  | Call me Moby Author: Kenseth, Lars | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
Meet Physeter Macrocephalus, but you can call him Moby. He's got the BIGGEST toothy smile. He's always up for a game of tag. And his backflips can't be beat! Who wouldn't want to be his pal?
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (12/15/25)
School Library Journal (02/13/26)
Booklist (01/01/26)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/11/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Other - 11/10/2025 Could the most famous whale in literature simply be terribly misunderstood? That’s the premise of this ardently told picture book, a solo debut from New Yorker cartoonist Kenseth. The narrator-"You can call me Moby"-a massive white whale drawn in clean lines, possesses friendly eyes and a sweet smile. Interested in the world above the waterline, Moby seeks to connect with humans, rendered as minimally detailed figures of various skin tones, in a whale of a way. Moby swims up to a ship (looming over the vessel), playfully spurts water (nearly swamping the craft), and starts a game of tag (almost capsizing it). Yet for some unfathomable reason-"Maybe I came on too strong?"-all Moby gets in return is "this one guy named Ahab" screaming. When things go downhill from there, Moby apologizes and retreats to the depths, embracing the experience as a teachable moment in social-emotional development: "Not everybody will get you. But that’s okay." And besides, there are always other friends in the sea-right? It’s a funny, bighearted twist on a classic, no English degree required. Ages 3-6. (Feb.) - Copyright 2025
Booklist - 01/01/2026 When Moby, an enormous white whale, spots a ship bobbing on the waves, he immediately swims over to make new friends. He gives the sailors his nicest smile (the full spread is hilariously taken up by his pointy-toothed grin), but the sailors don’t look particularly pleased to see him. No problem—Moby will get the party started with some vigorous splashing and a friendly game of tag. The grumpy Ahab character is a particularly tough nut to crack, and an ultimately disappointed Moby abandons his pursuit of friendship with this particular group of humans to find a more appreciative audience. “Not everybody will get you,” he reassures readers. “But that’s okay.” Clever references to Moby Dick abound (Moby interprets a tussle with Ahab as a tickle fest), but the story is equally enjoyable as a tale of finding fellowship. The guileless Moby is a joy; comical illustrations are expressive and entertaining. This riotous retelling is a witty reminder that true friendship is worth holding out for. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.
