Marcie and Giraffe

By Author / Illustrator

Kim Gregory

Genre

Friendship

Age range(s)

Publisher

Little Tiger

ISBN

9781838919887

Format

Hardback

Expected

07-05-2026

Synopsis

A hilarious, heartfelt adventure in creativity, confidence, and friendship.

Marcie has painted a picture of Giraffe. At first, she loves it! But when Giraffe paints a picture of Marcie, she's not so sure. "Your art is better than mine . . ." she sighs, before making a series of FIERCE and SCRIBBLY pictures that capture her inner turmoil. Can Marcie and Giraffe find a way to make art together?

In this joyful debut, Kim Gregory boldly explores what it feels like to compare yourself to others. Her energetic illustrations in vibrant primary colours bring Marcie and Giraffe to life in style. Full of warmth and personality, this hilarious duo will inspire you to embrace mistakes, express ideas with confidence and discover the messy magic of making art with friends.

Perfect for fans of Ish by Peter H. Reynolds, Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg, Mix It Up! by Herve Tullet, and The Artist by Ed Vere, this picture book is a must-read for any child learning to trust and celebrate their own creative voice.

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Reviews

Maria

Marcie and Giraffe love to paint and use their skills and colours to paint a picture of each other. Marcie loves her painting until she sees the painting that Giraffe creates of her and she becomes cross and jealous because "Your art is better than mine". She makes some "FIERCE and SCRIBBLY" pictures of her brain, stomach, legs and smoosh face. Gentle Giraffe watches and understands that Marcie is painting her feelings but shares with her that he loves her art work. Together, Marcie and Giraffe create some "FIERCE and SCRIBBLY" pictures including a "BUM SPLAT" and "SMOOSH FACE" and have vivid, colourful fun together!

Marcie and Giraffe is a lovely story about making mistakes, feelings and friendships, explored through the characters' artwork. Marcie loves to paint but paints in a different way from Giraffe. However patient, kind Giraffe encourages Marcie and takes time to understand her paintings and what they mean.

The colourful illustrations support the story and takes the reader into the world of painting and creating with colours. You will absolutely love Giraffe and her huge, caring SMILE!

This book could be used to encourage children to have a go in their art work and to be proud of what they create. It could also be used to explore jealousy and feelings as Marcie is jealous of Giraffe and becomes angry. Children could explore what Marcie should have done and said to Giraffe.

The book also explores feelings within Marcie's paintings and her worries about not being good at art and how her body is feeling. Children could paint their own body parts when they are worried, angry or jealous too and talk about the colours they have used and how they feel. Children could also explore the relationship between Marcie and Giraffe and how kind, caring and patient Giraffe is. This is a lovely book to use in art lessons and also PSHE, exploring feelings and how we should treat others too.

Picture book / Reviewed by Maria, teacher