Dear Mr. Blueberry (Aladdin Picture Books)

We lost my son's copy in a fire, but he remembered it fondly 25 years later and wanted a copy for his newborn. Was thrilled to find this!

Dear Mr. Blueberry is an excellent story which my nieces and nephews enjoyed and which many other children can enjoy for various reasons. First the simple conversation that is had back and forth between the child and her teacher about a whale that might be living in her pond out back is well written, includes a little humor, and has a great and happy ending. As the teacher tries to explain why there could not be a whale in her pond, the child takes what he says about whales and tries to apply it with her interaction with the whale in the pond and then responds. It also is so fun to see a book that tells a story only using the letters sent back and forth between the two characters and pictures. Unfortunately children today do not get as much of a chance to see what a real letter to someone looks like so it is always nice when there is a book or story that incorporates the use of letters and how they can be used to carry on a conversation with someone.

This book was recommended to me as a possibility for a unit on Friendly Letters but I would never use it in the classroom.The reviews make it sound as though the teacher ends up being drawn into the magical world of the child... this is not true. He never believes her and he tells her firmly that she is wrong and to stop putting salt in the water. Here's an example of his tone: "I must point out to you quite forcibly now that in no way could a whale live in your pond."Not to mention that his letters include several run-on sentences, which a teacher would never use:"I'm afraid there can't be a whale in your pond, because whales don't get lost, they always know where they are in the oceans.""Please don't be too sad, it really was impossible for a whale to live in your pond."I think this book is silly and wish I had not bought it. I will give it away.

A cute book in that it’s written in a form of letters to tell the story, and can teach children about shakes in a funny way. Wasn’t exactly what I was expecting but my 3 year old stays engaged.

I bought this for my grandson after he had been on a whale watch& he loved it! It’s a simple, funny little story with real facts about whales and it nurtures a child’s imagination. It’s one of my favorites❤️ Although there is no mention of the state of Maine- the reference to whales and the character’s name being “ Blueberry” makes it a wonderful accompaniment for a family trip to the state.

Some dirt smudges which I cleaned easily but otherwise in great shape. Arrived in good speed!

Wow! This book serves a plethora of functions... From the very young they will be enchanted with the beautifully jewel toned colours on the pages... If your child likes ocean animals they will learn all about whales in this beautifully told tale of the growing bond between a young student and her teacher as Mr. Blueberry teaches and corrects her misconceptions of whales habits and habitats. It is a great vehicle to use in the classroom to teach letter writing, writing notebook, and several other writing workshop minilessons. Great literacy selection... My son who is 6 as well as my class of aged 10 and 11 year olds adore this book on many different levels... ;)

This has been a family favorite since our 28 year old son was a little guy. Since both our boys loved it so, I now buy it as gift for other children. My grandkids also love it!

Great book perfect when teaching about whales to a year 2 class

This is a different type of book but good to use to show how letters are a form of communication as well as introducing environmental issues to young chidren. Suitable for 5+

Just WOW - excellent!

pre-schoolers loved it and took a lot from the story

A lovely book to explore with Year 2 children for both letter input and letter content