In 1827, the Egyptian Pashir gave the King of France a remarkable gift: a giraffe named Belle. This fictionalized account of Belle’s journey from Egypt to France is told in the voice of Atir, Belle’s loving Sudanese caretaker. Appealing details—based on fact—about the journey chronicle the challenging logistics of transporting and taking care of the huge creature (a hole was cut in the ship’s deck to accommodate Belle’s neck and head as she stood in the hold), and the extraordinary reception Belle received in France. Atir walked with Belle 500 miles from Marseille to Paris, with Belle attired in a waterproof cape and boots. “I am serious . . . She was not used to walking such distances.” Along the way the giraffe was admired and feted as a wonder to behold. Her arrival in Paris was celebrated with souvenirs, songs, and more. Historical artifacts and documents and whimsical illustrations add even greater appeal to an already captivating story. Brief source notes are provided. (Ages 7–11)

Imagine a giraffe that can sail from Alexandria, Egypt, to Marseille, France, in a boat with a special hole for her neck. Imagine a giraffe that can walk from Marseille to Paris in forty-one days, wearing stylish boots and a cape. Imagine a giraffe that captures the attention of a hundred thousand spectators in Paris as she parades through the city, inspiring paintings, poetry, porcelain designs, and even an exotic hairstyle. Imagine Belle, a gift from the pasha of Egypt to the king of France in 1827, a giraffe who made history.

This book presents Belle's true story, told in the imagined words of her devoted Sudanese caretaker, Atir, who accompanied her on her journey to Paris and stayed with her till her death eighteen years later. Illustrated with artifacts and paintings from the nineteenth century and with Jon Cannell's jaunty artwork, Belle's remarkable story both captivates and informs. An author's note and pronunciation guide are included.