Mighty Moby
By Ed Young
Text by Barbara Dacosta
Little, Brown and Company, 2017. Picture Book
I am not usually a fan of classic tales being abridged and remade into children’s books—I feel like kids often miss out on experiencing the classic books the way they were mean to be experienced when they are ready to read the original works. However, I think this is an exception to my rule—probably because it isn’t really a retelling of the classic tale—more an introduction to the idea of Moby Dick. Another fun fact about this book is that according to the author’s note at the end the illustrations were done first, followed by the text.
The cut paper collage illustrations depict sailors looking for a particular white whale. Then once the sailors find the whale their harpooning starts—which in turn angers the whale who comes and smashes the boats in revenge. Yes, all this happens in a children’s picture book; however, there is a twist. And I feel like I can’t say much lest it spoil the surprise—but Captain Ahab isn’t the real main character and this truly is both an introduction to a classic story AND a bedtime story for an imaginative little adventurer who doesn’t want to go to bed. Plus you can’t go wrong with Ed Young’s illustrations. They are detailed and worth looking at multiple times. Great book.
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