Synopsis: Martine is eleven years old when she is tragically orphaned and finds herself living with her grandmother on a game reserve in Africa. In spite of the fascinating new experiences her surroundings bring, her unhappiness is intensified by the unenthusiastic welcome of her grandmother and her new schoolmates. Secrets and mysteries surround her new life, but when a beautiful white giraffe appears to befriend her, she discovers the best and worst about both Africa and herself.

Review: The White Giraffe is Laura St John’s first children’s book. The book is to some extent autobiographical, as it is set in Africa where the author grew up and learnt to live alongside a variety of animals including a giraffe.

The story is written from the central character’s perspective and begins with the dramatic death of Martine’s parents in a house fire. Martine, aged eleven, escapes the fire and is subsequently sent to her hitherto unknown grandmother who happens to live on a game reserve in Africa.

 At Sawubona, the game reserve, Martine experiences a life of contrasts. Many of the people, sights, sounds, smells and tastes she encounters are new. Some are exciting and intriguing, whilst others are unfriendly, mysterious and threatening.

Whilst Martine struggles with the loss of her parents and all that is familiar, she is puzzled to find her grandmother cold and unwelcoming and at a loss to explain why her parents had never spoken of Sawubona, the place of her birth.

Martine sets out to learn how to survive both physically and emotionally. She does this with the help of a Zulu named Tendai and his colourful and magical aunt Grace. Grace tells Martine she has ‘the gift’ and warns her of the responsibility this carries.

 Life is difficult for Martine until one night she is befriended by a beautiful and mystical white giraffe. The friendship between the two outsiders grows until Martine inadvertently places her new found friend in danger. Can she use her gift to make good her mistake, or will the beautiful white giraffe be lost forever?

 This book should appeal to independent readers in the Primary School. The location and the information it includes relating to African animals, safety and first aid is fascinating and issues such as conservation and both animal and human rights are raised although not explored in great depth. A teacher or parent might expand on these issues.

Essentially this is a good action packed narrative. Young readers will be carried along by its many twists and turns, however improbable, in expectation of a positive conclusion. In this respect this book is a winner and given its evocative setting and colourful imagery it should be a great success.