An endearing underdog story with an unexpected heroic turn.
Chapman brings humour and heart to The Littlest Pelican, a two-part story about a young bird whose dream of joining the prestigious Pelican Squad is tested by failure, ridicule, and unexpected bravery. The Littlest Pelican has trained under his grandfather, a former squad captain who has played a central role in raising him since his father’s death. But the first day of tryouts at Florida’s Naples Pier ends in humiliation when he fails to catch a fish and becomes the target of his competitors’ taunts. In the second instalment, a revelation about his father’s past takes on new meaning when a fellow competitor faces danger.
Chapman is particularly good at capturing the small humiliations that loom large in childhood. The young pelican’s retreat behind a dock piling after his failed dive feels painfully familiar, as does his fear of disappointing the grandfather who believes in him. Grandpa’s response is the story’s emotional anchor. His affection never wavers, offering something more valuable than another diving lesson: the assurance that failure cannot diminish his grandson’s worth.
The second book makes effective use of the family history introduced in the first. Learning that his father died attempting to save another pelican gives the young bird’s rescue of his tormentor added poignancy. The parallel connects two generations through their willingness to help others, while the rescue brings together the young pelican’s training and his grandfather’s guidance. His choice to save someone who has mistreated him gives the story more depth than a straightforward competition victory would have.
The treatment of bullying is sympathetic and grounded in experiences young readers will recognise. The other pelicans’ taunts expose the hurt caused by judging someone based on appearance, while the protagonist’s response demonstrates remarkable generosity. The grandfather’s tenderness gives these lessons emotional weight, and Grumpy the Iguana and the Green Parrot contribute warmth and companionship. Natalia Loseva’s bright, expressive illustrations capture the bustle of the pier, the awkwardness of defeat, and the excitement of the rescue. Her animated characters and cheerful coastal palette soften the story’s darker moments without erasing their emotional impact.
A tender, uplifting pair of books that celebrate courage, compassion, and the power of believing in oneself. A welcome addition to family bookshelves, school and public libraries, and early childhood classrooms.
***
The Littlest Pelican Part 1
Price $21.99 Hardcover, $12.99 Paperback
Reading age 2-8 years
Print length 50 pages
The Littlest Pelican Part 2
ISBN 979-8988351412
Print length 56 pages
Reading age 3-8 years
Price $3.99 Kindle edition$21.44 Hardcover, $12.99 Paperback
