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! 😊