Happy Narwhalidays

Narwhal and Jelly return for a fifth outing, this time ready to celebrate the winter holidays. Narwhal can’t help singing (“Jingle Shells, Jingle Shells…”), striping his tusk tooth to look like a candy cane, and awaiting a visit from the Merry Mermicorn. Jelly, on the other hand, shivers in the icy winter waters and assumes the Mermicorn is simply a figment of Narwhal’s imagination. Then a thoughtful present arrives for Jelly (mittens); assuming it is from Narwhal, Jelly launches into a frantic search for the perfect gift for his pal.

Clanton’s aquatic BFFs remain as appealing as ever as they navigate the trials and tribulations of the gift-giving season. Jelly learns that finding the perfect gift for someone is not easy, but that having an accepting friend such as Narwhal makes everything better. Narwhal’s gift to Jelly (the mittens were from the Merry Mermicorn, after all) is a much-appreciated tour of an underwater volcano surrounded by warm waters. As in the earlier titles, the main story is divided into three sections, interspersed with cool (ocean) facts and a Super Waffle and Strawberry Sidekick story. And, while the carols and Santa hats suggest that these best friends are celebrating Christmas, mention is made of Hanukkah (Turtle and Shelly are off to light the Minnow-Orah) and Winter Solstice (Star is on her way to shoot off for the celebration). The graphic illustrations in Happy Narwhalidays feature the usual blue, gray and yellow palette, highlighted this time in seasonal red. A perfect choice for fans of this duo whether listeners or emerging readers.