title: Oh Dear, Geoffrey!
author:  Gemma O'Neill 
description: PreS-KGeoffrey has an appealing face but the long legs and awkwardness of all young giraffes. His enthusiasm and friendliness are adorable but his clumsiness and size make it almost impossible to share moments with animals small and close to the ground, like meerkats. He finally gives up trying to make friends and heads to his favorite tree for a snack. There, he meets monkeys looking for someone tall to help them up higher and birds looking for friends. His success with these creatures gives Geoffrey just the encouragement he needs. Simple text with random words in bold make this offering as bright and fun as Geoffrey himself. The text and story are not complicated and would be a quick read for parents, teachers, or librarians to share with preschoolers. The highlight of this title are the illustrations that move with Geoffrey and his bright face. The giraffe's excitement jumps off the page, even when he falls.Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City
zlib_text: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](~export~_files/image002.jpg)
  
  **KATHLEEN E. WOODIWISS**
  
   **THE RELUCTANT SUITOR**
  
    
    
  
   _To my very good friend  
  Laurie McBain.  
  If we thought any more alike,  
  we’d be identical twins._
  
  **One**
  
  * * *
  
  ![ding](~export~_files/image003.gif)
  
   _Wiltshire countryside,_ _England_ _  
  Northeast of_ _Bath_ _and_ _Bradford_ _on_ _Avon_ _  
  _ _September 5, 1815_
  
   **L** ady Adriana Sutton whirled through the gracefully arched portico of
  Randwulf Manor, spilling effervescent laughter over her shoulder as she deftly
  avoided the reaching hand of an eager young swain. In copying her lead, he had
  jumped down from his mount and raced after her in his zeal to catch her before
  she could dash up the stone steps and escape into the Jacobean mansion of her
  family’s closest neighbors and friends. At her approach, the massive door was
  drawn open and, with quiet dignity, a tall, thin, elderly butler stepped aside
  to await her entrance.
  
  “Oh, Harrison, you’re positively a dear,” 