Norman Whaler is from Grosse Pointe, MI, USA. He writes
children's books with positive messages and is a member of SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators), IAN, and IBPA.
Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
Oink and Gobble and the Men in Black is a children’s picture book written by Norman Whaler and illustrated by Mohammad Shayan. Oink the pig and Gobble the turkey are the best of friends on the farm at Little Bottom. When strange men (both dressed as Men in Black) arrive after an unusual event had taken place, the animals investigate the event. During this investigation (unbeknownst to the Men in Black), Oink and Gobble speculate what the unusual event may have been, as well as look into what the Men in Black are up to. After looking too suspicious, Oink and Gobble return to the farm after which a shocking and hilarious truth finally reveals itself.
I very much enjoyed the humor in this delightfully entertaining tale. The ironic ending had me both laughing and in shock, which does not happen very often. I believe it is the talented Norman Whaler’s writing style which kept me immersed in the story from beginning to end, with each turn of the page leaving me wondering which exciting details were about to be discovered next. Oink and Gobble definitely make such an unlikely pairing of best friends, but their detective skills are quite hilarious, as is their ability to blend in with the background. Readers will find themselves turning each page with a smile and laughter as Oink and Gobble get themselves into deeper and deeper trouble with the farm’s visiting duo. I highly recommend Oink and Gobble and the Men in Black for younger audiences aged from 5-12, not only as a book to be read to them, but it would also be ideal as a book for beginners to practice fun reading skills on their own.