Review Detail

"I Am Not a Chair!" is a funny, playful picture book about a giraffe who just wants to be seen for who he is, but keeps being mistaken for a chair. On his first day in the jungle, Giraffe tries to let the other animals know he isn’t furniture, but one thing after another keeps getting in the way. From nearly being sat on by a skunk to getting smooshed by hippos, and even being used as a chair by a hungry lion, his patience is tested. Eventually, Giraffe finds the courage to stand up for himself, surprising the lion and earning respect from the other animals. The story is silly, entertaining, and has a nice underlying message about speaking up for yourself and setting boundaries.

I read this book with a group of young kids, and they loved it. They laughed out loud at the absurd situations Giraffe finds himself in and immediately connected with his frustration. The colorful, cartoon-like illustrations are full of energy and help bring the story to life, highlighting both the humor and the little moments of suspense. My favorite part is when Giraffe finally talks back to the lion. It’s funny and empowering, and it felt satisfying to see him finally get the attention he deserves. It’s a story that encourages kids to find their voice, even when things seem tricky or overwhelming.

One thing I noticed is that while it’s very silly and fun, it doesn’t hit the same level of laugh-out-loud humor as Burach’s previous book, There’s a Giraffe in My Soup, but I still think kids will enjoy the zany adventures and absurd scenarios. It’s perfect for reading aloud, and it’s a story that kids can revisit multiple times because of the humor, the expressive illustrations, and the relatable message about self-advocacy.