Review: Whale, That Was Unexpected

Whale, That Was Unexpected

Author: Casey Lyall  
Illustrator: Kathryn Durst

Tundra Books, 2026

ISBN: 9781774883624 (hardcover)
9781774883624 (eBook)

$24.99 CAD (hardcover)
$11.99 CAD (eBook)

40 pages

Ages: 3 to 7 years old
Recommended library audience: School and public library

Whale, That Was Unexpected is a playful picture book about Maude and her loyal dog Claude, who head out fishing one day only to be eaten by a whale. What begins as a quiet trip on the sea quickly transforms into a farewell party filled with rhymes, sea creatures, and increasingly silly additions. Despite its seemingly dour tone of being eaten alive, like Pinocchio, it’s a happy ending. The repetitive structure and building humour make the story engaging for story times. Kathryn Durst’s illustrations are expressive, and the yellow of Claude and Maude’s sou'westers and jackets provide a bright contrast to the storm and whale. The textured artwork and exaggerated features are beautiful. I enjoyed the juxtaposition between Maude’s grumpy personality and the growing crowd around her. 

I’d recommend this humorous book for public and school library collections, particularly for children who enjoy rhyme and dark humour aimed at children.