Marcie and Giraffe
Kim Gregory
Little Tiger

Both Marcie and Giraffe each create a representation of the other, using paints and large sheets of paper. Initially Marcie feels proud of her painting of Giraffe; but then she sees Giraffe’s painting of her being happy. However, it doesn’t make the girl feel happy at all. She stamps all over it , rips it in half and tosses it aside saying, “Your art is better than mine,” Giraffe remains patient merely commenting, “My art doesn’t look like you any more, so it can’t be all that good.”

Marcie goes on to create a series of four pictures – her brain, stomach, legs and face – each portraying the emotional turmoil that she’s in. Giraffe understands how she feels, pointing out that she doesn’t usually look that way though he does like what she’s done.
Then in turn, Giraffe tries making a fierce scribbly picture but ends up planting his rear end in the paint

and the result bears a striking resemblance to himself, sans his head. This is then added, splat mode, and both Marcie and Giraffe are delighted. So much so that they both joyously make more art and more importantly, they love it.

A story about both creativity and emotions. Importantly it shows (not tells) that art is a means of expressing oneself and that it’s not appropriate to compare one individual’s work with that of another person ).

I love the messy appearance of the art room at the end of the story where it’s clear that both characters have had an enjoyable experience.