This wonderful book, based on the true story of Zerraffa the Giraffe, will inspire creativity across our connected curriculum. In 1824, the Pasha of Egypt gifted a young giraffe to the King of France. Alongside her keeper, Atir, Zerraffa travelled over 4,000 miles—sailing along the River Nile, crossing the Mediterranean Sea, and walking all the way from Marseilles to Paris, where she arrived in 1827 as the first giraffe ever seen in France. This remarkable journey provides a rich and meaningful context for learning.

In writing, children will focus on the genre of persuasive writing, using Zerraffa’s story as inspiration to create a persuasive guide encouraging visitors to see her at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. They will develop their ability to use persuasive language, organise their ideas clearly, and appeal to the reader by describing the excitement and uniqueness of visiting such an extraordinary animal.

In art, pupils will take inspiration from giraffes and pattern, as well as the work of artist Steven Brown, to create bold and imaginative giraffe artwork. They will explore colour, pattern, and texture to develop their own unique artistic styles.

In music, children will explore how soundscapes can represent a journey. Inspired by Zerraffa’s travels from Egypt to Paris, they will listen to, create, and perform music that reflects changing places, moods, and experiences along the way.

Across the wider curriculum, this study theme creates meaningful links between subjects, as outlined in our study theme web. Children will develop their understanding of geography through mapping Zerraffa’s route, deepen their historical knowledge by studying Ancient Egypt, and explore themes in science, computing, design technology, and beyond. This connected approach helps children make links in their learning, build a deeper understanding of the world, and ultimately, will respond creatively to the incredible journey from Africa to Europe.