Whale, That Was Unexpected, written by Casey Lyall and illustrated by Kathryn Durst. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Well, how about that.

There was only one 
thing for Maude to do:

throw a goodbye party."

Maude and her trusty canine companion Claude climb aboard her appropriately named 'trusty little boat' head out to sea every morning. Well prepared and sure she has seen all there is to see, they have a big surprise in store. Readers know it at the first turn of the page when a dark whale shape covers the bottom half of the full spread. As bad luck would have it, the whale opens its humongous jaw and swallows their boating vessel and its occupants in one large gulp. Maude and Claude make the decision to stay plenty cool in the face of disaster, and begin to make a plan for a farewell party. 

"Farewell Maude. 

                   Farewell Claude." 

Maybe not fancy enough. They check with their audience to ensure the eulogy to them is worthy of their long, adventurous lives. The tone changes as all three (including the boat) are honored, and end up sharing the belly with all manner of sea life. Each one swallowed must be added to the list of farewells, including a goat in a boat. That happens just before the whale whooooshes in yet another mouthful ... seal and puffin. 

Their farewell chant is finally ready to be sung for the final time. Everyone joins in. Their fate seems sealed as they sit sedately in their boat in the belly of the whale. An emergency flare is lit to decorate the last sandwich, causing the whale to SNEEZE, and sending the boat back to sea. As Maude, Claude and their new friend Goat head for home, readers are left to wonder what tomorrow may bring. Fortunately, they are left with a clue! 

A mix of gouache, charcoal and digital media ensure the enjoyment for this story is lifted to new levels. The images provide an engaging backdrop for the deadpan comedy of Maude and Claude as they deal with the salty pickle they find themselves in. Readers and listeners will giggle at the repetition and the dialogue that makes them a part of every scene.  It's a tale left to read again next year when my family returns. They have named it a 'keeper', and for many good reasons.