Big Feet
by Michael Rubel
Authors' Tranquility Press


"The other giraffes, realizing that Guruto had rescued his mother, came up to him and welcomed him back to the herd."

In this colorful children’s book, young readers meet Guruto, the newest member of a giraffe herd. Despite being like the other giraffes in many ways, Guruto has a feature that sets him apart from the others. He has big feet! Because of his large hooves, Guruto is noisy, and over time he grows self-conscious about the noise his big feet cause. Eventually, Guruto becomes the subject of many jokes, and his family grows displeased by the amount of noise Guruto makes. When disaster befalls him, he finds himself alone until he meets an unlikely friend who changes his life for the better. Good fortune soon follows for Guruto and his new friend.

Colorful and charming, this book carries not only a story about embracing the differences that make an individual beautiful but also includes artwork that tells a story of its own. The vibrant illustrations match Guruto’s touching story. Guruto becomes a hero for readers of any age. Despite the conflicts and difficulties he faces, he adapts to his situation. One of the most notable moments in the book is when Guruto befriends a kingfisher, who becomes a faithful and unlikely companion. Their friendship serves as an example to young readers about the importance of compassion, and Guruto and the kingfisher also serve as positive role models about how two very different individuals can become best friends.

At its core, however, the book bears another important lesson for young readers. Guruto’s big feet are seen as a disruption and a problem for the herd, and the noise Guruto makes eventually results in his banishment from the group. However, the physical feature that made others ostracize Guruto makes others welcome him back into the community. As angry hyenas threaten Guruto’s old herd, Guruto finds that, despite his discomfort of facing those who originally pushed him away, he must make a decision: turn away and let the hyenas hurt those he once belonged to, or run forward and chase the deadly predators. Guruto chooses to put his old herd’s safety ahead of his discomfort. He uses what others once saw as a bother to accomplish something good, and his selfless act offers him a priceless reward.

This book is perfect for young and old readers alike. It is a great teaching tool for parents and teachers looking for a unique way to encourage children to use one’s talents selflessly. It is also a great tool for teaching youngsters about kindness, compassion, and the beauty of being different. The book also encourages young readers to consider ways to transform behaviors and talents that others deem problematic or useless and turn them into something positive and useful for themselves and others. Guruto is an inspiration, and he is sure to become a classroom or household favorite, even among adults. His story also reminds readers about the importance of community and how each individual possesses a role important to one’s society. This book is sure to become a tale that readers return to time and time again.

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