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Narwhal and Jelly #1

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea

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Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do they love waffles, parties and adventures. Join Narwhal and Jelly as they discover the whole wide ocean together.
A wonderfully silly early graphic novel series featuring three stories. In the first, Jelly learns that Narwhal is a really good friend. Then Narwhal and Jelly form their own pod of awesomeness with their ocean friends. And finally, Narwhal and Jelly read the best book ever -- even though it doesn't have any words...or pictures!
Ben Clanton showcases the joys of friendship, the benefits of working together and the power of imagination in the delightful Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea.

64 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2016

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About the author

Ben Clanton

58 books349 followers
Ben Clanton is the author/illustrator of the Narwhal and Jelly series as well as a number of other books as IT CAME IN THE MAIL, MO'S MUSTACHE, and TATER TALES. When Ben isn't doodling up stories (and often when he is) he likes to cook, explore outdoors, and play basketball. Ben lives in Seattle, WA with his wife and kids. Find out more about Ben at www.benclanton.com.

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5 stars
6,361 (52%)
4 stars
3,198 (26%)
3 stars
1,684 (13%)
2 stars
497 (4%)
1 star
303 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,294 reviews
Profile Image for karen.
3,979 reviews170k followers
August 4, 2018
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if i'm being honest, this doesn't really stand up to my other five star ratings, even my five star ratings specific to other children's picture books.

but sometimes it's just about what you need at a particular time, and this book brought a goofy smile to my face when i really really needed it.

i mean, look at that - how can you be anything but charmed by that face?

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the answer is - you cannot, sir.

this is just a cute book about a narwhal and a jellyfish who are friends.

or, rather, who become friends after some initial suspicion on the part of the jellyfish.

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it's three short stories with two shorter interludes between 'em.

in the first story, narwhal and jellyfish suss each other out, taxonomically, in the second, they expand their social circle to include many other aquatic pals, and in the third, narwhal shares his favorite book with jellyfish and everyone learns a little something about the power of imagination.

the interludes include fun nature facts about both narwhal and jellyfish and a narwhal song.

and what ties it all together?

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waffles.

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these kids sure do like waffles.

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every chance this guy has to draw a waffle, he will draw a waffle.

and it's that sort of charming silliness that activated my giggles when i thought i had no giggles left to spare.

so, yeah, it's a 60-page book; it's not going be what gets you through a long rainy afternoon and you probably won't hand it down through the generations as a treasured heirloom, but it is wicked adorable, and when they start merching this out into stuffed animals and coffee mugs, make sure you give me and my wallet a call.

come to my blog!
Profile Image for Philip.
500 reviews673 followers
October 20, 2016
4ish stars.

This falls in the awkward stage somewhere between K-2 picture book and grade 3-5 graphic novel. I'm sure there's a market for 2nd and 3rd graders specifically, a la Binky the Space Cat. I'm just always interested to see how these books actually sell.

But I digress. The point is, this book is o-fish-ally pretty adorable. I kind of love it. Who knew that narwhals could live to be 90?! Not me! Fun, appropriately cartoony illustrations, stories that I, as an adult, got a kick out of, and some legitimately fascinating fact sheet interludes.

I would turtley try to shoehorn this into a kindergarten curriculum knowing for shark that 5-year-olds probably couldn't sit through a 60-page book no matter how tentacular it was.

Illustrations: 4
Story: 4
Profile Image for Whispering Stories.
2,652 reviews2,559 followers
April 30, 2019
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea! is the first book in a series about a Narwhal called Narwhal and his friend Jelly the Jellyfish, plus some of their other friends too. In this first book, we get to witness Narwhal and Jelly meeting for the first time.

Because neither of them has ever seen an animal like the other before they both think that the other is imaginary, therefore they try to make the other prove that they are real, it is very funny.

This book contains three stories as well as a double-sided information page about Narwhals and Jellyfish. Bit of information for you – Did you know that a group of Jellyfish is called a Smack? Well, I didn’t.

The book is highly amusing. I love that Narwhal is always so upbeat. He is proud of how he looks and that he is a Narwhal. He also has an excellent imagination too. Jellyfish is more reserved but is learning to be a bit more free and imaginative with Narwhals help.

I think the story about the best book ever was my favourite, as Narwhal teaches Jelly to see beyond the pages and to make up its own story.

The book may be only 64 pages long but I giggled my way through, it as a result I thoroughly enjoyed it. It has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and I can see children becoming engrossed in the story. If you want to witness a Narwhal having parties, eating waffles and even using the internet, then buy a copy of this book now. Because this book was so good I now can’t wait to start on book two ‘Super Narwhal and Jelly Jolt’ – Gosh I really am a big kid!
Profile Image for Calista.
3,886 reviews31.2k followers
February 9, 2018
A Middle grade graphic novel on the younger side. This is a simple story with extreme cuteness.

This is Narwhal, unicorn of the Sea. She hangs out with Jellyfish who seems world wise. Narwhal has a positive outlook on life and see things different. This is a fun and entertaining little story I think kids will enjoy. The adults sure seem to love it too. I will read more of this.
Profile Image for Bookishrealm.
1,909 reviews4,818 followers
March 26, 2023
I know how popular this series is but it's taken me forever to put forward the effort to actually pick up the book and it did not disappoint. I see why kids love these so much. I would definitely recommend this for kids K-2 who are an interested in graphic novels.

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea is the first in the Narwhal and Jelly series and introduces readers to main characters Narwhal and Jelly who meet in the sea. The two have a hilarious first meet up and seemingly build a relationship through their shared love of waffles. I appreciated that we were introduced to other sea characters throughout the story as well. The art was simplistic, but also warm and charming. As an avid comic, graphic novel, and manga reader, I'll always support creators who create works that introduce younger audiences to these beautiful mediums. This made me laugh at loud and now, even as an adult, I'm looking forward to the next installments in the series. I definitely recommend this one if you're look for more children's graphic novels.
Profile Image for Darla.
3,357 reviews529 followers
February 12, 2023
This book put a smile on my face. I just love Narwhal and Jelly and how all the other animals in their pod so enthusiastically join with words specific to their species. The book episode is also so endearing. A fun way to introduce graphic novels to the preschool set.
Profile Image for AleJandra.
827 reviews413 followers
December 31, 2018
5 Cutie patootie STARS

description

No se ustedes amiguitos, pero yo no tenia ni idea, de la existencia de los Narwhal. Paso mas tiempo en mundos ficticios que en el mundo real, por lo que no sorpresa. Pero gracias a este libro pude conocer un poco de un extraordinario y curioso animal marino.

Este libro contiene varias historias divertidas de un Narwhal y su amiga medusa. Pero también nos enseña un par de datos curiosos sobre este animal en el mundo real.

description

Las imágenes en este libro son muy tiernas hasta el punto de que mi hija ahora quiere que su cumpleaños tenga de tema los Narwhal, lo cual me parece estupendo ya que es un tema muy original, y aunque tenga que hacer todo a mano, me encanta la idea.
Profile Image for Bradley.
Author 6 books3,977 followers
February 10, 2017
Things I learned from Narwhal:

Jellyfish collect in Smacks.
Narwhals collect in Pods.

Podtastic!

And this might well be Baby's First Venture into Solipsism! Yay!

The book is cute and friendly but not overly overwhelming with message or buildup of story. I kinda expected something more cohesive, but at least we get to see a pod-dance and a watch the cuties eat WAFFLES!

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
Profile Image for Mischenko.
1,014 reviews97 followers
February 6, 2017
Absolutely adorable! This is great for younger and older elementary children. It's written almost in comic format. Nice illustrations and a few little facts here and there. 4****
Profile Image for Melissa.
17 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2016
Silly, fun, and completely adorable.

My daughter and I read this together and had the best time! She proclaimed this was her new favorite book - and that makes me happy.

I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Dream.M.
454 reviews90 followers
March 31, 2020
چهارِ صبح بیدار شی و کمیک بخونی :))
فقط توی کتاب کودکه که شخصیتهای احمق جذابن
Profile Image for Emma Sea.
2,184 reviews1,064 followers
Want to read
May 7, 2016
*dies*

Profile Image for Elsay.
60 reviews13 followers
September 13, 2021
باحاله
عاشق اونجاش شدم که توی دریا به عروس دریایی گفت: مواظب باش صفحاتش خیس نشه😂😂

طراحیش هم خیلی قشنگه بخصوص ابروهای عروس دریایی
Profile Image for MerryMeerkat.
446 reviews28 followers
October 5, 2016
Narwhat: Unicorn of the Sea  
5 Stars, buy it
 
Netgalley review.
Great little children’s book on a Narwhal and a Jellyfish who doesn’t believe the Narwhal is real. There are some cute facts on the Narhwal and the Jellyfish so it’s also educational as well as being cute. I love the art! And the stories are really sweet. I definitely recommend this.
Profile Image for Alyisha.
700 reviews29 followers
December 20, 2016
This book is utter nonsense and I love it. Would a kid like it? I think so. Does that really matter to me right now? No...because it's got pictures of a narwhal eating waffles and reading books. I don't know if anything's ever been more "me" before - ever.
Profile Image for Sesana.
5,194 reviews345 followers
September 10, 2016
Super cute, super silly, and super cheerful. The kind of book that just made me happy reading it. My niece, who's super into narwhal's at the moment, would absolutely love it.
Profile Image for Antonia.
13 reviews
April 15, 2023
Such a cute read. The friendship will bring a smile to your face and warm your heart. A great graphic novel to start your kiddos on.
Profile Image for Jackie B. - Death by Tsundoku.
763 reviews50 followers
September 9, 2016
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

GUYS. Guys. This book. This adorable, beautiful, superbly cute book. When I picked this book up, I didn't know what to expect. The cover is adorable, but that's one thing. A graphic novel for children about a Narwhal? Okay. Bring it on. But, what I didn't realize, is how much pure and unabashed joy this small graphic novel would bring me. So much joy.

In the end, this book is a collection of three brief stories around a narwhal and a jellyfish who become friends. Three brief stories, but each with a powerful message. Though out these pages, these adorable joy-filled pages, we learn about what friendship really means. It means to love people no matter what, to share what you have, to teach others what you know, and to bring more people into your fold. Oh, and waffles! Provide them waffles because everyone loves waffles, even jellyfish.

Between each story is a cute aside. In between our first two stories, facts about narwhals and jellyfish appear. A cute way to introduce children to the facts around these animals in the real world. The second and third story sandwich a cute song about narwhals. And honestly, I was running on the treadmill at the gym singing and clapping along. I kid you not.

In this end, this is an adorable graphic novel. I highly encourage anyone who feels like they are missing some joy in their life to read this. Immediately. You will find joy.

...and waffles.
Profile Image for Maija.
330 reviews7 followers
June 23, 2016
I've been looking forward to reading this books since I heard about it in January. I love that there are a few short stories and I wish I knew how the song went. I really liked the color scheme of blues and yellows and that the yellow denoted a bright happy time. My favorite story was, "Narwhal and the Best Book Ever".
Profile Image for Chadi Raheb.
332 reviews349 followers
March 12, 2020
ناروال و دوست جدیدش ژلی به اندازه‌ی چستر، کبوتر، کوچولوی گمشده، من، و دوست جدیدم خل و چل و رویاپردازن و این باعث میشه دوسشون داشته باشم :))
Profile Image for Jess-i-ca ~Sometimes a Gif Witch~.
797 reviews747 followers
April 28, 2016
So I got this book from Netgalley and decided to read it to my five-year-old while we were waiting at the doctor's office. She absolutely loved it! I seriously chuckled a few times myself while reading it. She was cracking up about the waffle ninja. Anyways very cute book and def recommend.

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ARC Provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for La Coccinelle.
2,245 reviews3,563 followers
February 16, 2019
This book is a little weak for me. It's sort of halfway between a graphic novel and a comic collection. There are a few continuous stories, though they're a little short on plot. I guess the interaction between the narwhal and the jellyfish is sort of amusing at first... but I can't see how the gimmick can be sustained for any length of time; waffle jokes are only going to work for so long.

The pictures are really simple and not that exciting. I don't know... I guess I was just expecting something a little more interesting based on the synopsis.
Profile Image for Mohammad Roufarshbaf.
192 reviews23 followers
December 20, 2020
نمی‌دونم چرا دوستش داشتم. شاید از این جهت خوشم اومد که خیلی شخصیت‌هاش بامزه و خوشگل بودند.
در قصه‌ی اول ناروال خیلی سریع با عروس دریایی ارتباط برقرار می‌کنه، اما عروس دریایی به ناروال سوءظن داره. قصه‌ی اول در مورد مرز بین تخیل و واقعیت هم نکته داره.
در قصه‌ی دوم ناروال گروه تشکیل میده. جالب اینکه هر کدام از اعضای گروهش یک موجود دریایی متفاوته. مثلا یک لاک‌پشت صبور و یک کوسه پراشتها و یک اختاپوس جامع‌نگر عضو گروه ناروال می‌شوند. این قصه شاید به بچه‌ها کمک کنه که در گروه تشکیل دادن به دنبال اشتراک صددرصد نباشند و با قبول تفاوت‌هایشان با یکدیگر دوست و همراه شوند.
در قصه‌ی سوم این ایده مطرح میشه که بهترین داستان‌های دنیا، یا بهتری�� تقدیرهای ما، بر اساس تخیلات و تفکرات و در کل شاید علم و عملکرد خودمون ایجاد می‌شوند. ما خودمون باید کتاب زندگیمون رو بنویسیم. خودمون مسئولیم که خوشگل بنویسیمش.
Profile Image for Zohreh Samiei.
175 reviews7 followers
April 7, 2021
كتاب ها مي تونن اينقدر ساده و اين قدر قشنگ نوشته بشن
Profile Image for Cheryl.
9,328 reviews399 followers
November 29, 2017
Ok, I've fallen under Clanton's spell. I know it's surprising that I like this, but omg it's so funny. And wise. And adorable. Jellyfish reminds me a fair bit of my 21 yo (youngest) son, especially some of his expressions. I bet boys, and girls, and stoners, and philosophical sophomores all love this.

Are you real? Prove it!
You can imagine anything....
Profile Image for Amir.
200 reviews69 followers
March 12, 2020
روزمرگی‌های نهنگ تک شاخ‌ معرکه یا اندر مزایای دوستی و وافل و خیال.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,294 reviews

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