Dear Mr. Blueberry (Aladdin Picture Books) [Paperback]

Simon James (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Aladdin Picture Books

"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 summer, Emily and Mr. Blueberry exchange letters, until Emily has a happy surprise to share with her teacher. In the process, Emily learns a lot about whales. And Mr. Blueberry leans even more about imagination, faith, and love.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

An ecologically aware girl is sure she sees a whale in her swimming pond, despite her teacher's missives. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 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
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (June 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689807686
• ISBN-13: 978-0689807688
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 8.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #28,684 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #16 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Animals > Mammals > Fiction
  • #32 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Mammals

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review by Brian..., December 13, 1999

By 

Brian (Ewing, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dear Mr. Blueberry (Hardcover)

I liked Dear Mr Blueberry because it was funny and and because a girl is asking her teacher for information about whales. They send letters to each other. Emily finds out that a whale lives in her pond and feeds it bread and cornflakes. She named the whale Arthur. Her teacher tries to convince her that there is not a whale in her pond. I like this book. This is one of my favorite books. I like the pictures a lot. I give this book five stars.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read book for every child and teacher, May 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Dear Mr. Blueberry (Aladdin Picture Books) (Paperback)

As a substitute teacher, I carry this book to every grade I teach. I use it to introduce a Whale Theme, a Letter Writing Theme, or just for fun. I have shared it with other teachers. Kids love it. It is just a great book for all!!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, September 21, 2005

By 

Annette Manganello - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dear Mr. Blueberry (Hardcover)

I loved this story. My third grade students enjoyed the playful letters between Emily and Mr. Blueberry. We are studying animals in science and they are doing a research project on an animal. We are modeling a writing project after the format of this book. They are writing the letters from both perspectives using the animal they are learning about. They are enjoying being the 'expert' on their animal.