Harold the Giraffe is a new student at school. When Harold comes to school, his teacher, Miss Ellie the Elephant, introduces him to the class. Miss Ellie stressed to the students to treat Harold the Giraffe the way they would want to be treated--with love, respect, kindness, and acceptance. Right away, a classmate notices a difference about Harold the Giraffe, that he is too tall. When Harold tries to make friends, all of the other animals in class use his difference to not be his friend. Only one student in the class had remembered Miss Ellie's words of wisdom and befriends Harold. Soon, the other classmates need Harold the Giraffe's help. Harold the Giraffe uses his difference to help them, and the classmates realize that everyone has differences and that these differences are unique and special to individuals. Forgiveness is given, and all the classmates become friends.