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Mighty Moby
A Moby Dick-inspired picture book adventure unlike any you've ever seen--with a surprise ending--from Caldecott Medal-winning artist Ed Young. Deep in the dark ocean, Mighty Moby lurks. Up above the ocean waves, a one-legged captain pursues the whale he clashed with long ago. Mighty Moby and the captain are soon locked in another battle...but things aren't always what they seem. Caldecott Medalist Ed Young brings us a dynamically interactive story with a surprise twist that will have you rocking along to the waves of the ocean.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2017
2 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Ed Young
154 books89 followersEd Young is the illustrator of more than eighty books for children, seventeen of which he has also written. Among his books is the Caldecott Medal winner Lon Po Po, which he both wrote and illustrated. He says that his work is inspired by the philosophy of Chinese painting. He lives in Westchester County, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
February 11, 2017
Five stars for the stunning, absolutely gorgeous illustrations. I would really love to meet the kid who re-enacts the story of Moby Dick in the bath tub. I struggled through the story IN COLLEGE! It was on the shelf in my middle school library. I left it there. In the eight years I have been there, two kids have checked it out and both returned it unread. So-o-o, I'm not sure whom the audience is, but it sure is purty!
July 14, 2018
Well, that was a waste of a few minutes. From the rough mixed-media artwork to the boring text (some of which you can't even read well because of where and how it's formatted), this book left me kind of cold. The "twist" didn't impress me, either.
Unless you're hoping to get your children to read Moby Dick at some point, you probably won't find much of interest here. Neither will kids, I suspect.
Quotable moment:
Unless you're hoping to get your children to read Moby Dick at some point, you probably won't find much of interest here. Neither will kids, I suspect.
Quotable moment:
The sailors sat
scared and silent,
as the whaleboats rocked
upon the rolling waves,
when came
a rumbling
a rushing
an
earthquake
rising
from
the
deep--
THE
WHALE!
October 13, 2017
Beautifully orchestrated collage illustrations and text inspired by the classic novel, Moby Dick by Herman Melville, come together to make this lovely picture book. This would be a terrific book to share with young readers as a mentor text to make their own twists on favorite stories.
January 5, 2018
Who knew that a classic tale could have a surprise ending? Awesome use of mixed media!
January 26, 2018
Cool collage art, story lacking -.-
December 2, 2017
This is the same illustrator from Lon Po Po! My favorite part was actually the cover art. I appreciate the mixed media style that is within the book but it didn't work for me. However, I LOVE this cover right down to the font and placement of the text.
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July 3, 2017I have been working as a professional in children's books for 15 years. And yet, some children's books are still so far above me as to be just out of my grasp. This is one of them.
One day, I hope to be able to enjoy this literary picture book/homage to one of our Great Works. Until then, I will relegate this to fine art.
One day, I hope to be able to enjoy this literary picture book/homage to one of our Great Works. Until then, I will relegate this to fine art.
March 13, 2023
Cool illustrations and inventive layout - story within a story. Liked it well enough.
November 24, 2017
I read "Mighty Moby," written by Barbara Dacosta and illustrated by Ed Young, as a possible 2018 Caldecott contender. I give this a 4 for concept and text, and a 5 for illustrations. Ed Young is a perennial favorite with the Caldecott awards committee, and "Mighty Moby" demonstrates why. The book has received pretty much across the board starred reviews (ie; Publisher's Weekly, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, etc.).
"Mighty Moby" begins with Herman Melville's classic "Moby Dick" story, and ends with a twist - a child being taken from the tub, complaining that his story isn't finished. Fun! However, in terms of concept, most young readers will have little knowledge of the classic Moby Dick story. They may be enticed by the whale in general and the pirates attempting to capture him, but the more subtle aspects of the story will be lost on them. Otherwise, the text is strong, poetic even ("...when came a rumbling//a rushing//an earthquake rising from the deep//THE WHALE!").
In terms of the illustrations...once again, exquisite! Starting with the cover, Young captures both the allure and danger of the sea. The cut paper collage illustrations, the font, the way in which the page is turned communicate movement, danger, excitement. When we are jarred from the Moby Dick story to the present we see the realistic, photographed hand reaching for the whale, then the bath plug....
This is one of my favorites of the year. I liked it more each time that I read it. Definitely recommended. And a well-deserved consideration for the 2018 Caldecott!
"Mighty Moby" begins with Herman Melville's classic "Moby Dick" story, and ends with a twist - a child being taken from the tub, complaining that his story isn't finished. Fun! However, in terms of concept, most young readers will have little knowledge of the classic Moby Dick story. They may be enticed by the whale in general and the pirates attempting to capture him, but the more subtle aspects of the story will be lost on them. Otherwise, the text is strong, poetic even ("...when came a rumbling//a rushing//an earthquake rising from the deep//THE WHALE!").
In terms of the illustrations...once again, exquisite! Starting with the cover, Young captures both the allure and danger of the sea. The cut paper collage illustrations, the font, the way in which the page is turned communicate movement, danger, excitement. When we are jarred from the Moby Dick story to the present we see the realistic, photographed hand reaching for the whale, then the bath plug....
This is one of my favorites of the year. I liked it more each time that I read it. Definitely recommended. And a well-deserved consideration for the 2018 Caldecott!
June 13, 2017
I'm a 3.5 on this one. With pages filled with mixed media collage illustrations formed with cut paper, photographs, string, and pastels, this picture book is visually impressive. The author has taken the text from the original Moby Dick, written by Herman Melville, and turned it into a story that reads like a sea chantey sung by sailors of old. Part of the lines take young readers into that struggle between a peg-legged captain and the whale that is his obsession, but just when things look to be at their worst for the sailors, a hand reaches down from the top of the page and interrupts the action. As it turns out, this is so much more than the story of Moby Dick, but a bathtub reenactment of the story. As other reviewers have remarked, I'm not sure about this book's intended audience since Moby Dick is a challenging piece of literature for even college students, but perhaps the child's caregivers have been reading it aloud to him. Who knows? The vivid reds used on the cover attest to the scenes of violence and carnage involved in whaling. One thing of which I am certain: Ed Young's illustrations always make me think and prompt me to look at them more closely. I'd follow him to the depths of the ocean just for the pleasure of the journey. Interested readers will definitely want to read the notes from author and illustrator.
August 29, 2017
This thrilling picture book tells the story of Moby Dick in a way that children can understand. The sailors sing of their travels and exploits. Then the captain shouts at a whale, giving chase. Finally, they reach the huge beast and send out boats that quietly row to his side. The captain throws his harpoon, spearing the beast who tows the captain down into the deeps. The whale again returns to the surface and then. Then the story takes a little twist away from the classic tale and into more familiar picture book territory: bath time.
In the author’s note, readers discover that the book was made backwards. Young created the art first out of collage and then Dacosta created the text, the words all taken from the original tale except for one. It is quite an endeavor to turn the huge classic of Moby Dick into a picture book. This one works surprisingly well thanks to a clear focus on the whale and the captain and their battle with one another.
As always, Young’s art is superb. He creates true drama on the page here, as can be seen in the cover image. The spearing of the whale introduces scarlet streams of blood onto the page along with the white of the whale and blue water. They dramatic dive into the water, keeps the red tinge to the whale and emphasizes the size difference between man and whale.
An exceptional work of picture book art. Appropriate for ages 6-8.
In the author’s note, readers discover that the book was made backwards. Young created the art first out of collage and then Dacosta created the text, the words all taken from the original tale except for one. It is quite an endeavor to turn the huge classic of Moby Dick into a picture book. This one works surprisingly well thanks to a clear focus on the whale and the captain and their battle with one another.
As always, Young’s art is superb. He creates true drama on the page here, as can be seen in the cover image. The spearing of the whale introduces scarlet streams of blood onto the page along with the white of the whale and blue water. They dramatic dive into the water, keeps the red tinge to the whale and emphasizes the size difference between man and whale.
An exceptional work of picture book art. Appropriate for ages 6-8.
September 11, 2017
Featuring the collage work that has made Ed Young’s Wabi Sabi so engaging, Mr. Young tackles the weighty subject of Moby Dick. Herman Melville’s ponderous tome gets whittled down into handy cut-out images and focuses on its central story: one man’s never-ending vengeance against the powerful beast that maimed him so long ago.
The collages spread across the page in splashes of vivid color that manage to convey energy and movement. The text takes unexpected direction, much like the action, as Captain Ahab follows the titular animal to his doom. But the story takes an unexpected turn as it’s abruptly co-opted and undone by an ingenious fourth-wall break.
This is a grand addition to Mr. Young’s books for children and perhaps an introduction to Melville’s most famous novel. If a child wants to know what happened next, this book slyly points the way.
The collages spread across the page in splashes of vivid color that manage to convey energy and movement. The text takes unexpected direction, much like the action, as Captain Ahab follows the titular animal to his doom. But the story takes an unexpected turn as it’s abruptly co-opted and undone by an ingenious fourth-wall break.
This is a grand addition to Mr. Young’s books for children and perhaps an introduction to Melville’s most famous novel. If a child wants to know what happened next, this book slyly points the way.
December 31, 2017
This is one of the most creative books I've seen in a long time, especially in terms of color. I mean, those reds and blacks? I don't think I've ever seen a children's book look like that. Incredible. And Ed Young does an amazing job of retelling this classic tale for children through photographic collage. This whole book is just hugely creative--one of my favorite parts is how you physically have to turn the book vertically in order to read it and properly view the image, which is something that (from my perspective) hasn't been done a great deal. Additionally, the ending is super relatable, and is all around good fun despite how scary it looks!!
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
September 26, 2018
A retelling of Moby Dick ends with a look at who was doing the retelling and in what setting.
I thought this was just going to be a straight up picture book retelling of Moby Dick but it really isn't. It is more of a bedtime story and that's all the hint you'll get from me about the twist at the end. The text is sparse and this is a pretty quick read. Definitely read the creators' note in the back about how this book came about in a backwards way from normal. There's also a little more on the tale that inspired this and how the text was chosen. Recommended for families who like to read together and imaginative kids.
Note: There is a little bit of blood hinted at in one page...but it is also revealed to be imaginary later.
I thought this was just going to be a straight up picture book retelling of Moby Dick but it really isn't. It is more of a bedtime story and that's all the hint you'll get from me about the twist at the end. The text is sparse and this is a pretty quick read. Definitely read the creators' note in the back about how this book came about in a backwards way from normal. There's also a little more on the tale that inspired this and how the text was chosen. Recommended for families who like to read together and imaginative kids.
Note: There is a little bit of blood hinted at in one page...but it is also revealed to be imaginary later.
November 16, 2020
A children's bedtime book, published in 2017, about whale hunting. With no remorse.
The end note talks about how this is a children's version of Melville's "Moby Dick." Not a syllable about whales being endangered, nations that still whale hunt, or anything that recognizes in any way that the content of this book is highly objectionable and seeks to rectify it.
Outside of the American political landscape, this is the worst call in judgement I have seen in a long time. Libraries should take this off their shelves.
Context: I received this in a bundle of 10 surprise picture books from my local library. Sadly, my child read this before I looked through the selections, never imagining that this would be included.
The end note talks about how this is a children's version of Melville's "Moby Dick." Not a syllable about whales being endangered, nations that still whale hunt, or anything that recognizes in any way that the content of this book is highly objectionable and seeks to rectify it.
Outside of the American political landscape, this is the worst call in judgement I have seen in a long time. Libraries should take this off their shelves.
Context: I received this in a bundle of 10 surprise picture books from my local library. Sadly, my child read this before I looked through the selections, never imagining that this would be included.
October 6, 2017
I picked up this book because I saw it on so many 2018 Caldecott prediction lists. I really wanted to give this book five stars. The art, yes, is amazing. So is the typography. Unfortunately, the story is somewhat incoherent. Some parts would be easy to read aloud and are somewhat sing-songy, whereas others lack any sort of cadence. There is a jump in the plot that many of my younger readers would not grasp. Honestly, I can't tell who this picture book is written for. I don't think it's well-suited for young children (confusing format), or older children (simplistic text). Is it a picture book made for adults to admire? I am beginning to think so.
October 8, 2017
Ambitious undertaking by Ed Young and author! Tells the basic story of Moby Dick, with the text being drawn almost exclusively from the novel, and adds a fun twist for young readers. The illustrations are striking, with plenty of red to highlight the bloodiness of the battle. It could be challenging to read aloud unless the reader looks up the sea chanteys and ballads mentioned in the Author's Note and uses those tunes to sing the verses. Resources are referenced in the Note that could turn this into a serious reading adventure for the committed! Hard to say if kids will enjoy this book, or if adults are more drawn to it. Curious to find out.
August 14, 2017
Powerful book with a great twist in the story! Illustrations & text were carefully blended in Mighty Moby! Ed Young, created the illustrations first, & Barbara Dacosta added dramatic words next. Children will love the book & identify with it. This book is a stepping stone to later reading Moby Dick by Herman Melville. See this website for more things about this book: https://mightymoby.wordpress.com/
Mighty Moby arrived in stores & libraries on Aug 1, 2017, Herman Melville's 198th birthday! Happy Birthday, Captain!
Mighty Moby arrived in stores & libraries on Aug 1, 2017, Herman Melville's 198th birthday! Happy Birthday, Captain!
April 12, 2018
Another picture book on an unusual topic: Moby Dick. The author's note says that the art came first, then the author took quotes directly from the book to go with them. The art is dark and complex - a mixed media collage - so I wouldn't give this to younger readers. This will certainly give early elementary kids a chance to learn new vocabulary ("Thar she blows!"), but the pictures definitely do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to telling the story and setting the mood. Not suitable for storytime, I'm not sure I'd even do this for a group of older kids.
December 16, 2017
This is an accessible picture book retelling of Moby Dick, the story of captain who's determined to capture a whale, with a twist. I really enjoyed this book. Ed Young's collage style illustrations are impressive. Them and Barbara Dacosta's action-packed readable text create a sense of adventure. I was amazed by the twist, though it does make it even more relatable to kids. Moby Dick has never been at the top of my list of classics to read, but this book - almost - makes me want to read it.
August 23, 2017
This was definitely a unique adaptation. I'd give this one a solid 4 stars.
Young's illustrations are phenomenal.
I definitely appreciated the author's note, where it's explained that the team worked backwards, using Young's drawings to then write the text, and finish with the actual mixed media collage illustrations.
The book almost begs to be sung, although I can't think of a melody that would go with it. Does anyone have any ideas?
Young's illustrations are phenomenal.
I definitely appreciated the author's note, where it's explained that the team worked backwards, using Young's drawings to then write the text, and finish with the actual mixed media collage illustrations.
The book almost begs to be sung, although I can't think of a melody that would go with it. Does anyone have any ideas?
September 21, 2017
I have never read Moby Dick, and I'm not sure younger kids will be able to track this storyline when it switches toward the end (I know I had to go back and reread/look at a few pages to try to clarify). There are unique mixed-media illustrations, and the authors' note at the end helps the reader understand, but I'm not sure I want to have to get to the authors' note in order to understand the story. But it could just be me.
February 27, 2018
This book should not exist. The "twist" is one of the dumbest things I've ever read. I passed this book around the workroom at my library, and it was met with either silence or eye rolls. The whole thing is pointless. The cover makes it seem like a True Crime made-for-lifetime murder mystery, when it's totally not. Usually my reviews are much better than this... but I can seem to find my words. As I said to my coworkers, if you want to know, "just read the damn thing."
September 4, 2017
I read this book for a few reasons: 1) I've seen on several websites that it is in the running for the 2018 Caldecott Award 2) I'm trying to come up with a list of books to read w/ my baby girl 3) Moby Dick is one of my favorite stories and 4) the cover art is stunning.
The art is amazing from cover-to-cover (5 stars!). The story, however . . . is a bit lacking.
The art is amazing from cover-to-cover (5 stars!). The story, however . . . is a bit lacking.
October 5, 2017
I loved this wonderful fun imaginative picture book based on the story of Moby Dick! The illustrations were fun, bold and textured, it added great dimension to turn the book vertically every other spread. This lends itself well for many themes to use in story times! Pirates, boats, whales and good for PJ Storytime times with the bedtime theme!
October 18, 2017
Could be used with older students as an example of retelling a classic.
Ed drew the pictures/collages first, Barbara put the words to those. She says all the words she uses, but one, were in the Melville novel. A few verses of song at beginning and another at the end Dacosta says can be set to a couple of sea tunes she names.
Ed drew the pictures/collages first, Barbara put the words to those. She says all the words she uses, but one, were in the Melville novel. A few verses of song at beginning and another at the end Dacosta says can be set to a couple of sea tunes she names.
October 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this one, even more than I thought I would. I think it offers a great opportunity to sing along with the pictures. It's also an early introduction to Moby Dick. This isn't for the younger reader, but would make for a great bedtime story for kids in the 7 to 9 range. It's quick too, as a bonus!
November 14, 2017
11/14/2017 ** Visually stunning, and I definitely enjoyed the twist at the end. I appreciated the realism of the blood when the hunted whale was stabbed with the harpoon. This being widely discussed as a Caldecott contender. I'll be curious to see whether it continues to get buzz as we get closer to the announcements.
November 22, 2017
I LOVED the illustrations in this book and thought they are very creative and unique. The story may or may not be as interesting to students, I’m not sure. I also wonder if the layout will be confusing for some kids. Overall I’d probably give it 3 1/2 stars. More for the illustrations than the story.
November 28, 2017
This is a picture book based on Moby-Dick, and I really like Ed Young's artwork here -- I think he gets into the violence and fear that's involved in the whaling business. The little twist at the end doesn't quite work for me -- though your mileage may vary. I suppose the actual end of the original would be a little too scary for kids.
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