Walpole

by Syd Hoff

The biggest and strongest of all walruses, Walpole, refuses to take over the herd's leadership, preferring to take care of the baby walruses

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Library Binding

First published December 31, 1977

About the author

Whether you’re seven or seventy, the chances are you’ve probably come in contact with one of his many books (150 plus), or cartoons that have appeared in over 200 magazines in the course of his lifetime, including Laugh it Off which was syndicated for 20 years. His comic strip Tuffy, about a little girl who did funny things, was declared essential for national morale during WWII by William Randolph Hearst.

Syd has worked in diverse genres. He had the distinct honor of working with Alfred Hitchcock and Ellery Queen as a contributor of short fiction writing. He was awarded national advertising commissions for large companies such as Chevrolet, Maxwell House Coffee and others. He had his own TV show (Tales of Hoff on CBS), traveled the world as entertainment on cruise ships and entertained children and teachers in schools and libraries across the country.

Reviews

[Josiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Syd Hoff, a New Yorker artist and beloved author/illustrator of easy readers for kids, published Walpole in 1977. The message and character remain a beacon of understanding for those who struggle finding a way to contribute to society that aligns with their own values and gifts. Walpole is the largest, most robust walrus in the herd, but feels no call to leadership. He has the heart of a mother, desiring to care for orphaned young walruses, showing them good times and letting them feel loved. Walpole rejects the elderly herd leader's pleas that he become the new leader; he doesn't want to get tied up in politics when other aspects of herd life are more dear to him.

While diving for food one day on behalf of seven young walruses, Walpole surfaces from the frigid water to find two of them gone. Where are they? Here in the "way up North", threats lurk everywhere. Whales will eagerly chomp on a tusked mammal, and icebergs break off and float too far away to ever get back home. Walpole needs to use his unique strengths to track down the two stranded walruses, but even if he does, he'll be faced with a daunting situation upon returning home. Is he ready now to combat threats against the herd, or will Walpole never be cut out for that kind of responsibility?

Not everyone's personality fits gender and other cultural norms. Some women naturally take charge, volunteering for hard physical jobs or working long hours. Some men have a feminine disposition, with a tender heart to listen to and nurture children into good, strong people. A healthy society adapts to variety in the behavioral spectrum; if we demonize those outside the norm, we eliminate people who can and should add value to society in their own ways, and we all end up poorer for it. Like Walpole, some may be fit for leadership by a community that needs them, but the only way they'll ever step into that role is if it's customized to be an extension of their gifts and passions, not at cross purposes to them. It turns out a Walpole type can be the herd's fierce guardian without relinquishing his primary position as friend of the children, and we must carve out a way for that to happen if we wish to heal the world.

My margin between rating Walpole two or three stars is thin, but I'm rounding upward. It's an insightful look at the good that comes from accepting outlier individuals. The narrative drags a little when Walpole is searching icebergs for the missing walruses, but given the book's brevity, it's well above average on a thematic level. Syd Hoff's work has been a blessing to many generations.

[Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

i liked it because it has 7 walruses were in it but 2 were lost and the walrus named Walpole found the two missing walruses and they were happy.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Walpole was the biggest and strongest walrus who lived up north. When his elders asked him to be their leader, and protect them from the polar bears, Walpole refused, and took care of only the orphaned babies. It wasn't until tragedy struck that Walpole knew what he had to do.

[Matthew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute illustrations, but kind of a dull story about a walrus who doesn't really want to become the leader of the walruses, but on a journey to find two lost walruses he discovers his true leadership skills. Okay... My rating - 2/5

[Ranette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A large doesn't want to lead the heard, but must Great for little kids

[Micaela]

Had to read it. The walrus is named after my family. Super cute little story. Walpole just wanted to take care of the little ones.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it was cute how Walpole wanted to play with the baby walruses.

[Cadie Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice story, especially for early readers.

[Sydney Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, simple story.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Read aloud by himself at 5yo, no words missed)

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walpole is the largest Walrus in the herd, but when he is asked to lead he refuses, as he prefers to take care of the baby orphans. After an adventure saving lost baby orphans and then returning to save the herd, Walpole agrees to lead the herd. This lighthearted yet tender story highlights bravery, hard work, and familial love in the Arctic Sea. Hoff’s simple ink, watercolor and colored pencil cartoon style drawings keep the mood lighthearted even when baby orphan walruses are in danger.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this book at the famous Telluride FREE BOX. Nice book about leadership and stepping up with needed. The baby seals want Walpole to their leader but he would rather play with them, but when some Seals get lost will he step up and save the day. Syd Hoff Classic!

[Escher]

Level J

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read aloud and a great book for beginners. It could be used as a story basket and also asan example of a persuasive text. Grades K through 2.

[Danette · Rating 2 out of 5]

From the Book Attic in Tennessee.

[Nance Biswas Biswas]

A heroic story of the biggest yet the humblest walrus up North. This made him a leader worth following.