Happy Narwhalidays; Ben Clanton

Narwhal and Jelly are back for three more delightful and funny adventures in a book that is full of Christmas cheer. I am a huge fan of these books by author Ben Clanton and was thrilled to find that his latest book sees the two friends enjoying the holiday festivities.

Narwhal is very excited - there are celebrations to be had, singing to do, good times with friends to enjoy and lots of eating to be done (particularly waffles). His friend Jelly is just really cold. The most exciting thing is the arrival of the merry mermicorn who will be spreading Christmas cheer throughout the ocean and possibly leaving presents. Jelly is of course unsure about the existence of such a thing. When a present arrives with Jelly’s name on it he is convinced it must be from Narwhal and so sets out to find the perfect present for his friend. But finding the perfect present is no easy task especially when everyone is too busy to help - star needs to shoot off, shark has got singing to do, turtle has got some underwater lighting to take care of and otter is off on a Christmas vacation. Can Jelly find the present that his best friend deserves…

This book is packed full of festive cheer; the goodwill spirit of the merry mermicorn, carolling (or should I say corralling) sea creatures, presents and waffles. Presented as a comic strip, the book is a wacky and wonderful read about the Christmas adventures of the two underwater friends. The book also includes interesting facts and information about creatures of the sea. Readers will no doubt find a new favourite Christmas song in the delightful rewording of ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas,’ “We fish you a merry mermicorn, and some bubbly good cheer!”

The illustrations are simple and are mostly shades of blue and yellow with some Christmas red and white thrown in for good measure. Don’t be deceived by the minimal use of colour - the illustrations are packed full of humour, charm and character emotion.

A very funny read which includes messages on friendship, kindness and the power of imagination. It is sure to be a hit with young readers.

Recommended for 6+.

With huge thanks to Egmont Publishing for the review copy.