Narwhalicorn and Jelly

Narwhal wildly takes Jelly's casual question way too far in the latest installment of the fan-favorite graphic-novel series. Narwhal always claims to be the unicorn of the sea, but do they even know what a unicorn is? Jelly wants to know, and their waffle-fueled pondering sets the stage for the deep-sea duo's latest adventure. Narwhal insists they do know what a unicorn is (a land narwhal, of course) and enthusiastically encourages pal Jelly to meet them that night at the big beach for an out-of-this-world adventure. When Jelly arrives, Narwhal's wild, weird surprise is that they know an actual star and some special words that grant them a very special wish--the ability to walk on land to search for a unicorn. While an excited Narwhal sprouts hair and learns to run and dance, a tired, nauseous Jelly is relegated to a fishbowl on Narwhal's back. Though Jelly's irritation and frustration will be apparent to readers, Narwhal does not notice. Clanton's focus on social awareness and listening gives Narwhal an opportunity to work on some social-emotional development that will surely increase their capacity for empathy in future adventures. With splashes of new hues to the usually blue, gray, and yellow palette (added to depict some intergalactic excursions), readers will find themselves satisfied with the happy resolution and wishing for more. A wonderful, whimsical romp for fans of this heart-filled buddy comedy. (Graphic fiction. 6-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.