Awards and Honors

ILF (Indiana Library Federation) Young Hoosier Award Book, 2018

Purchase

If Wendell Had a Walrus

Written by Lori Mortensen

Illustrated by Matt Phelan

Published by Henry Holt, April 2018

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In this heartwarming story about friendship and imagination, a boy named Wendell dreams of getting a pet walrus. Together, they'd ride bikes, tell jokes, and have a stupendiferous, cosmically colossal time. If only he could find one! But looking for a walrus turns out to be its own adventure, with an unexpected result.

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Acclaimed author, Lori Mortensen and New York Times bestselling illustrator, Matt Phelan, have created a sweet, playful, memorable book that kids are sure to request again and again.

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For educator resources, click HERE.

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Reviews

"A 'stupendiferous, cosmically colossal' good time for all."—Kirkus Reviews 

"Mortensen's pitch-perfect child humor combined with Phelan's knack for body language and facial expressions brings the pair's joy clearly to the pages."—School Library Journal 

"Easily moves from one idea to another like an active, young boy's imagination does. It's a delight to read and re-read ... A great adventure for young readers."—San Francisco Book Review