Giraffes Can't Dance

Narrated by Billy Dee Williams, this colorful animated adaptation of the 1999 children's picture book Giraffes Can't Dance, written by Giles Andreae and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees, revolves around a dance-challenged giraffe named Gerald, who “buckles at the knees” when he tries to boogie down. Hanging back at the annual jungle dance in Africa, Gerald watches warthogs waltzing, rhinos rocking and rolling, and chimps cha-cha-ing, but when it's Gerald's turn to strut his stuff he freezes, after which the lions roar with laughter. Slinking off towards home, Gerald meets a violin-playing cricket whose lovely music inspires the two-left-feet giraffe to cut the proverbial rug, a joyous sight that attracts the attention and praise of the jungle critters. Reminding viewers that “we can all dance when we find music that we love,” the inspirational and entertaining little fable Giraffes Can't Dance—featuring a fine soundtrack by David Mansfield—is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Pitman)