Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea!

Book Cover

Justification

My family and I recently discovered Ben Clanton’s books, and after choosing this book for the graphic novel for the blog, the Narwhal and Jelly series has become our new favorite books. Narwhal: Unicorn of the sea is the first in a series of beginning graphic novels for the youngest readers. This book and the subsequent others in the series are a true delight. They are funny and insightful while sneaking in some real facts about marine life. Narwhal: Unicorn of the sea has been recognized as a Junior Library Guild Selection as well as the Will Eisner Award. It has also received favorable reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, School Library Journal, The Horn Book, Kirkus Reviews, and Booklist.

Evaluation

The first thing to note when reading Narwhal: Unicorn of the sea is the dialogue between Narwhal and his buddy Jelly. The story is driven by the dialogue, largely between just these two characters. It reveals insight about their nature and the dynamic of their friendship. “Jelly: Look…Things like you don’t exist. I mean what is up with that horn? Narwhal: It is actually more of a tusk-tooth. Jelly: Then why is it coming out of your forehead? Narwhal: Because I’m awesome like that!” (Clanton, 2016, p.14). The banter that goes on between these two characters shows Jelly’s cynical nature, and the happy, albeit slightly oblivious, nature of Narwhal. As the book continues, and Jelly is convinced that Narwhal just might be real, their dialogue develops along with their friendship. “Jelly: I’ve got an idea! The waffle should have a sidekick! A strawberry! Narwhal: Nice one, Jelly! Jelly: I get it, Narwhal! This book is the best! It can be about anything you want it to be about!” (Clanton, 2016, p. 56-58). Through the dialogue in the book, and ultimately the series, kids learn about friendship, taking risks by putting yourself out there, and just maybe a little bit of marine science all in one hilarious package.

Another compelling aspect of this book are the characters. Narwhal: Unicorn of the sea is actually a compilation of a few short stories or adventures between Narwhal and Jelly. In the first story we meet Jelly and are instantly struck by how cynical and generally grumpy he seems. Narwhal is a stark contrast to him. Narwhal is just about the happiest guy around and everything about him exudes silly and fun. Narwhal is undeterred by Jelly’s rough exterior and they quickly become friends. In the subsequent stories, we as readers, can see that Jelly is trying to break out of his shell and be happy-go-lucky like Narwhal, but that it doesn’t come quite so naturally to him. In the second story, Narwhal has learned that he’s supposed to be living with other narwhals in a pod, so he’s decided to look for them. Jelly is suspicious of this plan. “Jelly: I’m not sure you’ll find a narwhal pod around here. You’re the only narwhal I’ve ever seen. Narwhal: In that case…I guess I’ll make a pod! Jelly: Make a pod? Narwhal: Sure!’ (Clanton, 2016, p. 25-26). Ultimately, Jelly comes around to the idea and gladly joins Narwhal’s “pod” of various sea creatures. Narwhal’s enthusiasm for life and living it to the fullest is contagious to Jelly and to the reader. You’ll be hard pressed to read this book and not smile.

Finally, the illustrations beautifully accompany the text. While the drawings seem rudimentary on the surface, they provide a great deal of insight to the characters. They easily show the emotions of the characters as the story progresses and help to set the mood of the story. From surprised, to happy, to confused, the facial expressions given to both Jelly and Narwhal help provide context for young readers. There are also lines drawn from the top of the character’s heads that help to reinforce the emotions that are reflected on their faces. These could be to emphasize excitement or frustration and further develop the characters. The illustrations also provide clues as to who is speaking the text. There are lines drawn from the character’s mouths to help students deduce who is speaking. These simple illustrations help to support the younger readers in reading a new format. They also deepen their understanding of the characters as well as make inferences.

Response

(A) This book is special to me because of my connection to reading it aloud to my own kids. Since checking the title out from the library, we have read Narwhal: Unicorn of the sea countless times and have check out the subsequent three in the series. Just looking at the cover makes me smile. (E) While this book is not the very best writing I have ever read, it certainly is enjoyable. You won’t find the rich figurative language that was highlighted in other texts on this blog. However, what Narwhal lacks in literary merit, it makes up for in heart. It is as silly and good natured as its character namesake. The dialogue and characters are impossible to not adore. (G) I loved being transported to the deep blue sea on these mini adventures with Narwhal and Jelly. The characters and their banter are a treat to read. I would highly recommend this book as a read aloud or for early readers interested in the graphic novel format. Ben Clanton masterfully introduces the genre to new readers and creates a world that readers will be eager to visit.

Conclusion

Narwhal is a perfect introduction to graphic novels and a charming story about two unlikely friends. Readers will enjoy this beginning graphic novel and want more undersea adventures with their buddies Narwhal and Jelly. This book would be a great addition to any collection and is sure to circulate well. I would highly recommend this book!

APA Citation

Clanton, B. (2016). Narwhal: Unicorn of the sea. Toronto, Ontario: Tundra Books.