Book Review: “Moby Shinobi and Toby Too: Surf’s Up” by Luke Flowers

Recommended reading age: 5 to 7 (though kids of all ages can enjoy reading this with their families)

What Makes This One of the Best Children’s Books

Luke Flowers’ exuberant book series about a big-hearted ninja has never failed to thoroughly charm me (or my son).

Every illustration in the Moby Shinobi books are awash with bright, splashy colors, and they pack every square inch of the page with action.

Better still, each adventure that readers experience with the main character – an endearing boy ninja – clearly demonstrates valuable lessons.

“Surf’s Up,” for instance, starts off with classic advice: be prepared.

Before his dog sprints out the door to the beach, the little ninja cautions that they need to pack properly. He lists everything they need: sunscreen, water, snacks and (naturally) nunchucks. All the essentials.

Once Moby Shinobi arrives at a beach bursting with activity, he follows his signature style of finding numerous ways to help others.

My favorite aspect of this book – and all the books of this joyful series – is that the ninja not only leaps at every chance to lend a hand, but he always fails at his first attempt.

Whether he tries to help kids complete an epic sand castle or aids a fisherman in catching a watery trophy, something inevitably goes wrong. But then he demonstrates what young readers will hopefully emulate: instead of getting weighed down by his disappointment, he persists.

After each failure, he changes his strategy, tries again and finally proves victorious. It’s another timeless lesson for children to glean: everyone fails sometimes, so don’t give up. If one idea doesn’t work, simply try another.

This character’s eager do-goodery is infectious, and the very fact that he’s a ninja pumps tons of fun into his clever problem solving.

After all, what kid wouldn’t enjoy watching a ninja jerry-rig a sailboat with his bow staff?

How My Child Reacted to This Book

My son, still in preschool, has so much fun reading the Moby Shinobi books. He laughs and screams with delight at the ninja’s silly mistakes (which I hope also instills a sense that it’s OK to make mistakes). This is among the most action-packed books about perseverance that we’ve found.

He also pores over every page, pointing out the many fun surprises in each action-packed illustration.

Potential Conversations to Pair with This Book

This kindly ninja story offers many opportunities to discuss important values.

When reading this book with my son, I always try to comment on the many ways the ninja boy helps others. I chat with my son about simple ways we can help other people every day.

I also note to my son how Moby Shinobi never gives up, and I bring up real-life examples of times that my son has tried again and eventually succeeded.

More Children’s Books Like This

‘Glory on Ice’ – A Hockey-Playing Vampire Embraces Practice and Teamwork

‘Three Cheers for Kid McGear’ – A Scrappy Skid Steer Masters Hard Work, Kindness and Problem Solving