Product Description
Imagine a giraffe that can sail from Alexandria, Egypt, to Marseille, France, in a boat with a special hole for her neck. Imagine a giraffe that can walk from Marseille to Paris in forty-one days, wearing stylish boots and a cape. Imagine a giraffe that captures the attention of a hundred thousand spectators in Paris as she parades through the city, inspiring paintings, poetry, porcelain designs, and even an exotic hairstyle. Imagine Belle, a gift from the pasha of Egypt to the king of France in 1827, a giraffe who made history. This book presents Belle's true story, told in the imagined words of her devoted Sudanese caretaker, Atir, who accompanied her on her journey to Paris and stayed with her till her death eighteen years later. Illustrated with artifacts and paintings from the nineteenth century and with Jon Cannell's jaunty artwork, Belle's remarkable story both captivates and informs. In this title, an author's note and pronunciation guide are included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

a fun book about a true story of the first giraffe in France
This charming picture book tells the true story of Belle, a giraffe presented by the great pasha of Egypt to the king of France, Charles X, as narrated by Atir, her Egyptian caretaker.But how to transport a giraffe all the way from Egypt to Paris?First, she had to be transported down the Nile along with her entourage of three cows (to produce milk for her to drink) and two antelopes (to keep her company).Then, a special hole had to be constructed in the deck of the ship, so Belle could be kept below but still have room for her long neck!When she finally arrived in France, the citizens of Marseille marveled at this strange animal.No one in France had ever seen a giraffe before.

But how to get her to Paris? It was decided that she should walk the 500 miles across France, equipped with a special raincoat and boots to protect her from the elements. Belle's entourage attracted curious crowds all along the journey. When she finally arrived in Paris, 30,000 people came out to greet her, and Paris went crazy for giraffes, with Belle inspiring songs, poems, paintings, pottery, jewelry, and even a giraffe shaped piano and a giraffe hairdo! When Belle finally met the king in July, 1827, she ate rose petals from his hand. Belle lived for 18 years in Paris, housed at the Jardin des Plantes, where a special home for Belle and her keeper was constructed in the Rotunda.

This is a delightful picture book to share with elementary school-aged students; the author is an art historian and museum curator who has also written My Travels with Clara, another story about an exotic animal, in this case a rhinoceros. The book features whimsical watercolor and ink illustrations combined with photographs of actual objects from the period, such as a barber bowl decorated with Belle and her keeper, Atir.

This is an amazing story about Belle, a "gift" giraffe, who had to make her way from Egypt to Paris!
Muhammad Ali, the Pasha of Egypt wanted to give Charles X, King of France, a special gift.The gift was very special because no one in France had ever seen such a magnificent creature as Belle.She was a beautiful giraffe whom the people of France later dubbed, "belle enfant des tropiques - the beautiful child from the tropics."She was the perfect gift, but the problem was, how to get her to Paris.Now that was going to be very tricky indeed, but that is where a bit of ingenuity and a man name Atir came in.

Up the Nile they started, but first they had to figure out what they needed to bring so Belle wouldn't starve as there were no tree leaves for her to nibble on.They added three cows so she would have some milk and, "to keep Belle company, two antelopes."Getting her on a ship was quite another thing.The captain of the ship had to do some thinking, but then decided he would "cut a hole in the deck, so Belle's long, graceful neck could poke out."They finally arrived in Marseilles, but Paris was still 500 miles away and the King was waiting.How on earth were they going to get a giraffe to Paris?

This is an amazing story about Belle, a "gift" giraffe, who had to make her way from Egypt to Paris.The story was exciting and will draw in the most reluctant reader.The pages are peppered with art reproductions, ephemera, and, of course Jon Cannell's delightful illustrations.This story is based on Belle's and Amir's factual trek to Paris.In the back of the book there is a brief bibliography of sources and a pronunciation guide to the French words and phrases the young reader will encounter in the book.Did Belle really get dressed up in style to walk all those miles to Paris?You'll just have to read the book to find out! ... Read more

Product Description
For the first time, this special edition combines excerpts from John J. Audubon's vivid and witty descriptions with 97 full-color plates of the birds of the Northeast, creating a guide that Audubon might have published himself.In his own distinctive voice, Audubon casts light on his inspiration, exuberance, and deep love for birds and nature.Audubon’s observations take us into the field with him and "see" the birds as he did.

In this first in a series of regional guides, editor Julien Tavener takes Audubon out of the confinement of museums and galleries, and places him back in the fields and forests he loved.

Perfect for any Audubon enthusiast or birder, this personal field guide portrays a unique insight into what Audubon saw, both through his art and his eloquent writings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Julien Tavner is a thief
Julien Tavner is a thief. He stole a $4,000 print from me and fled the country. He also stole from thousands from others. He fled to the UK and if anybody knows his whereabouts please post them.

A new look at Audubon and his birds
I love this book, and anyone interested in birds, history, and/or art is bound to love it, too.

John J. Audubon's Guide; Birds of the Northeast pairs a selection of the familiar, classic Audubon images with his descriptions of the birds as he observed them in the early 19th century. Audubon's writing style is poetic and vivid, and if you are familiar mainly with his images, this book is a very accessible way to introduce yourself to his writing.

Ron Tyler's essay on Audubon's work makes for enjoyable reading, too. And, finally, the book is handsomely designed and handily sized.

Great Idea - Nicely Executed
This is the first in a series of four books, delineated by region, that will present the text and octavo images of Audubon's birds.The 34-page introductory biography by Dr. Ron Tyler is worth the purchase price by itself. Even advanced birdwatchers will learn something from Audubon's descriptions that have been expertly edited by Julien Taverner. I have been researching and writing about Audubon for fifteen years and even I found some new references in the excellent and exhaustive biography.If he were alive today, this is the way Audubon would have done it. Great gift idea for birders, print collectors, and history buffs.

In his own words
This book is a real addition to any birder's library. Combining John Audubon's well known and beautiful images of birds drawn in the 1830's with his lovely descriptions. The book has a good biography of Audubon as well as the pictures and Audubon's notes. You can really hear Audubon's love of birds and nature in his writing. I liked the fact that it was styled like a
guide from the 19th century. It is beautifully illustrated. ... Read more

Product Description
It is not for his mere editor to forecast his vogue in posterity. Naturally I hope it will be a lasting one, but I am prejudiced. Let me, however, quote a letter which reached Captain Bairnsfather from somewhere in France:
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Customer Reviews (1)

A RIP-OFF!
Although I am fortunate enough to own an original copy of this book, I thought it would be nice to have on my kindle. At $3.88 its not a tremendous amount of $$, but still a GREAT dissappointment!Bairnsfather was the Bill Mauldin of WWI, but all you get in this "publication" are the captions under the original art, NOT the drawings themselves!!! One HUGE RIP-OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more