Ben Clanton (The Children's Book Podcast #430)
PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY
Ben Clanton is the author illustrator of PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY, the newest book in his NARWHAL AND JELLY graphic novel series. In this newest installment Narwhal breaks his meal routine of all waffles all the time in order to try a new treat at Jelly's suggestion with hilarious results. This series is hilarious and one of the things I love most about these books has been the opportunity to read them aloud with my 7-year-old son. They never fail to crack us up. There's a scene in this new book that we also connected over: Jelly hesitates to give Narwhal a peanut butter cookie without first making sure that Narwhal isn't allergic. Like many kids, my son has a peanut allergy. The way that Ben handled this scene and empowered Narwhal's friend as a source of concern and protection was something that really spoke to us both.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Narwhal and Jelly are back and Narwhal has a new obsession . . . peanut butter! He's so obsessed he even wants to change his name to . . . that's right . . . Peanut Butter! Ever-sensible Jelly isn't so sure that's the best idea, but is all for Narwhal trying new things (instead of just eating waffles all the time, no matter how delicious waffles are).
In this third book, Narwhal and Jelly star in three new stories about trying new things, favorite foods and accepting who we are. Always funny and never didactic, this underwater duo charms again through their powerful combination of positive thinking, imagination and joyfulness.
And here's the scene where we noticed Jelly being a friend to Narwhal by making sure that Narwhal wasn't allergic to the food Jelly was offering. It's a big deal to have friends like this when you're a child with severe food allergies. You are your best advocate, but having a friend as an ally goes a long way.
SHOW NOTES:
Narwhal and Jelly's official homepage
POLAR OBSESSION by Paul Nicklen
Narwhals: new footage reveals possible purpose for mysterious tusk (video)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ben is a children's book authorstrator as well as an editor-at-large for the Little Bigfoot imprint of Sasquatch Books. He has spent most of his time on this planet reading, drawing, playing basketball, gardening and eating waffles. He lives in Tacoma, WA with his wife, Kelsey (a photographer and designer!), his son, and a wild goldendoodle named Gigi.
Purchase Ben's books for you or your readers HERE.
And visit Ben Clanton online at http://www.benclanton.com/
*This post contains affiliate links. Any purchases made through these links will support the costs of maintaining the podcast, webcomic, and other materials associated with this site.
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