The Spaghetti Giraffe
Sarah Johnson
Flat Bed Press
2017

June 22, 2022

The Spaghetti Giraffe is an entertaining and easy to read book filled with fun, creative and quirky characters.

The Spaghetti Giraffe himself is a curious and kind animal; the only one bold enough to venture out of the safety of the Under-Cooker World.

He is created by Mina Cucina’s clumsiness as she drops the spaghetti pot, YET AGAIN! Mina, who lives at the tip top of Meringue Hill at the head of BonBon Valley is a bright and wonderful person, but a terrible cook. She can’t even bake a simple cake without it erupting blueberries, taking flight or exploding.

But when it is time for the Great BonBon Confectionation, can Mina Cucina pull off a fantastic cake that doesn’t land her in last place like every other year? Or will she be the only one not taking place in the annual competition?

The characters were my favourite part. They were described in such a compelling way that I just didn’t want to stop reading – it felt so real, almost as if I were with them. They were all so unique.

I think the author wanted to send a message of love and that everyone has a purpose, but you have to find out what that is for yourself. I particularly liked the part when The Spaghetti Giraffe convinces Mariana Blob and the other creations of Mina Cucina’s cooking disasters to be brave and come out of the Under-Cooker world and help Mina Cucina.

Sarah Johnson, who created the world in BonBon Valley, is an amazing writer. I love the way she describes the characters’ moods like ‘your face was as blue and as long as the river’ or ‘now it’s as pink as a pansy with pleasure’, and how her words just flow. I would recommend this book to any reader who loves quirky and creative stories.

When I first saw the title of this book I thought, “oh – this is gonna be one of those silly, little kid’s books.’ But when I actually read it, all I wanted to do was keep reading and I was actually a bit sad when I realised I had finished.

I think it is a beautiful book. Sprinkled through the pages are adorable illustrations by Deborah Hinde, which I think really tie in with the story and makes it even better. Overall, The Spaghetti Giraffe is a great read for young people, filled to the brim with exciting characters and a fun plot.

Giraffes are meant to roam,
To be brave and free,
It’s our purpose,
Yes, but it is always nicer to go places with a friend.

• Amelia is 12 and lives in Whakatane.