Here is the beguiling true story of the first giraffe ever to live in Europe. The year was 1826, and the giraffe belonged to the pasha of Egypt, who decided to give her as a gift to the king of France. The giraffe journeyed first by boat to Marseilles, then on foot through the towns and villages of France, all the way to Paris. Her arrival in the capital was celebrated with a splendid royal parade, and everywhere she went she caused a sensation. Crowds turned out to see the strange animal with the long neck, streets and squares were named in her honor, and souvenirs—even women's fashions—were designed to commemorate her visit.

Wry, affectionate, and fun, The Giraffe That Walked to Paris is the magical tale of these extraordinary events from the past. 

From the dust jacket of the Purple House Press reprint