Anne and Her Tower of Giraffes: The Adventurous Life of the First Giraffologist. Written by Karlin Gray and illustrated by Aparna Varma. Kids Can Press, 2022. $21.99 ages 6 and up

"Growing up, she found plenty of 
library books about beavers, deer, 
and even elephants, but NOTHING 
about giraffes. 

Anne made a promise: one day, she 
would write a book all about giraffes. 
Her friends were amused."

This is the second book I have read this year about Anne Innis Dagg, a worthy Canadian scientist. From an early age, Anne had a very special interest in the giraffe. She did her best to discover everything she could about the elegant creature. No library held such books. Anne decided right then and there she would one day write her own book about them. Years of disappointment at school did not further her education about her beloved animal. 

When she was seventeen, she returned to the zoo where she had first seen one. A giraffe there seemed as interested in Anne as she was in it. At university her study of zoology led her nowhere. Not able to study the giraffe in Canada, she made preparations to go to Africa. Despite societal pressures that made a woman travelling alone highly questionable, Anne persisted and was soon accepted for study at the Fleur de Lys Ranch where she could see giraffes every day. 

She was welcomed there by Mr. Matthew and given free rein to begin her study. Anne spent day after day observing, identifying each one, and keeping a careful journal for all she was learning about the gentle giants. She left nothing out. While working she often felt protected by a tower of giraffes. She loved every minute of the year she spent in South Africa. 

Back home, few seemed interested in what she had learned. Universities were not willing to hire her despite her qualifications; her gender was a deterrent. Anne turned to writing about them, a promise she had made in childhood. She wrote numerous books. When a movie was made to chronicle her work and her life as the world's first giraffologist, Anne finally found success. 

Simple, telling text and cheerful illustrations work well for a younger target audience. Older students looking for more information could check out Kathy Stinson's The Girl Who Loved Giraffes and Became the World's First Giraffologist (Fitzhenry and Whiteside, 2021). An author's note that includes quotes from Anne is both interesting and informative. Further back matter includes an interview with Anne, and a list of resources for young learners.