Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
An ecologically aware girl is sure she sees a whale in her swimming pond, despite her teacher's missives. Ages 4-7. (June)
Dear Mr. Blueberry
by Simon James
"Dear Mr. Blueberry, I love whales very much and I think I saw one in my pond today. Please send me some information on whales." It's vacation time, so Emily has to write to her teacher to help when she discovers a blue whale living in her pond. Mr. Blueberry answers that she must be mistaken, because whales live in the ocean, not in ponds.
Throughout the
Throughout the
Editorial Reviews
School Library Journal
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
Product Details
- ISBN-13:
- 9780689807688
- Publisher:
- Aladdin
- Publication date:
- 06/01/1996
- Edition description:
- Reprint
- Pages:
- 32
- Sales rank:
- 143,890
- Product dimensions:
- 7.37(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.20(d)
- Age Range:
- 4 - 7 Years
Meet 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.
Customer Reviews
Average Review:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Dear Mr. Blueberry
4.7 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
3 reviews.
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This book is very sweet and informative at the same time! It is a very charming book for the age group (any age really!).
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Dear Mr. Blueberry is a sweet, wonderful and gentle story of friendship, loyalty, and being true to your beliefs. The dialogue between the little girl and her teacher is heartwarming as well as informative. I truly fell in love with this story from the moment I read it and will include it in many of my storytimes for many years to come. Please do yourself a favor and read this wonderful story!
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