Retellings are not new, but the way Call Me Moby by Lars Kenseth is presented and the “wink wink” towards the original Herman Melville story, Moby Dick, makes it fresh. And this obvious homage will be a hoot for adults. And, of course, young readers will find Moby’s actions relatable and amusing. The illustrations are sweet and having the simplicity of certain ones in the right places allows for the punch of the more detailed ones to be stronger. I would have liked to have seen more of our orange friend who shows up near the end, but overall enjoyable and will be read again.
The images in Moby different slightly from Space: The Final Pooping Frontier by Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor White, but you know they are by Kenseth. Also they are obviously two radically different stories, but if you’re like me, you will want to read both as you are interested in how the illustrator interacts with the subject(s). With Call Me Moby, these off-beat, but mostly real imagined, illustrations make the text have a supporting cast. The art could be read solo, but works best when paired with Kenseth’s visual creations.
Kenseth’s picture book is currently available, but was read via an online reader. The publication description says (and I agree) Call Me Moby is “(p)erfect for fans of Jory John (especially with the text) and Jon Klassen” (especially with the illustrations). Best for at least ages five and up, you and your child, classroom or even yourself, will find reading time a pleasant time. 
