Whale, That Was Unexpected

A classic but contemporary tale for 3-to-7-year-olds featuring a hilariously grumpy seafarer and her trusty dog sidekick who get swallowed by a whale. For fans of Caldecott Honor books Bear Came Along and Leave Me Alone.

Stoic seafarer Maude and her canine sidekick Claude head out to fish as they have done every day for many years. But this time, something unexpected happens. (Maude hates it when something unexpected happens.)

They get swallowed by a whale. What does one do when one is swallowed by a whale? Throw a farewell party, I guess. (Maude loves a good party.)

Hilarity ensues as more and more creatures get swallowed and Maude has to keep changing her party plans. (Maude does not love crowds.)

Will Maude and the whale part ways, or is this the end? (Maude would prefer it if we could hurry this up.)

Okay, okay. Read on to find out.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Tundra Books (NY)
Published: 06/30/2026
ISBN: 9781774883617
Pages: 48
Weight: 1.25lbs

Review Citations: Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2026 pg. 69
Kirkus Reviews 04/01/2026
Shelf Awareness 01/01/0001