MOP RIDES THE WAVES OF LIFE Review—Tubular Teachings

MOP RIDES THE WAVES OF LIFE Gives Readers A Day At The Beach, From Their Couch

For readers without first hand experience with the ocean, Matthew Allen’s illustrations capture vivid waves stacking row upon row of potential joys and pitfalls all the way to the horizon. They tower overhead, curling down on our young hero. They are shown from beneath the water, where they are calm and still, and from under the roiling threat of a huge tube, when they toss the young hero into a major fall. Sometimes the right wave unfurls from Mop’s bright yellow surfboard like the cape of a flying superhero.

Mop’s wildly curling hair might make him unique, but his easily hurt feelings and quick temper should be familiar to readers of all ages. Occasional words in large print could be useful for those learning their letters, and the illustrations should keep toddlers entertained, too. Mop Rides the Waves of Life has a broad appeal for families that are looking for ways to talk to children about the fact that, though we seldom control the world around us, we don’t have to act out when things don’t go our way. This reviewing team (5 and 37 years old) certainly both benefited from the reminder that even the biggest, darkest waves will crash down and wash away in time, leaving us to surf on to smoother, happier waters, if we just keep paddling.