Dear Mr. Blueberry

by Simon James, Simon James (Illustrator)

Overview

While on a summer vacation, Emily discovers a whale living in her garden pond. So she writes to her teacher, Mr. Blueberry, for advice on how to care for her new pet. But Mr. Blueberry reponds that she must be mistaken, as whales live in the ocean, not in ponds. In a delightful exhange of letters, Emily learns about whales, and Mr. Blueberry learns about imagination, faith, and friendship. Full color.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780689505294
Publisher:	Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication date:	09/01/1991
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.74(w) x 8.68(h) x 0.34(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Before entering art college where he specialized in graphics, Simon James held many different jobs, ranging from policeman to farm worker. He lives in Devon, England, now and has been adopted as artist in residence by a local school, where he teaches children, as he puts it, "how to have fun making a mess and expressing something at the same time." His previous book, Sally and the Limpet, features an endearing little girl who learns a subtle lesson about nature and the environment.

Before entering art college where he specialized in graphics, Simon James held many different jobs, ranging from policeman to farm worker. He lives in Devon, England, now and has been adopted as artist in residence by a local school, where he teaches children, as he puts it, "how to have fun making a mess and expressing something at the same time." His previous book, Sally and the Limpet, features an endearing little girl who learns a subtle lesson about nature and the environment.

Editorial Reviews

An ecologically aware girl is sure she sees a whale in her swimming pond, despite her teacher's missives. Ages 4-7. (June)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

PreS-Gr 1-- It is summer, and Emily discovers that a whale is living in the pond in her yard. Eager to learn more about this amazing animal, she writes a series of letters to her teacher, Mr. Blueberry, asking for information about whales and their habits. The humor of the situation lies in Mr. Blueberry's replies. He sends Emily some details, but he is also quite adamant that whatever is in her pond is not a whale since they live in salt water. Nevertheless, both Emily and readers know that indeed there is a whale in the pond, and the proof is the amusing, full-page watercolor cartoons. Emily shares her letters with the whale, who, after hearing about his species' migratory habits, leaves the pond to return to the ocean. (How he does this is not explained.) At first, Emily is saddened at her loss, but a chance meeting with Arthur on the beach gives her the opportunity to say goodbye. This story is a nice blend of fantasy and reality with a smattering of facts. The large print and simple vocabulary make it appropriate for beginning readers. --Laura Culberg, Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago

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