HOW GIRAFFE GOT SUCH A LONG NECK...AND WHY RHINO IS SO GRUMPY

The publisher notes that ``Versions of this story are told in many parts of East Africa,'' crediting a printed source and adding that ``the artist has based his depiction of Man on early Masai tribesmen''—an auspicious introduction to another handsome collaboration by the creators of How the Animals Got Their Colors (1992). In the beginning, Giraffe is shaped (in Clementson's vibrant cut-paper collages) much like a horse. In a time of drought, she and Rhino seek the help of Man, who prepares a magic herb to help them reach the juicy leaves of trees. Rhino forgets to show up when the herb is ready, so Giraffe eats a double dose and thus grows doubly tall—to Rhino's continuing annoyance. Briskly, simply told and illustrated with humor and an outstanding use of graphic design, an entertaining tale that makes a natural lead-in to Kipling's explanation for the rhinoceros's notorious bad temper. (Folklore/Picture book. 4-8)