School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--Sure, Clanton is the author here, but when he's not initially included in the opening credits, he playfully inserts himself anyway: "With narration by Ben Clawww-ton… uhh, Clanton." His energetic humor sets the stage for a charming, full-cast production of his latest, bestselling "Narwhal and Jelly" early graphic series. The eighth entry includes three adventurous (not too super scary, really!) shorts that celebrate empathy and friendship, jauntily interrupted by three informative interstitials that provide complementary information, from real-life sea creatures (vampire squids are not really vampires) to bats (and their guano--"That's pooper! I mean super!"). A much-appreciated who-read-who cast list (thankfully, mostly the same since Book 1) appends the recording--revealing Clanton (again) was also Mr. Blowfish! Kiddie fave Kirby Heyborne stands out as sweet Jelly and Dion Graham extends his reach as Octopus. VERDICT Halloween might be only once a year, but sea-loving fans will want easy access to this title any time.
Horn Book Review
Excited Narwhal can't decide which costume to wear for Halloween, while scared Jelly doesn't plan to participate. But when Jelly and their friends must "superfy" themselves to bravely rescue Narwhal from a "humongously hungry" sea monster (i.e., Narwhal in too many costume comboonations), that gives Narwhal the perfect costume idea for their Narwhalloween party...featuring waffles, of course. Humorous puns abound; the varied panel structure and dynamic character expressions in this graphic novel for transitional readers help build age-appropriate suspense. This entertaining eighth series entry includes three "story chapters" plus facts about potentially scary real-life creatures and a "Super Waffle, Strawberry Sidekick and the Bat Attack" comic interlude. Cynthia K. RitterSeptember/October 2023 p.23 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
The power of friendship helps Jelly manage Halloween anxiety. In this eighth volume of the radiantly upbeat buddy series, Narwhal is excited about Halloween and happily ponders what costume to choose. Best friend Jelly is more apprehensive, telling Narwhal, "I don't like all the scary stuff." Despite Jelly's plainly vocalized fears, Narwhal charges ahead, eager to find the perfect look. Having had enough, Jelly decides to lie low until Halloween is over. When Turtle and Shelly swim up frantically, announcing that a hungry monster is close, Jelly worries about Narwhal's safety and rallies a group for a search. With friends close, Jelly channels Narwhal's positive energy and can-do optimism in hopes of saving the day. Clanton's latest is abundantly fun and sweet, reminding readers that Halloween scares may not suit everyone but that everyone has the capacity for bravery. Those who may not embrace all the spooktacular scares of Halloween will appreciate Jelly's worries and subsequent coping strategies. Like earlier series titles, which contained facts and stories between chapters, this offering features tidbits about real-life creepy undersea life and a further installment of Super Waffle and Strawberry Sidekick. Clanton's energetic, childlike art is delightful as always. Narwhal and Jelly's adventure is an easy crowd pleaser that will keep pages turning to a satisfying conclusion. A gloriously funny and feel-good take on Halloween from a wildly popular series. (Graphic fiction. 6-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
