What do you think?
Rate this book
MoMo: The Incredible Adventures of Me, my Duck and a Man called Wolof
A boy. A duck. A bicycle. A dream the world cannot silence.
MoMo is a young goat herder in North Africa who dreams of flying.
Everyone around him insists he should stop dreaming and accept his place.
He doesn’t.
With his best friend, a loyal duck at his side, a battered bicycle and an imagination that refuses to be caged, MoMo moves through a world of dusty markets, whispered warnings and unspoken borders — a world where not everyone is free to choose their own future.
What begins as a simple story of a boy and his dreams quietly deepens into something a modern fable about courage, belonging and the forces that shape who is allowed to move, and who is told to stay.
MoMo reads like an adventure and lingers like a parable.
Children recognise themselves in MoMo’s curiosity and courage.
Adults recognise the world he is growing into.
Often described by readers as The Little Prince meets The Alchemist , MoMo carries a contemporary urgency drawn from the headlines of our time, without ever losing its sense of wonder.
You will root for MoMo from the first page.
You may find yourself thinking about him long after the last.
A story for readers young and old — and for anyone who has ever been told their dreams are not realistic.
★★★★★ "I gave the book to my pre-teen grandchildren...they love the story. Young or old, this story deserves a place in your library."
★★★★★ "Superficially it is a children's book but look deeper and it is so much more... Deffo not just a 'kids book' unless I am a kid."
★★★★★ "Creates vivid moments of wonder"
★★★★★ "Has the feel of an old-fashioned fable"
★★★★★ "It transcends genres and age groups, captivating readers of all ages with its universal message of hope and possibility."
MoMo is a young goat herder in North Africa who dreams of flying.
Everyone around him insists he should stop dreaming and accept his place.
He doesn’t.
With his best friend, a loyal duck at his side, a battered bicycle and an imagination that refuses to be caged, MoMo moves through a world of dusty markets, whispered warnings and unspoken borders — a world where not everyone is free to choose their own future.
What begins as a simple story of a boy and his dreams quietly deepens into something a modern fable about courage, belonging and the forces that shape who is allowed to move, and who is told to stay.
MoMo reads like an adventure and lingers like a parable.
Children recognise themselves in MoMo’s curiosity and courage.
Adults recognise the world he is growing into.
Often described by readers as The Little Prince meets The Alchemist , MoMo carries a contemporary urgency drawn from the headlines of our time, without ever losing its sense of wonder.
You will root for MoMo from the first page.
You may find yourself thinking about him long after the last.
A story for readers young and old — and for anyone who has ever been told their dreams are not realistic.
★★★★★ "I gave the book to my pre-teen grandchildren...they love the story. Young or old, this story deserves a place in your library."
★★★★★ "Superficially it is a children's book but look deeper and it is so much more... Deffo not just a 'kids book' unless I am a kid."
★★★★★ "Creates vivid moments of wonder"
★★★★★ "Has the feel of an old-fashioned fable"
★★★★★ "It transcends genres and age groups, captivating readers of all ages with its universal message of hope and possibility."
454 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2024
About the author
Mark Playne
10 books13 followers'3 Seconds in Bogota' is filmmaker Mark's debut in the world of books.
Mark is now converting a screenplay he wrote based in Morocco called ‘MoMo' into novel.
Find more and get great bundle deals at www.wild-tales.co.uk
Mark is now converting a screenplay he wrote based in Morocco called ‘MoMo' into novel.
Find more and get great bundle deals at www.wild-tales.co.uk
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 10, 2024
Mark Playne’s Adventure Series: A MoMomentous Read!
In search of a genuinely written and highly enjoyable coming-of-age story? Look no further – Mark Playne’s series gives you MoMo from Morocco and his take on the universe. The young boy’s unmatched intrepidity and thirst for knowledge make him a likeable hero from the very first chapters of the book. While shaping his relationship with the human and non-human entities around him, often by going through suspenseful adventures, he charms readers of all ages into rooting for him.
Growing up by the side of his twin sisters in a remote village, MoMo realizes that his parents are struggling to keep food on the table and that he needs to do his part to help, even if he is just a school age boy. His desire to fly goes hand in hand with his keen sense of observation and fearless nature. Landing with his bike through the neighbors’ roof instead of in the classroom is a mishap that not only delays his going to school, but also gets his family into trouble as the aggrieved party has to be compensated. His best friend is a duck, but he has also got human allies such as his Gradma and the village sage, Old Man Omar, who prepare him for the challenges ahead. If the motto of the first installment may very well be “dreams are like magic”, in the second installment, the hero’s confession concerning his “dreams that feel like memories” stands out, announcing the fact that he is destined for greatness. However, the web created by the penury, prejudice and pettiness surrounding him feels impenetrable at times. With imagination, self-determination and a bit of luck, the boy seems to be carving a way out of his native kasbah and into a more welcoming or more comfortable place on the map. At the same time, one cannot ignore the prophecy of his return: “you’ll always be able to find your way home”.
Adventure, intrigue and local lore are there for readers to enjoy throughout, but a reflection on the constraining nature of social injustice will also resonate with many. The grandmother’s words – “We are born into circles that we cannot escape from. Generation after generation” – will continue to haunt one, long after finishing the tetralogy. The action may be set in Morocco, but the issues that the book makes one aware of are universal. Choosing ‘The Egg’, ‘The Caterpillar’, ‘The Chrysalis’ and ‘The Butterfly’ as the titles of the four parts of the series, Mark Playne has found the perfect imagery for his story of transformation while also literally centering each part on the referent mentioned in its title. For example, MoMo’s ingenious ways of selling eggs profitably in the first part is followed by his taking care of a caterpillar in the second one. Inserting the protagonist’s thoughts in the flow of the third-person narrative, using italics, the author helps readers create a strong bond with the protagonist and empathize with his dilemmas. The many chapter titles connected to questions, secrets, plans, surprises and even magic hook younger and older readers alike and deliver on their promise of unveiling a wonder-filled universe worth following through. Enjoyable as much as it is formative, cinematic as much as it is all-encompassing, a truly momentous book for your reading list!
In search of a genuinely written and highly enjoyable coming-of-age story? Look no further – Mark Playne’s series gives you MoMo from Morocco and his take on the universe. The young boy’s unmatched intrepidity and thirst for knowledge make him a likeable hero from the very first chapters of the book. While shaping his relationship with the human and non-human entities around him, often by going through suspenseful adventures, he charms readers of all ages into rooting for him.
Growing up by the side of his twin sisters in a remote village, MoMo realizes that his parents are struggling to keep food on the table and that he needs to do his part to help, even if he is just a school age boy. His desire to fly goes hand in hand with his keen sense of observation and fearless nature. Landing with his bike through the neighbors’ roof instead of in the classroom is a mishap that not only delays his going to school, but also gets his family into trouble as the aggrieved party has to be compensated. His best friend is a duck, but he has also got human allies such as his Gradma and the village sage, Old Man Omar, who prepare him for the challenges ahead. If the motto of the first installment may very well be “dreams are like magic”, in the second installment, the hero’s confession concerning his “dreams that feel like memories” stands out, announcing the fact that he is destined for greatness. However, the web created by the penury, prejudice and pettiness surrounding him feels impenetrable at times. With imagination, self-determination and a bit of luck, the boy seems to be carving a way out of his native kasbah and into a more welcoming or more comfortable place on the map. At the same time, one cannot ignore the prophecy of his return: “you’ll always be able to find your way home”.
Adventure, intrigue and local lore are there for readers to enjoy throughout, but a reflection on the constraining nature of social injustice will also resonate with many. The grandmother’s words – “We are born into circles that we cannot escape from. Generation after generation” – will continue to haunt one, long after finishing the tetralogy. The action may be set in Morocco, but the issues that the book makes one aware of are universal. Choosing ‘The Egg’, ‘The Caterpillar’, ‘The Chrysalis’ and ‘The Butterfly’ as the titles of the four parts of the series, Mark Playne has found the perfect imagery for his story of transformation while also literally centering each part on the referent mentioned in its title. For example, MoMo’s ingenious ways of selling eggs profitably in the first part is followed by his taking care of a caterpillar in the second one. Inserting the protagonist’s thoughts in the flow of the third-person narrative, using italics, the author helps readers create a strong bond with the protagonist and empathize with his dilemmas. The many chapter titles connected to questions, secrets, plans, surprises and even magic hook younger and older readers alike and deliver on their promise of unveiling a wonder-filled universe worth following through. Enjoyable as much as it is formative, cinematic as much as it is all-encompassing, a truly momentous book for your reading list!
August 25, 2024
The story begins with MoMo as a naïve young lad from an unsophisticated family in a rough and harsh land…with the spirit of a visionary explorer. MoMo sees the upside of all his mishaps and antics, rapidly adjusting to compensate for the complexities of his wonderous life.
As the entire story rolls out into this novel, a few years in the making, the author has displayed the gift to trigger the recollections of one’s own youth whilst endearing the child reader.
The sights, the sounds, and almost the smells give the reader the sense that they are there, observing, participating in a young boy’s realities and dreams as he transforms to young adulthood.
Magical Imagination, curiosity, learning, experimenting…the lad begins to formulate big plans for his adult future. MoMo brings reality from magic and magic from reality. MoMo’s creative imagination, inquisitiveness, and fortitude bring his fantasies to fruition
The novel plays out MoMo’s imaginary future in one’s mind as if it is a Broadway production or a screen play.
Is this a work of fiction or recall from the penman’s youth? Probably a melding of both. Either way the story is captivating.
The fertility of the author’s mind and ability to spin the thoughts, dreams, imaginations and actions of young children, the wise elderly, greedy-unethical adults, the dreamers, the non-dreamers simultaneously into a tale of a young lad’s life journey is spellbinding.
A story written to appeal to youngsters while fueling the pipedreams of adult readers.
I gave the book to my pre-teen grandchildren...they love the story.
Young or old, this story deserves a place in your library.
As the entire story rolls out into this novel, a few years in the making, the author has displayed the gift to trigger the recollections of one’s own youth whilst endearing the child reader.
The sights, the sounds, and almost the smells give the reader the sense that they are there, observing, participating in a young boy’s realities and dreams as he transforms to young adulthood.
Magical Imagination, curiosity, learning, experimenting…the lad begins to formulate big plans for his adult future. MoMo brings reality from magic and magic from reality. MoMo’s creative imagination, inquisitiveness, and fortitude bring his fantasies to fruition
The novel plays out MoMo’s imaginary future in one’s mind as if it is a Broadway production or a screen play.
Is this a work of fiction or recall from the penman’s youth? Probably a melding of both. Either way the story is captivating.
The fertility of the author’s mind and ability to spin the thoughts, dreams, imaginations and actions of young children, the wise elderly, greedy-unethical adults, the dreamers, the non-dreamers simultaneously into a tale of a young lad’s life journey is spellbinding.
A story written to appeal to youngsters while fueling the pipedreams of adult readers.
I gave the book to my pre-teen grandchildren...they love the story.
Young or old, this story deserves a place in your library.
October 17, 2024
Momo: The Incredible Adventures of Me, My Duck and a Man Called Wolof has the feel of an old fashioned fable at times but is so much more. The writing is poetic and the story timeless. The author has written the story to appeal to younger readers and does so with an easy-to-read style that fits the innocence of main character Momo perfectly. It is beautifully written creating vivid moments of wonder. From my point-of-view as an adult I found the tale engrossing and enjoyed it immensely. I expect a great number of adult readers would feel the same. It took me back to a time when reading felt truly magical and each word spun something new. Momo himself is a dreamer in the best sense of the word. He looks at the birds and wants to fly. He wants to go to school ‘to learn a thousand things’ but his fearless nature adds a few complications along the way. Easy to read it may be but there are still many layers children and adults alike will appreciate. There are also some things that younger children may miss but that never detracts from the magic and whimsy of the story being told. MoMo, and his best friend Duck, are among my favourite literary pairings. One thing I will say, I didn't want it to end, I want to hear more about this world the author has created. Although I'm a little older (ahem!) than the youngest readers targeted, I love this story, and the series this volume encompasses, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to everyone regardless of their age. Give it a try, it'll be worth it. Congratulations Mr Playne a triumph.
September 24, 2024
I just finished " Momo" by Mark Playne , sub title "The incredible adventures of me,my duck and a man called Wolof"
This is the first book I have finished for years ( apart from a depression induced 3 week budget jungle Ayahuasca retreat in a Peruvian hut beginning on new years's day where there were books... or my tortured thoughts to choose from.)
I loved the magic characters and painted Carlos Castanega-like clarity of landscapes.The vitality of life. To read was to spray- mist the frazzled parchment of my over " internetted" mind.
This is the first fiction read I can remember since my somewhat Taliban -minded co inhabitants consigned my books to boxes and saturated our living space with devices that for years have dominated frighteningly.
Momo is a device dissolving device.
My adopted son , despite bringing this book destroying technology into our lives and living on it, has even himself dipped into Momo and admitted he actually liked it...very unusual.
So this is a blessed dance that immerses the imagination , will feed the young mind and reassure the sad, the confused and the aged with giant slices of wisdom.
Try it!
This is the first book I have finished for years ( apart from a depression induced 3 week budget jungle Ayahuasca retreat in a Peruvian hut beginning on new years's day where there were books... or my tortured thoughts to choose from.)
I loved the magic characters and painted Carlos Castanega-like clarity of landscapes.The vitality of life. To read was to spray- mist the frazzled parchment of my over " internetted" mind.
This is the first fiction read I can remember since my somewhat Taliban -minded co inhabitants consigned my books to boxes and saturated our living space with devices that for years have dominated frighteningly.
Momo is a device dissolving device.
My adopted son , despite bringing this book destroying technology into our lives and living on it, has even himself dipped into Momo and admitted he actually liked it...very unusual.
So this is a blessed dance that immerses the imagination , will feed the young mind and reassure the sad, the confused and the aged with giant slices of wisdom.
Try it!
October 17, 2024
These stories should be on the list with the stories of The Little Prince, The Night Before Christmas, Peter Pan, Jumbo (the Elephant), Snow White, Cinderella - all those adult/children's stories and fairy tales!! What a great book. Once started, the reader wants more. We fall in love with Mo Mo and want to see him succeed! Despite some setbacks, he powers on to bigger and better things. Any reader who skips this is really missing out on an adventure seen through Mo Mo's eyes. Highly recommended for adults and young ones. Encouraging story to show us not to quit, but to pursue our dreams.
October 25, 2024
This book is rather unique, superficially it is a children's book but look deeper and it is so much more. It has more depth to the story for adults and it also has some rather beautiful poetry.
It is quite interesting that the story does get a bit more serious as it progresses, but it still retains the childlike magic of the beginning of the book.
I love the characters, Momo of course is a great invention, a young boy with an amazing imagination, and a belief in magic, but there are also lots of other great characters, and of course great characters and a great plot make a great book.
It is quite interesting that the story does get a bit more serious as it progresses, but it still retains the childlike magic of the beginning of the book.
I love the characters, Momo of course is a great invention, a young boy with an amazing imagination, and a belief in magic, but there are also lots of other great characters, and of course great characters and a great plot make a great book.
November 13, 2024
This is the first book in several years that I felt an immediate connection to and read with enthusiasm. It drew me in from the start and resonated deeply with the child within me. Entering Momo's universe was an experience I didn’t want to end - I felt a strong emotional bond with his world, his cherished creatures, and the marvels surrounding him. The sadness of his losses touched me and still lingers. This is a story whose moments will stay with me for years to come.
September 1, 2024
The imagery created by the author is so realistic, you can feel Morrocco and experience it as though physically there. The character of young Momo is endearing, the innocence of youth, his desire to fly, his love for Duck and his Grandmother and the creativity he uses to create reaources for his journey. I found the book hard to put down, and will read it again.
September 20, 2024
Another fantastic story by Mark Playne. This moving, heart-warming and sometimes heart-breaking story had me laughing, crying, hugging myself and reading passages out loud to anyone that would listen. I love the characters, the descriptions and the feel of it all. It was shocking at times, but for valid and truthful reasons, and I really hope that one day I will see it realised on screen, as MoMo is such an incredible character. Deffo not just a "kids book" unless I am a kid :)
October 16, 2024
Well.. I hated finishing this book because I just didn't want it to end... Superbly crafted, magical story telling... Can't wait for the next book..
November 30, 2024
Enchanting
I was enthralled by the story and couldn't wait to find out what would happen to MoMo next. Where does he go from here?
I was enthralled by the story and couldn't wait to find out what would happen to MoMo next. Where does he go from here?
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews