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Egypt’s 19th-century gift to France has inspired new children’s book ‘Grace the Giraffe’.
Dubai: In 1827, the people of Paris saw a very rare sight. Egypt’s ruler Mohammed Ali Pasha sent King Charles X of France an unusual diplomatic gift: a female giraffe from Nubia, dubbed “la belle africaine,” which created a sensation and set trends in French society.
This real-life and lesser-known story inspired Paris-based couple Oliver Gee and Lina Nordin Gee to create their third and latest children’s book, “Grace the Giraffe,” which will be released in October.
Paris-based couple Oliver Gee and Lina Nordin Gee have created their third and latest children’s book, ‘Grace the Giraffe’. (provided)
It captures the light hearted aspect of this historical event. “A few books have been written about giraffes, but they are very dry,” Oliver, an Australian and host of the Jorful Tower podcast, told Arab News.
“We thought the interesting part of the story was the reaction of the people of Paris,” he continued. “It’s a fashion story where people go crazy when women make their hair look like giraffe horns or ears.”
The giraffe, which originates from South Sudan, was transported through the Nile River, crossed the Mediterranean and landed in Marseille. “She was in a boat with a hole for her head to stick out, which is amazing,” Oliver said.
The giraffe had a long and tiring journey from Marseille to Paris for weeks. She grew meat on her way, accompanied by milking cows. “Giraffes had not been in Europe for 300 years at the time of Marseillaise,” says Oliver. “So today, it happens that Stranger is here.”
The giraffe lived in the zoo for less than two decades until her death in Paris. “Everybody went to see her,” Oliver said. “Even in small towns, half the population came to see her. It was madness.” The beautiful creature gained her own fame as it appeared on fans and ceramics. Fortunately, the giraffe’s body has been preserved over the years and is currently on display at a museum in La Rochelle, France.
“Grace the Giraffe” is written by Oliver and illustrated by his wife, Lena. Told by a couple with a slight twist in the narrative, the charming work depicts the colorful journey of Grace’s yacht, an extraordinary procession and a stormy arrival in the French capital.
News of the book’s publication has been well-received online, sparking interest from readers of all ages. “From a historical perspective, it’s great to know that kids and adults alike are learning about an amazing story,” Oliver said.
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