"In this tale inspired by true events, a giraffe journeys from its home in Africa to a 19th century menagerie in France, encountering curiosities and establishing a new purpose in life"--

Jan Wahl has dedicated much of his adult life to writing for children, authoring previous Creative Editions books such as The Enchanted Sled and Bear Dance. His first children's title, published in 1964, was illustrated by Maurice Sendak. An Ohio native, Wahl lives and works in Toledo.

Parisian designer and illustrator Laurent Gapaillard has lent his talents to animated feature films, television series, video games, and novels. Recent gallery exhibitions have also featured his work. The Long Tall Journey is his first project for Creative Editions.