Narwhal's Sweet Tooth

Narwhal's Sweet Tooth

book

2024

WISE
92%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

Narwhal gets a massive sugar rush and Jelly tries to keep the peace in this pun-filled graphic novel that's actually worth the hype.

Amazon4.9
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, if you're tired of 'brain rot' content and want something that will actually get your kid to sit still and read, this is it. Ben Clanton is a master of the early graphic novel format.

It’s safe, it’s funny, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s the kind of book that makes kids think reading is actually fun rather than a chore. In a world of overstimulating apps, Narwhal and Jelly are the low-stress heroes we need. Get the whole series; you won't regret it.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 5-to-9-year-old crowd. It’s sophisticated enough to be funny for a 2nd grader but simple enough for a Kindergartener to follow along with the pictures.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
96

The Narwhal and Jelly series is basically the gold standard for kindness and supportive friendship. Narwhal is the eternal optimist, Jelly is the grounded realist, and their dynamic is consistently positive without being saccharine or annoying.

Imaginative
88

Ben Clanton’s world-building is simple but effective, using puns and whimsical underwater logic that encourages kids to think about language and storytelling in a playful way.

Safe
100

It's a children's book about a narwhal who likes waffles and candy. There is zero objectionable content here. No violence, no scary bits, no weird hidden agendas.

Enriching
84

Excellent for literacy development, especially for reluctant readers who find standard prose intimidating. It also touches on emotional regulation and the concept of 'too much of a good thing' regarding sweets.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • The 'gateway drug' for reluctant readers—graphic novels like this make kids feel like they're flying through books.
  • Genuinely funny puns that don't make you want to roll your eyes (too much).
  • Models a friendship where one person is allowed to be a total goofball and the other is allowed to be worried, and they still get along.
  • Short, digestible stories that are perfect for a 10-minute bedtime window.
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What to Watch For

  • A sudden, intense demand for waffles or candy immediately after finishing the book.
  • The puns are contagious; be prepared for your kid to try out some 'otter-ly' ridiculous jokes at dinner.

Conversation Starters

  • "Why do you think Jelly was so worried about Narwhal eating all those sweets?"
  • "If you were a narwhal, what would your favorite 'sometimes' treat be?"
  • "How does Narwhal react when things go wrong? Is that how you'd react?"
  • "What was the funniest pun in the book?"

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