Be A Narwhal by Sarah Ford and Anita Mangan (Non-fiction, Inspirational, 9/10E)

Cute cover!

 October 2019, Spruce Press, 96 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Octopus books

Let Narwhal show you the true meaning of a successful life. He is always prepared to put in the hours, whether he’s nurturing his sea anemones or doing a big presentation to the reef. Feisty and passionate, Narwhal is no back-seat driver - he’s always bursting with ideas, from how to break the ice at parties to how to tickle a fish. And when all around is in meltdown, he’ll stay in control and bounce back with a cool head and  a calm heart.
 

Nayu's thoughts

This is at least the 3rd book in the series that I have read, and it is as entertaining as the rest. I love narwhals because they look like unicorn dolphins/whales, a highly cool combo! I love the rainbow coloured horn on this narwhal. 

The advice is given 98% brilliant. I like the extra info at the front filled with positivity and making sure that you are you, and you don't copy people. Being yourself is the best you that you can be! Every page has an illustration with an important quote, some are funny, all are true and great when you need a pick me up. 

The reason this didn't get full marks is because I disagreed with one point Narhwal makes, this one. 

Comforting things are comforting for a reason, and I see no point whatsover in giving up what makes you happy - especially plushies! And on a later page Narwahl has a different plushy, so clearly it didn't get rid of everything comfy.  So this is the 2% that wasn't so brilliant for me. I did approve of a cat making an appearance, I marvelled the magic of books that let it breathe underwater., less so much the slight mutilation of said book. The little narwhal plushie was super cute! I want one. Narwhal has a positive attitude to live in general, even the parts that are less than rosey. 

Sarah and Anita have once again created a fun little read that I will reread many times over for life tips! 

Find out more cute illustrations on Anita's website.

Suggested read

Check out the other books in the series by Sarah and Anita including Be A Mermaid and Be A Llama by Sarah Ford and Anita Mangan (Non-Fiction, Inspirational, 10E/10E)

This book swam (flew) all the way to Australia for my cousin who loves mermaids! He loved it ^u^

This is one proud Llama!

Be A Mermaid and Be A Llama by Sarah Ford and Anita Mangan (Non-Fiction, Inspirational, 10E/10E)

 March 2018, Spruce, 96 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from Spruce Publishing

Be A Mermaid

A little book that packs a big punch, with motivational sayings and colourful, characterful drawings of the sea-queen herself.

 

Mermaid is happy in her own fins. She is fiercely independent and is just as happy taking herself out for dinner as she is on a night out with the squad. Never one to bow out early, she confronts every challenge head on and isn't afraid to get her hands dirty (though her tail will always be sparkling clean). So let Mermaid guide you through the trials and tribulations of real girl power and you can be sure she'll always have your back.

Be A Llama 

Stressed? Let Llama show you how to find calm amidst the chaos.

Sweet natured, sociable, and blessed with great hair, Llama is taking on the world... she is doing it one step at a time and staying really, really chilled. Take a leaf out of Llama's book and seek out the calm amidst the chaos.

From llama weddings to therapy llamas, these are the animals of tomorrow. Or the day after. No rush.

Nayu's thoughts

 I've got several what I term life inspiring books like these so was eager to see what gems of wisdom they hold. The mermaid one is shortly swimming it's way (intended pun, not literal as it is flying there) to a family member all the way in Australia who is mermaid obsessed (and a guy! Guys love mermaids as much as girls). 

They are deceptively simple reads that take much longer to read despite being a sentence a page-I took time to take in the meaning of what gets said and see how it applies to my life. Both the mermaids and the llamas have great ways of looking at the world and coping with the craziness of life. The illustrations added a lot of humour and while not 100% my favourite style I loved seeing what wild colour and style of hair the mermaids had, and how calm the llama looked despite life being crazy. 

These are definitely books to be reread periodically, supporting you when taking positive actions that may be daunting, reminders of what life is about, and pocket sized so you can easily slip them into your bag and take it with you wherever you go. A favourite part was when mermaid ate dessert for dinner- without fail every year I have fresh chilled custard and some ice cream for breakfast on my birthday (albeit a bit later in the day this year)! 

Suggested read 

I haven't reviewed this book, but I recommend any of your favourite characters who may have a small book of wisdom, like this lovable almost always gloomy donkey: Eeyore's Little Book of Gloom