Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea!
#1 of 9 in Narwhal and Jelly Series
on Goodreads (13,310)
What’s inside...
Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal and Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. Despite their differences, they share a love for waffles, parties, and adventures. Together, they explore the ocean and form their own pod of friends. In a series of three stories, Jelly learns the value of friendship with Narwhal, they create a pod of awesomeness, and read the best book ever, despite it lacking words or pictures. Ben Clanton's graphic novel 'Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea' highlights the joys of friendship, teamwork, and the power of imagination.
Discussion points
What do you think makes Narwhal special compared to other sea creatures?
How did Narwhal and Jelly become friends? What qualities do you think make a good friend?
If you could have any superpower like Narwhal, what would it be and why?
How do Narwhal and Jelly help each other to solve problems? Can you think of a time when a friend helped you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own underwater adventure, just like Narwhal.
Ask your child about their friendships and discuss the qualities they appreciate in their friends, connecting it to Narwhal and Jelly’s relationship.
Invite your child to draw their favorite scene from the book, fostering a deeper connection to the story and its characters.
Help them relate the book's themes to their own experiences, emphasizing empathy, creativity, and the value of friendship.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: Narwhal feels unique among the sea creatures, much like his unicorn-esque tusk. The story celebrates this uniqueness rather than presenting it as a drawback.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate what makes them different and see their unique traits as strengths.
Example Lesson: Building Friendships
Explanation: Narwhal befriends Jellyfish despite their stark differences. Their friendship shows how to look beyond superficial differences and appreciate others for who they are.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to make friends in diverse settings, promoting inclusivity and acceptance in their peer groups.
Example Lesson: Importance of Imagination
Explanation: Throughout the book, Narwhal engages in imaginative play which turns everyday experiences into adventures.
Real-World Application: Children are urged to use their imagination to enrich their playtime and learning experiences, helping them to think creatively and solve problems.
Example Lesson: Trying New Things
Explanation: Narwhal is keen to try new activities, like forming a 'podtastic' pod with sea creatures or exploring unknown parts of the ocean.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore new hobbies or interests without fear and develop a lifelong love for learning.