MoMo - The Egg

by Mark Playne

Growing up in rural Morocco under the shadows of the Atlas mountains, the young goat herding MoMo is discovering the secrets of money and magic. With his best friend, a running duck called 'Duck' at his side, MoMo is convinced that everything is possible. Although neither of them can fly, he figures all they have to do is keep practising. However, something is bothering him. Each spring and each autumn, geese fly by his home which creates a burning question that no-one seems to be able to answer. Where are the geese going? When his Grandma conjures up a uniform so he can finally attend school, he guesses he will soon discover the truth. Will MoMo find his wings? Find out in the 4 part mini-serial MoMo . A blend of  The Curious Incident of a Dog at Night-Time  and  The Kite Runner , with a hint of  The Alchemist . A story for small kids, big kids and old kids. MoMo - The Incredible Adventures of Me, My Duck and a Man called Wolof. Book 1 - The Egg Book 2 - The Caterpillar Book 3 - The Chrysalis Book 4 - The Butterfly

Kindle Edition

First published July 29, 2020

About the author

'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

Reviews

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

MoMo is not special....it‘s extraordinary

“MoMo. The Egg” the first part in a tetralogy by Mark Playne, is a book you would usually find under the “children’s book” category of any given library, while in fact MoMo, just as de Saint-Exupéry “The Little Prince”, is not your ordinary story, it goes way back beyond the scope of your regular “children's literature” genre.

MoMo is an ageless tale, about a child discovering the world around him, about fantasy, perception, possibilities, and how fortune smiles at those who dare to dream beyond the limits of reality. Even it is customary, I will not offer a summary of the plot, this could never make justice to the book, it would be like trying to explain “The Little Prince” to someone who has never read it before by saying “the little prince lives on the moon”… well not even close, you see.

But is you still need a description… here we go: MoMo is a book full of wonder and fantasy; as well as a tale reminiscent of times past, when reality and fantasy went hand in hand and complemented each other; a remembrance to every adult reader of the child we once were; a recall of the child we keep hidden behind all layers of serious adulthood; a new way to muse about live and things and of course a wonderful children’s story for every time of the day. The kind of book that keeps being remembered for years to come. One of this precious gems we still conserve from our own childhood…. MoMo is not a special book, it simply extraordinary!

[Chris Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Momo has the feel of an old fashioned fable at times but is so much more. The writing is poetic and the story timeless. As the author has aimed this story at younger readers it carries a wonderfully simple style that fits the character Momo perfectly. Being an adult I enjoyed the story immensely and would hope many adults would too. It took me back to a time when reading felt magical and each word spun something new. Momo 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 but his fearless nature adds a few complications along the way. I think giving away any more of the story detracts from the experience of reading it, and an experience it is. Simply written but carrying many layers for children and adults alike to appreciate. Beautifully written creating vivid moments of wonder. This first part of four is extraordinary and I recommend it highly. I’m eager for the second part.

[Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short read is the start of a four part series following the adventures of a young boy called Momo growing up in rural Morocco. He is clever, but a real dreamer.
The story is told in a very simplistic and innocent way, almost childlike, but this apparent simplicity hides some very acute social observations. It can be read on different levels, which is quite difficult to achieve.
There are some almost poetic passages in amongst the normal text, and these really throw certain aspects of the story into sharper focus.
Although this book is aimed at a young market, adults will enjoy it as well and I think that it deserves to be a real success.
I received an advance copy of the book from the author, but have happily and voluntarily written this honest review.

Update June 2024
The author has just sent out a revised version of this book, it hasn't changed much but it seems that certain passages have been expanded on and other parts slightly re-written. But the important thing is that it still retains the magical feeling, clarity and innocence that the original version had.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best children’s (adults too) book I can think of, has just ousted a gorgeous old book we used to read to our son out loud when he was little. The kind of book that you can imagine staying on the favourite list for years and years and a comfort to read or to have someone read to you. It is like a painting. It is written like only a film maker, or visual artist of some kind could do. The colours, the smells, it paints. I have finished the Egg and I want more. Can’t wait to read the next instalment. Downside: I became anti-social. My family were asking me to do things but I couldn’t put the book down. Such a thing of utter beauty. One of those unusual books that can be enjoyed at any age. For when children are too young to read it for themselves, lovely for an adult to read it to them. If you are no longer a child then read it for that child like feeling of curiosity and hope.
Congratulations to Mark Playne, this is a masterpiece that is going to be treasured for generations and not just in my family.

[Joanne Ernest · Rating 5 out of 5]

MOMO – Book 1 – The Egg by Mark Playne

I found this to be a very engaging story for both children and adults. Momo's attempts to fly appeal to the child in all of us while the adults are probably wishing he would listen to and learn from his Grandma: 'little boys don't fly'. He would definitely get into less trouble. I admired Momo for being smart enough to see that people who come late to market will pay just about anything for whatever they can get. And the way that he can talk to his duck is amazing. Does he really see and hear the things that others tell him are dreams?And we are left with a cliffhanger – what will Momo tell his Father? Will he admit he was collecting more at the market than he was giving to his Mother each week? Or will he find some clever way out of his Father's grasp? Stay Tuned...

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up the book on a bit of a whim; very happy that I did!

The characters and players…human and non-human are artfully built. The author constructs the surroundings and situations in a manner that one feels they are observing, not merely reading about them.
This is a quick read that presents the youthful main character’s launch into life in such a way that one cannot help but wonder where MoMo will dare to tread next as his imagination and reality play out.
I anxiously look forward to the next instalment/s to see where all the characters journeys will lead them.

Read MoMo book #1…you too will be hooked.

[Lillian Huffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great adventure story. Momo and his family are very poor but they do the best they can. Momo wants to fly and that causes much mischief in his life. He also wants to go to school. His dad doesn't think he needs to but his mom and grandmother thinks he does. When his first school shirt gets ruined will he be able to get another one so he can go to school? How will his desire to fly work out? Read this wonderful story and find out. I highly recommend this story.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of an adorable little boy who is growing up with a huge imagination. He wants to learn about anything and everything. Most of all, he is hunting to learn how to fly. So far his quest has led to scratches and bruises and a lot of bandages on his arms. With his pal, Duck, he goes exploring and hunting for new things. Interestingly, Duck cannot fly either. Recommended reading for both children and adults. Even better if read together.

[Janna Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be a draft reader when Mark started writing this series. I fell in love with this meaningful story and have been so excited to see it come to life so perfectly honed. It is absolutely beautiful. The writing is fabulous, the story is absorbing and you just care so much about MoMo himself, and of course Duck and all the other characters. A perfect read for adults and kids alike. Don't miss this.

[Jeri McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. MoMo, is a young boy, struggling with his idea of flying, the interactions with him and his family especially his grandmother are so perfectly done. The characters come to life and the whole story leaves you with Hope and a very good feeling.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The imagery created by the author is so realistic, you can feel Morrocco and experience it as though there. The character of Momo is endearing, I found the book hard to put down, I will reread it for sure

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful little laddie❣️ Looking forward to the next installment ❣️

[Beaulah McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is adorable! My daughter and I have just started book 2 straight after finishing book 1, it is that good.

[F.Tadford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional story. Reminds me of the Dalai Lamas cat, The Alchemist, Jonathan Livingston Seagull or The Little Prince...

[Tom Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting and thought provoking story, I really enjoyed Momo and his family, this is very well written and the characters portrayed are easily imaginable. This is a great start to the series,

[John H · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. The author has the gift to trigger the recollections of one’s own youth whilst endearing the child reader….

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 character introductions are brilliant, as to be animated by one’s imagination.

I recommend this enchanting story and the series for dreamers and readers from age 6 to 106.

I first read this tale in 2020. Even on the 2nd time I read the story I am spell bound…could not put the book down for more than a few minutes; asking myself what will be next. My grand kids loved this series as the 1st of 3 books rolled out, I am anxious to witness their reactions to the final installment come mid-June; now that they have passed from children to young teens. John H

[Anthony Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alongside the main narrative, the italics coax us into Momo’s thoughts – or are they dreams – maybe even magic?
Story time as a primary school teacher was always a delight and Momo’s story would have fitted perfectly into those sessions.
Mark’s incisive descriptions of a young boy in Morocco – soon to be the first in his family to be formally educated – are so vivid as to be easy on the imagination.
There is so much potential in this story to stimulate young thoughts and to whet the appetite for more.

Anthony Smith (retired primary school teacher)

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

MoMo - The Egg (The Incredible Adventures of Me, My Duck and A Man Called Wolof) - a review by Rosemary Kenny

MoMo is a little boy (possibly on the autistic spectrum), with a huge imagination and a burning ambition to fly.

Living in abject poverty with his family, Mother, Father, Grandmother and his younger 5 year old twin sisters, MoMo is enabled to go to school, (on a bicycle his Grandmother saved up to buy him) until cruel bullies engineer his literal downfall and causes a severe setback in his thirst for knowledge.

MoMo's companion on his adventures is Duck, with whom he has a dialogue of sorts, as well as having empathy with all living creatures.

His emergence as an innate entrepreneur changes MoMo's life for the better and Mark Playne's skilled storytelling certainly whets the appetite for Book 2, The Caterpillar, coming soon.
Why not read it today!

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Momo a small boy who is poor and lives in North Africa. This book is special. It fills your head with images, basically its a little bit of magic. I really fell in love with this book and how it’s written. There is a child like innocence about it and the feeling of an old time story , a folk story but the magic feels real. Very cleverly written with artistic descriptions you will visualise it all. Cant wait for the rest, there are going to be a set of 4. Mark is a very clever man and this is highly recommended by me. I really think this set will become a modern classic.LOVE it

[Tom Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting and thought provoking story, I really enjoyed Momo and his family, this is very well written and the characters portrayed are easily imaginable. This is a great start to the series,

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful ❣️