Early Book Review: Narwhal's Otter Friend (Narwhal and Jelly) by Ben Clanton

Narwhal's Otter Friend is the fourth Narwhal and Jelly book by Ben Clanton. This installment is currently scheduled for release on February 5th 2019. You do not need to read this series of children's books in order to enjoy, but they are each so charming and fun that I highly recommend reading them all anyway. 

This book offers readers three new stories about the joy of adventure and the power of friendship. In the first story, Otty the otter makes her debut splash; while Narwhal greets her with immediate enthusiasm, Jelly's not so sure about her...mostly because he worries she'll take his place as Narwhal's best friend. Readers will easily see why Narwhal's so excited to meet Otty, a boisterous explorer who even has an aunt who's a real live sea captain! But readers will also relate to Jelly's uneasiness seeing his best friend making a new pal. Jelly tries to work out his jealousy in story two, and in story three, the new trio say "Ahoy, adventure!" and discover they all have more in common than they thought, including a love of waffles! Jelly also takes over the "Super Waffle and Strawberry Sidekick" comic providing a sidekick's-eye-view of defeating the dreaded dEVILed egg!

Narwhal's Otter Friend is a great easy readers style book. I think the characters of Narwhal and Jelly are well balanced and fun, and I like that no character is perfect. Jelly and Narwhal each have their faults, and they seem to compliment each other because of these faults rather than in spite of them. I like how no matter how outrageous and silly the particulars of the story is, it is still easy for readers of all ages to relate to the characters and understand how everyone feels, and more importantly why they might be acting the way they are. This makes it easier for them to identify these actions and emotions in real life situations, and in turn make social interactions less scary or awkward. Also, the book is just as much fun to look at as they are to read. This makes it much more likely for readers to pick up the book and read it.

Narwhal's Otter Friend is yet another fun read from Clanton, and I look forward to this series continuing. The blend of fun, delightful illustrations, and developing friendships hit all the right notes and make me happy long after I put the book away.