Lisa Mantchev has created a book about the fears we must face when trying something new and following our dreams in Someday, Narwhal. Narwhal is in their bowl, but they would like to travel and explore, but they cannot read the street signs, they have no feet and they do not know they can do this on their own. They will just stay home where it is warm then. But with a little help from friends, Narwhal finds a way to have some grand adventures.
Hyewon Yum has illustrated Someday, Narwhal and has created a delightful treat for the eyes. There are some fun details hidden in the pictures. The colors are soft, bright, dream-like and whimsical. They are realistic but with a cartoon touch. They help tell the story along with simple (but not simplistic) text.
Unknown to me, this is a companion book to Strictly No Elephants by Mantchev (this time illustrated by Taeeun Yoo). This is about having an unusual pet and how that excludes our young pet owner access to his friends Pet Club. However, the message becomes that pets, like people, come in all shapes and sizes and sometimes they are just a little different than what you expect.
Both books by Mantchev are feel good, message stories. There is just a simple story at the front of them, but the message is there as well. Narwhal learns to be brave and use clever ways to have adventures and the boy and his elephant learn about real friendships.