The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me

Extensive gardens surround Hampshire House, and much of the story’s action takes place there. Billy and the Pelican first demonstrate the animals’ usefulness by harvesting the best fruit from the tops of the Duke’s cherry trees. The Pelican also brings the captured burglar to the grounds, where, after a struggle with the police, the burglar gives up the Duchess’s stolen jewels. The Duke rewards the animals by inviting them to live at the gardens, which happen to provide exactly the foods they need: tinkle-tinkle flowers for the Giraffe, nuts for the Monkey, and the River Hamp with salmon to satisfy the Pelican. The gardens are an Eden for the deserving creatures, who, in turn, assist the Duke with his harvests. It’s a place made by humans, but enhanced by the cooperative friendship of the three animals.

The Grubber is the name of an old, abandoned candy store that Billy wants to renovate and reopen. He tells readers that “in the olden days a grubber was another name for a sweets shop” (7), and he would love to own one, especially if it sells candies from all over the world.