A Waffle Lot of Love! (A Narwhal and Jelly Book #10) by Ben Clanton

If you’re looking for a book that radiates joy, warmth, and whimsy, A Waffle Lot of Love!—the tenth installment in Ben Clanton’s beloved Narwhal and Jelly series—is a delightful addition to any bookshelf. With its signature blend of playful humor, charming illustrations, and heartfelt messages, this graphic novel continues to capture the magic of friendship in the most endearing way.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Narwhal and Jelly’s underwater escapades or a newcomer to their world, this book offers a fresh, feel-good adventure that’s perfect for early readers, reluctant readers, and anyone who enjoys a lighthearted story with depth.

Without giving away major spoilers, A Waffle Lot of Love! follows our favorite sea creatures—Narwhal, the ever-optimistic unicorn of the sea, and Jelly, his more cautious but equally lovable best friend—as they embark on another whimsical journey. This time, their adventure revolves around… waffles!

When Narwhal discovers a love for waffles (because who doesn’t?), the duo sets out to share this newfound passion with their underwater friends. Along the way, they encounter amusing mishaps, creative problem-solving, and, of course, plenty of waffle-related puns. The story is structured in short, digestible chapters, making it perfect for young readers or for reading aloud.

While the plot is simple, it’s packed with Clanton’s signature charm—silly yet meaningful moments that reinforce themes of kindness, sharing, and embracing new experiences.

One of the greatest strengths of the Narwhal and Jelly series is its characters, and A Waffle Lot of Love! is no exception.

• Narwhal remains the heart of the story—an endlessly cheerful, imaginative, and slightly oblivious hero whose enthusiasm is contagious. Their love for waffles is just another example of how they find joy in the simplest things.
• Jelly, the more grounded of the two, provides a perfect counterbalance. While they might initially question Narwhal’s waffle obsession, their loyalty and willingness to go along with the adventure make them an endearing sidekick.
• Supporting characters, like Crab and the mysterious Waffle Maker (no spoilers!), add extra layers of humor and warmth.

What makes these characters so special is how relatable they are—whether it’s Narwhal’s boundless optimism or Jelly’s cautious but supportive nature, young readers will see parts of themselves (or their friends) in these sea creatures.

Ben Clanton’s writing is a masterclass in making reading fun. His use of:

• Puns and wordplay (expect lots of waffle-related humor!)
• Simple yet expressive dialogue
• Short, engaging chapters with plenty of visual storytelling

makes this book accessible to early readers while still entertaining for adults. The comic-style panels and bright, expressive illustrations enhance the story, making it a great pick for kids transitioning from picture books to chapter books.

Beneath the surface (pun intended), A Waffle Lot of Love! carries deeper messages about:

• Friendship & Acceptance – Narwhal and Jelly’s dynamic shows how different personalities can complement each other.
• Trying New Things – Narwhal’s waffle obsession is a fun metaphor for curiosity and adventure.
• Sharing Joy – The book emphasizes how happiness grows when shared with others.

These themes are woven naturally into the story, making it both entertaining and meaningful.

Reading A Waffle Lot of Love! was like wrapping myself in a cozy blanket of positivity. As someone who’s followed Narwhal and Jelly’s adventures from the start, this installment felt like catching up with old friends. The humor landed perfectly, the art was as charming as ever, and the waffle theme added a fresh twist.

I especially loved how Clanton balances silliness with sincerity—there were moments that made me laugh out loud (Narwhal’s waffle-themed songs are gold), but also quiet, sweet scenes that reinforced the book’s heartwarming message.

Fans of Mo Willems’ Elephant & Piggie or Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man will adore Narwhal and Jelly for similar reasons:

• Humor that appeals to kids and adults
• Strong friendship dynamics
• Accessible, engaging graphic-novel format

However, Clanton’s series stands out for its gentler, more philosophical approach—while still being laugh-out-loud funny.

• Pure, infectious joy – It’s impossible not to smile while reading.

• Perfect for reluctant readers – The mix of text and art keeps engagement high.

• Teaches without preaching – Lessons about kindness and curiosity feel organic.

• If you’re looking for a complex plot, this isn’t it—but that’s not the point! The simplicity is part of its charm.

• Ages 5-9 (great for early readers)

• Parents & educators looking for fun, wholesome reads

• Graphic novel fans who enjoy lighthearted stories

• Anyone who needs a mood boost!

"Waffles are like hugs you can eat!" – Narwhal
"I’m not sure about this… but I’m sure about you." – Jelly

These lines capture the book’s essence—whimsy and heart in equal measure.

While not rooted in history, the Narwhal and Jelly series reflects modern children’s literature trends:

• Emphasis on emotional intelligence
• Diverse representation (even in sea creatures!)
• Blending humor with life lessons

A Waffle Lot of Love! is another winning entry in a series that continues to delight. With its endearing characters, clever humor, and uplifting themes, it’s a book that will leave readers—young and old—with a smile.

Whether you’re gifting it to a child, reading it aloud, or just treating yourself to some lighthearted joy, this book is a waffle-y wonderful choice.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

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1. What’s your favorite food that brings people together, just like waffles do for Narwhal and Jelly?
2. How do Narwhal and Jelly’s personalities balance each other out?
3. If you could invent a new kind of waffle, what would it be?

Have you read A Waffle Lot of Love!? Share your thoughts below! 🐳🍪

Get this book on Amazon

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