This is exactly what you want in an early reader: accessible, genuinely funny, emotionally healthy, and completely safe. Ben Clanton nails the Frog and Toad vibe for a new generation—two friends with different personalities who balance each other out and navigate small adventures with heart.

The graphic novel format is clutch for kids who are intimidated by text-heavy books, and the underwater setting with a narwhal who thinks he's a unicorn is just quirky enough to feel fresh. The stories are simple but not simplistic—there's real emotional intelligence in how Narwhal helps Jelly when he's feeling blue.

This won't blow your mind as an adult, but it's not trying to. It's trying to make a 6-year-old feel like a champion reader while sneaking in lessons about friendship and believing in yourself. Mission accomplished. The 4.9 Amazon rating isn't lying—this series is beloved for good reason.