The theme of good vs. evil stood out to me-there were horrible things happening in the world at this time, and at the same time the joy the giraffes gave people something to smile about. The circus train, often appearing along the same route as the giraffes symbolized for me the difference between respecting and celebrating animals and harming them. We see the power greed has in decision making when Woody was offered money to turn over the giraffes too. Woody even battled the forces of good and evil in his dreams, as there were sweet visions and those that terrified him.
I was moved, significantly, by many of Woody’s thoughts as he put them down on paper. Particularly as he shared his feelings about looking at the night sky, how important Red was to him, what he learned about being grateful in the moment, and his amazement at the natural environment. I had all the feels reading this book, and Woody’s lessons will stay with me.