Whale, That Was Unexpected

Written by Casey Lyall

Illustrated by Kathryn Durst

Tundra Books 

 978-1-77488-361-7

40 pp.

Ages 3–7

Releases June 30, 2026 

 

Maude believes she's seen everything. Going out on the sea in her little fishing boat with her dog Claude year after year, Maude doesn't expect anything different. But soon she learns that anything can happen. 

From Whale, That Was Unexpected, written by Casey Lyall, illustrated by Kathryn Durst

It's a typical day of fishing for Maude and Claude. Her boat, aptly called trusty little boat, has all she needs plus snacks, a cozy armchair, and tea service. Unbeknownst to Maude, there is a humongous whale beneath the boat.

From Whale, That Was Unexpected, written by Casey Lyall, illustrated by Kathryn Durst

Soon Maude and Claude and the little boat are tossed to and fro as they are swallowed by the whale. Maude doesn't waste time flipping out about their circumstances. Instead, she begins to prepare a goodbye party. 

From Whale, That Was Unexpected, written by Casey Lyall, illustrated by Kathryn Durst

She and Claude paint a big banner that proclaims, "Farewell Maude and Claude" and they recruit the writer to proclaim the official farewells. So begin the farewells. And there are many.

Farewell, Maude, a grand old dame.

Farewell, Claude, sixth of his name.  

Farewell, trusty little boat. (pg. 16-18)

And just as they prepare to say goodbye, there's a magnificent "whooosh" and a crab and an octopus are thrown onto the deck. Well, now there will more farewells that will need to be said. It's a cumulative story, that goes from farewells to Maude and Claude and a little boat, to include that crab and octopus, as well as a goat, a sea lion, and a puffin, before they can get to their party.

From Whale, That Was Unexpected, written by Casey Lyall, illustrated by Kathryn Durst

But how they revel in that farewell will be a whale of a story of another kind, and one that even Maude could not imagine.

 

Casey Lyall has made Maude the perfect curmudgeon. Her dour expression is only matched by her matter-of-fact attitude. Maude just does what she always does and is only mildly miffed when things go differently, but with a casual air. When she realizes that they've been swallowed by the whale, her response is, "Well, how about that." (pg. 11). Then she starts planning a farewell party to commemorate their imminent departure from the world. And with each new arrival, Maude takes it in strike, adds to their banner, and gets the author to add more farewells to their tribute. Maude is such a character, as is Claude in his own quiet way. Maude is folksy and unfussy, taking all in stride. Even near the end when Maude and her guests are immersed on a flooded deck, she berates the author to, "Speed it up a little. I'm hungry." (pg. 29) With Maude and Claude and a host of other characters, Casey Lyall brings the humour to a bleak situation. And, with her punny word choices and repetitive and cheeky farewells, Casey Lyall makes being swallowed by a whale less frightening and more inconvenience to Maude and more playful for readers.

 

My first impression of Toronto's Kathryn Durst artwork is amazement at how she makes Maude both grumpy and matter-of-fact about her circumstances. Nothing fazes her. (Maude, that is.) From the striking marionette lines on Maude's face, her no-nonsense work clothes, and practical hair braids, Maude is a woman who has lived a life on the water and is nonplussed about getting swallowed by a whale. Beyond the characters, Kathryn Durst gives us a richly textured landscape, both in and out of the whale. The maritime community is a colourful patchwork of colours and shapes, which Kathryn Durst brings to the limited deck of the trusty little boat. The inside of the whale may be dark but even it has character through line and colour. 

 

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.

Pugs Cause Traffic Jams

Written by Jennifer McGrath

Illustrated by Kathryn Durst

Kids Can Press

978-1-5253-0340-1

32 pp.

Ages 3-7

May 2022

 

When Kirby, her pug, goes missing, this child searches all over town, inquiring of others with their own dogs, as to any sightings. There's Mrs. Gossman with her golden retriever and Mr. McCraig the crossing guard with his helpful border collie. Then there's Casey with his ball-playing lab and Jo and Jan with their Doberman. There are countless dogs and their people all over town and, while she politely asks for help finding her chubby pug with his macaroni-shaped tail, Kirby is out on the road causing mayhem for drivers and then the police and the community as a whole.

From Pugs Cause Traffic James by Jennifer McGrath, illus. by Kathryn Durst

There are poodles and chihuahuas, huskies and terriers, German shepherds, afghans and basenjis. But no Kirby, the pug, who has left the comforts of his home to follow a butterfly.

From Pugs Cause Traffic James by Jennifer McGrath, illus. by Kathryn Durst

And, oh, the chaos while Kirby plays with the butterfly, oblivious to everyone around him trying to avoid him and instead having collisions and dropping their loads and getting snarled in traffic. But, it's with that attention–in fact, Kirby becomes a bit of a celebrity–that the child is able to finally be reunited with her beloved pooch.

From Pugs Cause Traffic James by Jennifer McGrath, illus. by Kathryn Durst

My, my, my! Kirby may be unaware of the pandemonium and subsequent distinction given to him–there is a sign "Pug 4 Prez" and pugarazzi wanting his pawtograph–but he has always been a star to his girl. His household toys, treats, food and sleeping accommodations suggest a well-loved dog, not unlike the plethora of other breeds that ride in cars with their people, play and work and offer companionship. So, while New Brunswick author Jennifer McGrath introduces young readers to many, many dog breeds and their characteristics, she puts her tongue firmly in cheek, makes a few puns, and lets us join Kirby on his adventure, ultimately a safe one, to be the playful rover of Pugs Cause Traffic Jams. Moreover, Jennifer McGrath shows us the absurdity of those who declare celebrity for trifling matters, with photographers, police, podcasters, news people and fans pursuing the latest trend without question. It's only the children who notice Kirby for the lost dog that he is.

While there's a lot of accuracy in Toronto artist Kathryn Durst's illustrations, easily distinguishing the various dog breeds with their colourings, temperaments and morphologies, she keeps the artwork playful and energized, suitable for a story of an AWOL dog who unknowingly creates havoc. As bold as Kirby's spirit for adventure are Kathryn Durst's art created in pencil and pencil crayon with digital graphic apps Procreate and Photoshop. The illustrations are striking in their colour and shape, offering semi-realism with cartoon sass.

For young readers and especially those who are dog-lovers, Pugs Cause Traffic Jams will make them think twice about dropping their guard around their audacious pets, especially those special pugs, but also recognize that celebrating their pets' uniqueness doesn't require the spotlight of social media. Just being their canine selves should be enough to afford love and attention.