Mighty Moby

Author: Young, Ed

Edition: Illustrated

Format: Picture Book

Number Of Pages: 40

Details:

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. From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 2—The book jacket depicting Herman Melville's infamous behemoth befits the epic adventure it heralds: blackness swallows the crimson light surrounding the whale, setting an ominous tone. In an author's note, DaCosta writes that every word comes from Moby-Dick except one. The text is minimal but dramatic, with dialogue as well as faux ballad and sea shanty verses. The story opens with three small silhouettes dancing to the lines, "Three long years we've been at sea,/Homeward bound we want to be." With the plot honed to its essence, the captain appears almost immediately, and the hunt ensues. Employing cut paper, photographs, string, and pastels, Young shifts between horizontal and vertical orientations; readers will turn the book accordingly. This adds energy to the already tumultuous collages created with strong diagonals, floating patterns, and contrasts in scale between humans and whale. While the captain's hat does emerge from the depths without him, and the sailors are tossed into the waves, a deus ex machina moment in the narrative makes this title an appropriate bath time tale. VERDICT Capturing the spectacle of the original and adding hints of humor may make this the preferred version of the classic for all ages. A masterpiece of bookmaking.—Wendy Lukehart, District of Columbia Public Library

Reviews:

*

"This illustrative complexity rewards readers who look deeply, engaging both their perceptions and emotions. Stunning illustrations and authentic words grace this unusually sophisticated picture book."

― Kirkus Reviews, starred review

*

"A masterpiece of bookmaking."

― School Library Journal, starred review

"[A] truly memorable reading and seeing experience. Melville would be proud and readers will be enchanted."

― Booklist, starred review

"[An] excellent addition to any library and a fun read aloud."

― School Library Connection

"A vivid and thoughtful introduction to Melville's celebrated American epic....Milder readers looking for a gentler conclusion need only turn the page to reveal a rewarding surprise twist."

― Horn Book

"Young's mixed-media art is gloriously dramatic."

― BCCB

About the Author:

Ed Young is the illustrator of more than eighty books for children, including the Caldecott Medal-winning Lon Po Po, and the New York Times bestseller Wabi Sabi by Mark Reibstein, and Nighttime Ninja by Barbara DaCosta. He has also written and illustrated The House Baba Built, which recounts his childhood in Shanghai. Born in China, Ed moved to the United States as a young man and pursued his love of art. He currently lives in New York. Barbara DaCosta's first collaboration with Ed Young, Nighttime Ninja, won the Children's Choice Award. She makes her home in Minneapolis, Minnesota....

EAN: 9780316299367

Release Date: 01-08-2017

Languages: English

Item Note: Great shape- pages are unmarked and sharp.Has a remainder mark. Hardcover Used - Very Good Ships fast! 2017Illustrated

Item Condition: UsedVeryGood

Binding: Hardcover