New York Harbor

The novel opens in New York harbor just after a historic hurricane. It is the place where Woody first sets eyes on the giraffes, meets the Old Man, and falls in love with Red. The author positions this setting at the opening of the novel to highlight its importance as the place where Woody discovers his destiny and begins his journey to adulthood.

The Road Pullman

Most of the novel takes place in and around the Road Pullman, the truck carrying the giraffes. It is a new truck with a ramshackle box built on the back to contain the animals. The truck safely carries Woody and the giraffes to their new home in California. Inside the cab, Woody and the Old Man have their most formative conversations that seal the importance of their friendship.

Arcadia

Arcadia is Woody's hometown in the Texas Panhandle. It is the...