WENDELL THE NARWHAL

Teamwork helps a narwhal to participate in an underwater orchestra.

All the other creatures of the sea can make music, but Wendell can’t seem to create the right resonance with his tusk. He is a bit jealous that the octopus can make a “pop, pop, pop” sound, the jellyfish go “wubba, wub, wub,” the blowfish can “whoosh,” the whale sings “tweedly dee,” and the clam claps. When they all get going, the din is discordant and noisy, prompting Wendell to tap his tusk to get everyone to be quiet. The jellyfish then suggest that Wendell be the conductor to their little orchestra, and all together they make a harmonious melody. Contained in a charmingly diminutive trim, the muted paintings of the various ocean dwellers stand out against an oceanic green background. A cacophony of sound words across each page depicts the transition from a loud clatter to a mellow tune. Even children who can’t read the words will see how they threaten to overwhelm the narwhal before he coordinates them all. Preschoolers will enjoy repeating all the sounds as this aquatic symphony takes shape while they discover the names of some relatively unfamiliar sea creatures.

Whether would-be musicians or not, children will find a lot to like in little Wendell.