Whale, That Was Unexpected

A CIBA Booksellers’ List Best Kids’ Books of 2026
A CBC Books Bestseller
A July/August 2026 Kids’ Indie Next List Pick

“Whale, That Was Unexpected is a seriously fun picture book collaboration between author Casey Lyall and illustrator Kathryn Durst… . Lyall’s spirited text… . and the intricate art give this story a plethora of potential to become a story-time favorite.” —STARRED REVIEW, Shelf Awareness

“This readaloud will unite any group of kids into a boisterous ship’s crew with its rowdy repetition and intertextual dialogue, and sailors less self-possessed than Maude will also be glad to know this twosome survives to sail the seas again.” —STARRED REVIEW, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Stand aside, Pinocchio. There’s new whale bait in town, and she’s got her own kind of flair.” —Kirkus Reviews

“In this exuberantly wacky adventure at sea, a fisherwoman’s misfortune becomes a gleeful send-up of the art of storytelling itself… . A hilarious metafictional romp, recommended for all humor collections.” —School Library Journal

“For a whale of a tale and word play at sea, Casey Lyall and Kathryn Durst’s Whale, That Was Unexpected is a voyage of epic fun and colour. And coming from Casey Lyall, that was absolutely expected.” —CanLit for LittleCanadians

“Digitally enhanced charcoal-and-gouache art embraces the dark and drippy setting and offers a perfect contrast for everyone’s sanguine expressions and the witty illustrative details that cleverly support the plot… . A silly whale of a tale and a truly seaworthy selection for any read-aloud setting.” —Booklist

“Art and text work delightfully together, each expanding the other, to create a sea story with attitude well suited for a lively read-aloud.” —The Horn Book
“The repetitive structure and building humour make the story engaging for story times. Kathryn Durst’s illustrations are expressive, and… . [t]he textured artwork and exaggerated features are beautiful.” —Quebec Library Association

“This book, especially, calls for someone with read-aloud skills that include a touch of the theatrical in order to do justice to the text, with its frequent asides.” —Montreal Gazette

”[A] hilarious cumulative poem for children ages 3-7 [retelling t]he story of Jonah and the whale through the adventures of crusty seafarer, Maude, and her trusty pooch, Claude.” —Winnipeg Free Press

“Whale, That Was Unexpected is the catch you don’t want to let get away. Funny and loaded with personality, this fresh read aloud is one that kids and adults will love to share over and over.” —Celebrate Picture Books

“Kids will both giggle at Maude and gasp at her whale-of-a-tale adventure. The perfect combo of reader reactions, and sure to encourage more reading.” —Seaboard Review of Books

Casey Lyall

Casey Lyall lives in Southwestern Ontario, where she works at her local library (and waits for management to discover they’re actually paying her to have fun). When she’s not writing, Casey loves to bake, doodle, and learn extremely groan-worthy jokes to tell her friends. Casey is the author of the humorous middle-grade mystery series Howard Wallace, P.I. and the books A Spoonful of Frogs and Vampire Jam Sandwich.

Kathryn Durst

Kathryn Durst is a graduate of Sheridan College in Ontario, Canada. She has a background in animation, having interned with Pixar Animation Studios. Kathryn has illustrated numerous children’s books, including You’re In Good Paws, the Polite Predators books, and the #1 New York Times bestseller from Paul McCartney, Hey Grandude! When she is not illustrating books, she can be found playing the accordion, growing vegetables, folk dancing, or putting on shadow puppet shows. She lives in Toronto, Canada, with her grumpy mini dachshund named Chili Dog.

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