl ruled my childhood.  And, as I've grown into adulthood, I've learned he wrote a lot more books than I knew when I was a kid.  Am I going to let being 28 stop me from reading them?  Um, no.

The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me is a cute little one-off story about a boy and his three new friends who are window washers.  They are, naturally, a giraffe, a pelican, and a monkey.  They are simply the best because they won't get dirty ladders on your house, they can reach all the windows, and they have their own charming theme song.  As it is somewhat difficult for three animals to make business arrangements with adults, young Billy becomes their manager.

This story was accompanied by the same charming illustrations you find in most of Dahl's books.  There were the usual silly hijinks.  There's even a reference to Wonka candy, reminding us that Dahl's worlds are all interconnected.

It's hard to find a lot to say about a book that is only 70-ish pages long and filled with illustrations other than it was delightful.  It only took me abut 15 minutes to read, so it was no trouble at all.  Great for kids because it is fun and silly.  Great for adults because, honestly, I chuckled.  I'd rather read a Roald Dahl book than a grim new story any day, and it takes up just as much time.