In If Wendell Had a Walrus, Wendell imagines he has a walrus and that together they do many activities Wendell loves such as telling jokes, flying kites and drawing boats. They have ‘the most stupendiferous, cosmically colossal best time of their lives’. When Wendell goes in search of a real walrus to make his dreams reality, he discovers more than he’d hoped for and a fulfilling friendship prevails.
I loved the soft illustrations and colour palette, they work beautifully with the text. Speech bubbles are used for some dialogue including playful jokes sure to be loved by kids like ‘What do walruses like to chew?’ ‘Blubber gum’.
The story delivers a message that imagination can lead you to a wonderful place and that dreams, even daydreams, should be followed. The ending of the story is cute and will leave readers thinking, maybe even daydreaming.
Matt Phelan is also the illustrator of Xander’s Panda Party.
Title: If Wendell Had a Walrus
Author: Lori Mortensen
Illustrator: Matt Phelan
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company Inc, $24.99
Publication Date: 8 May 2018
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781627796026
For ages: 6+
Type: Picture Book