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In this post, you’ll discover a diversity and inclusion book for kids. It is called “Grant the Jigsaw Giraffe“.

What is this book about?

The book is about a baby giraffe named Grant. He was born with puzzle-shaped spots instead of regular giraffe spots. The other animals at the zoo notice how different he looks from the other giraffes. Over time, they recognize that he is different in many ways.  

As Grant grows, he and the other animals realize just how special and talented he is!  He makes incredible art pieces for the zoo with recycled materials.

Later, we find that this book mirrors the life story of the illustrator for this book, Grant Maniér.

About the Author / Illustrator:

Grant the Jigsaw Giraffe was written by Julie Coy Maniér and illustrated by Grant Maniér.  

The illustrator of this book, Grant Maniér, lives with autism. He has had an obsession with paper since he was a child.  Instead of suppressing his behavior, Julie (the author), helped re-direct his enthusiasm to create spectacular art work.  Over the last several years, together they have worked together to develop Grant’s Eco-Art business. See www.GrantEcoArt.com for more information.

Julie was inspired by the amazing young man that Grant grew into. She decides to write this children’s book about Grant’s journey. In the book, Grant is a Giraffe.  See www.JigsawGrant.com for more information.

What did you like about this book?

I love this book for so many reasons:

• My children, ages 2.5 and 5, are at the perfect age to learn inclusion. They can appreciate differences instead of being fearful of them.
• They also learn to value diversity in every shape and kind.
• This book teaches children that those who may look, think, or act differently have great minds. They CAN do many incredible things!
• The book emphasizes to educators that education should focus on a child’s strengths. It highlights what they can do rather than their weaknesses.

At the beginning of this book, there is also beautiful dedication from Dr. Temple Grandin, who also lives with autism. She was listed by Time Magazine as one of their 100 Most Influential People in the World.  (I watched a documentary on her awhile back and she is so incredible and inspiring!)  

She has met Grant and watched him grow in confidence through his artwork over the past several years.

This book is truly more than just about autism. It is a book on diversity and inclusion. It offers lessons for people of all ages and backgrounds. We need to appreciate the differences in everyone around us!

I hope that I’ve inspired you to pick up a copy of this book. I encourage you to follow Grant’s journey on his social media pages. Check out Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.

-Kristen