I was browsing a site we have and found a reader copy of Perfectly Pegasus (due late March/early April 2022). When looking up their other words (as the Pegasus
Nimbus looked familiar) I saw several books by Jessie Sima I had read. And one was Not Quite Narwhal. I might have reviewed Narwhal before, but here we go again.
The story of both Pegasus and Narwhal is simple: an animal (a Pegasus and what later learns they are a Unicorn) have an issue and they learn how to solve it. Nimbus was born high in the clouds and counter to Kelp (our not quite narwhal who swims slowly) flies terrible fast. Nimbus, most days, loves being in the clouds and playing with the stars in the sky. But sometimes they wish they were not alone. One day the perfect wishing star falls, but before Nimbus can finish their wish, the star falls away. Nimbus takes it upon themselves to find the star to finish that wish. And (not so spoiler) instead of finding the star, they find, Kelp. And of course, Nimbus learns that what they need is the friendship Kelp, the unicorns and narwhals from the companion picture book can give them. This is the same as Kelp learning that they might have been born in the sea and with the narwhals, but they are really a unicorn. This theme of not being what you think at first blush, was new at the time of publication (2017) but it has since been done several times. Still, that does not take away from the point or strength of Sima’s story at reread.
The art is bold, colorful, bright, and sweet. The details are simple, but fill the pages as needed. They are happy, signaling that there will be nothing bad. Even shadows are happy. Sugary sweet, they are the perfect images to use for the toddler audience.
All ages can enjoy, but best for ages three/four to about six/seven.