Welcome to Perfect Picture Book Friday, and Happy May Day!
Can you believe it’s May? I CANNOT believe it’s May! I’m still back in January as far as my to-do list is concerned!
I chose today’s book based on how many times I read it to my granddaughter last weekend 😊
I didn’t realize until I went to the author’s website that I am obviously VERY fond of this talented creator because I have previously reviewed another of her books here for PPBF (Hardly Haunted) and I also have both Snow Kid and Snow Pony and the Seven Miniature Snow Ponies in my library ! 🤣 So apparently it is not a surprise that I love this one, too!
Title: Not Quite Narwhal
Written & Illustrated By: Jessie Sima
ISBN#: 978-1481469098
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, February 14, 2017, fiction
Suitable For Ages: 3-6
Themes/Topics: becoming yourself, fitting in, friendship
text and illustration copyright Jessie Sima, 2017, Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Opening:
“Kelp was born deep in the ocean.”
text and illustration copyright Jessie Sima, 2017, Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Brief Synopsis: [from the publisher] “Growing up in the ocean, Kelp has always assumed that he was a narwhal like the rest of his family, although he’s always been a little bit different. Then one night, an extra strong current sweeps Kelp to the surface, where he spots a mysterious creature that looks just like him! Kelp discovers that he and the creature are actually unicorns. The revelation leaves him torn: is he a land narwhal or a sea unicorn? But perhaps, if Kelp is clever, he may find a way to have the best of both worlds.”
text and illustration copyright Jessie Sima, 2017, Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Links To Resources: 25 Unicorn Crafts for Kids; Fun Facts About Narwhals and Narwhal Activities
text and illustration copyright Jessie Sima, 2017, Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Why I Like This Book: I was in love with this book before I even opened it because that little unicorn is so darn cute! How can you not love him on sight?! 😊 Then, I actually read the story. More cuteness! Look at the second spread from the book (above) – he’s wearing swimmies!!! (I know. That’s art, too! But I’m getting to the story!) The story is so sweet (and also has some delightful humor.) Kelp is born knowing he’s a little bit different from the other narhwals, but it doesn’t really bother him. Then one day, his poor swimming skills prevent him from battling a strong current and he winds up on land where he discovers that he may not be a narwhal after all. From the unicorns on land, he learns new things about himself – that his tusk is called a horn, and that he can gallop, among others – but he also realizes how much he misses his narwhal friends, who have always been his family. Is he a land narwhal, or a sea unicorn? he wonders. What a dilemma! Any kid who has ever struggled to understand themself or wondered about where or how they fit in will relate to this charming little not quite narwhal! And I will not tell you the ending. You must read it for yourself (and see the illustration! 😊)
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 😊
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 😊
Susanna Leonard Hill 
I didn’t even think about this book because I came to love the Netflix adaptation with my granddaughter. So glad there is the book to share!
Jessie Sima is so talented and perfectly understands those strong kid feelings.
I think there is a little series of books, Annette – maybe 5? I didn’t know it was on Netflix!
Kelp is so cute. Making decisions is not easy, just like choosing the right friends. Thanks for sharing cuteness on this Friday. ♥️
I’m glad you like him, too, Robin 🙂
What a cute character! I love the illustrations. Thanks for sharing.
I do, too, Christy! And the story is so sweet as well!
This book is a favorite with our granddaughter – I feel like I’ve become quite good buddies with Narwhal! I love the illustrations, too!
Apparently I am the only grandma who just learned about this book, Sue! lol
Same, my friend, same! I am not even kidding! I am still *trying* to finish Storystorm and I’m not joking! I won’t give up!
This is such a great book, we just read a different narwhal book this week. No, I can’t remember what it was. 🤷🏼♀️ Six books in one sitting.
Hahaha! I feel like we are truly kindred spirits, Laura! Good luck on Storystorm! 🙂
I love this book! I added it to our library several years ago and it continues to be a favorite. Girls especially are drawn in by the colorful art, and the message of acceptance and self discovery and community is great for our young students.
It’s a lovely book, isn’t it, Sue? And the illustrations are irresistible!
To do list? Which one, LOL?! Just throw them all away and start fresh. That’s my rec!
I love this book, too! And I love how you determined what you would post about today! The official child stamp of approval!
It’s the best stamp there is, Jilanne! 🙂 And yes… I have to-do lists of my to-do lists! I need a full time personal assistant who doesn’t need to be paid and who is also a personal chef, personal trainer, and masseuse when I get neck and shoulder tension! hahaha 🙂
I will have to read this PB! Thanks for sharing! It certainly sounds like a PPB🦄
I think you will love it, Susan! 🙂
Susanna, you didn’t mention Perfectly Pegasus, another book by Jessie. It’s equally sweet and delightful. Know your granddaughter would love it!
And yes, I’m behind, too, as you can see. Good luck finding that personal assistant.
And now, I’m even farther behind hahaha! I will look for Perfectly Pegasus – it sounds like it will be right up her alley!