Review of Narwhal: Unicorn of the Arctic by Candace Fleming
- amiller8979
- Jan 16
- 2 min read
Readers are immersed in the life of a narwhal as the narrator invites them into the narrative: “You are a narwhal— / shy, / swift, / small (for a whale).” Thus begins a glimpse into the seasonal behaviors of these distinctive animals. It is winter, and the narwhal jousts with another male swim in the leads (nicely defined in both text and illustrations) and dive deep for food. A striking and informative vertical gatefold depicts the near-mile-long fishing expedition, while the text explains that at those depths, narwhals use echolocation to find food. As summer approaches, the narwhals migrate as a pod, following the same path they and their ancestors have used times before. The shallow summer waters hold dangers, such as hungry orcas, but this pod outsmarts them. A blizzard temporarily traps the pod under the ice as the days grow shorter, indicating it’s time to leave,
As in previous books, Fleming does not overdramatize these challenges, presenting them as a natural part of survival. So’Oteh’s digital illustrations detail majestic settings both on the surface and at great depths while emphasizing the grace of these mammals. Particularly enlightening back matter expands on the text, offering details on jousting, narwhals’ deep dives, and thought-provoking questions surrounding how they will adapt to climate change. Fleming also provides a glimpse into the research process, from adapting new technological advances to partnerships with Indigenous peoples. A bibliography completes this exceptional book. The atmospheric illustrations by debut illustrator Deena So'Oteh, paired with nonfiction master Candace Fleming's delivery of a picture book, uniquely told in the second person, place Narwhal: Unicorn of the Arctic at the top of my Sibert 2025 prediction list. This stunning book is perfect for young animal lovers, primary teachers, science teachers, and ELA teachers; the poetry is wonderfully presented).
From the publisher:
You are a narwhal.
Shy... Swift... Small...
Humans call you unicorn of the Arctic.
When winter ice covers the Arctic Ocean, a narwhal pokes his head through a patch of open water, his tusk--a six-foot long tooth--pointed to the sky.
Join this mammal as he jousts with another narwhal, floats with his pod, and uses echolocation to find his prey. When warmer weather arrives, he will migrate towards summer ground. But he must be careful! Predators--orcas and polar bears--will be hungry and looking for a meal.... How will the narwhal escape? Will he be able to return to the winter bay?
Commentaires