Whale Comedian - Hardcover

Burton, Martin Nelson

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0966649087 ISBN 13: 9780966649086

Publisher: London Town Press, 1999

Synopsis

Serious-looking little Finston would do anything to make a whale happy, and it’s easy to see why: whales show their appreciation not by laughing, but by spitting water at the comedian.  Finston, however, soon learns he has a very dry sense of humor. After disappointing shows on the high seas, he takes his act to marine aquariums, and finds an even tougher crowd.  When he finally realizes that what whales really like are silly faces and goofy dances, he winds up getting doused.

About this title

About the Author:

Martin Nelson Burton borrowed the concept for this book from the career aspirations of his young son. A dreamer himself, he once worked as a television anchorman. Now a practicing attorney and prominent writer for professional magazines, he makes his home in La Canada Flintridge, California, with his wife and two children. This is his first children's book.

The enchanting dinosaurs, hippopotamuses, and other fanciful creations of Charles Jordan have been captivating readers nationwide for over a decade. His unique ability to endow true-to-life animals with vibrant personalities has earned him the respect and adoration of an enthusiastic audience. A self-taught illustrator, he lives out his dream of illustrating children's picture books from his studio in a rustic home in rural Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife and two young children.

INSIDE FLAP: Serious little Finston would do anything to make a whale happy. But every time he tries to tell a joke to a whale, something always goes wrong. How can Finston ever convince the whales that he's really very funny?

Join Finston on this hilarious, charming adventure as he strives to become a whale comedian. Finston's determined quest to cheer up whales -- and the surprising way he learns to be funny to them -- will inspire readers young and old never to give up on their dreams.

The expressive, vivid illustrations of Charles Jordan wash delightfully over Martin Nelson Burton's whimsical storyline and campy whale jokes. The result is a rollicking frolic through the high seas that is destined to make a big splash with young readers and grown-ups alike.

From Publishers Weekly:

This attempt at humor on the high seas is all wet. Finston is a serious-looking boy, but his inner comedian is just dying to get out. One of Finston's bathtub toys, a killer whale, "always seem[s] very pleased" when Finston tries to entertain it, and so Finston believes "he could make other whales happy, too." Like a junior Shecky Green or Carrot Top, Finston packs up his props and sets sail, yucking it up with sea creatures (e.g., he trips and says, "I did that on porpoise!"). He eventually finds work in marine amusement parks, cheering up depressed performing whales. Jordan's (A Pile of Pigs) bright, cartoonish art-especially Finston's wacky outfit-adds some buoyancy, but the story unfortunately sinks. Ages 5-9. (June)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: London Town Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0966649087
• ISBN 13: 9780966649086
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Jordan Charles