Blue Baboon Finds Her Tune

by Helen Docherty, Thomas Docherty (Illustrator)

From the author/illustrator team behind The Snatchabook comes a music-filled journey to bedtime.
"Orange moon,
blue baboon.
Blue baboon
spies bassoon."

Blue baboon is eager to play the bassoon with her new friends. But a monsoon threatens to spoil the fun. Fortunately a big balloon arrives in time to carry them to a dune where they can all play in tune together!

Praise for The Storybook Knight:
"A plot summary doesn't do justice to the childlike charm and wit of this colorful picture book."-Booklist

Praise for The Snatchabook:
"I dare you to try to read The Snatchabook silently to yourself. You can't do it. The book is so wonderful it demands to be read out loud. And besides, if you didn't read the book out loud, how would the Snatch-a-book hear it?"-Caldecott Medalist Brian Selznick

"This ever-so-sweet story begs to be read out loud. No doubt this one will be a hit with kids and parents alike."-Booklist

"With rhyming text reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's work, this book refuses to be read silently. Children will be begging for this book to be read to them every night-clever ones will claim they want to keep the Snatchabook happy."-School Library Journal

"The story is sweet and the illustrations darling."-Kirkus Reviews

"This whodunit with an uplifting ending will appeal to fans of How the Grinch Stole Christmas!...[It] celebrates bedtime reading as a ritual to be revered, and features a thief who merely wants to share in the fun."-Shelf Awareness Pro

Genres: Picture Books, Music, Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Storytime, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 6, 2022

About the author

Helen Docherty is an internationally published author of many rhyming picture books, including the highly acclaimed Someone Just Like You, illustrated by David Roberts. Helen's books have been translated into 27 languages and staged as plays and musicals for children, in the UK, Germany and Canada. She often collaborates with her husband, the illustrator and author Thomas Docherty, and together they have produced many award-winning picture books, including The Snatchabook, The Storybook Knight ( The Knight Who Wouldn't Fight), Superwolf, Pirate Nell's Tale to Tell, The Screen Thief and Blue Baboon Finds Her Tune. She has also collaborated with many other illustrators, most recently Daniela Sosa, Steven Lenton and Brizida Magro. Helen worked for many years as a language teacher in Mexico City and the UK before becoming an author. She also has an MA in Film and Television Production (Bristol University), which helped to develop her skills in crafting narrative. You can learn more about Helen, her books and story-writing workshops by visiting her website.

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Blue Baboon finds lost her tune is a vibrant and beautifully illustrated picture book for young children about a blue baboon who finds her (musical) tune. This is a great book for rhyming words and to encourage children to join in reading and repeating the story. There's so much detail in the illustrations I couldn't stop looking at them. Although the book is short and sweet, I think it is perfect for the age range it is aimed at and will definitely be a bookchildren want to hear again and again.

[Miranda Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Orange moon,
blue baboon."

The blue Baboon finds a bassoon and tries a tune but alas, the other animals don't like her music. What shall she do?

I thought it was rather cute and the illustrations were lovely. I thought the color pallet really shone - the cool night colors, the bright bold oranges and reds - it meshed really well.

That being said, I wish it had more words. There were about two words per page which is pretty sparse by my assessment.

But if you want a quick bedtime story, this works well!

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This brought me lovely memories. My daughter played the bassoon. Not a well known instrument but a memorable one. With a play on words with color and sound, Blue Baboon finds her tune thru playing a bassoon. Such a fun cadence that will bring joy of reading and playing instruments to your child.

A special thank you to Source Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Tara Engel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This free sourcebooks ebook was cute and colorful, simple and rhythmic. I think young children from 0-3 would really enjoy this one.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a bonkers little book, but you have to admire the brevity of the text. Oh and the art – that's wonderful, really top quality. The titular critter wants to have fun with a bassoon and its musical talent, but finds others less appreciative, and that's just the start of the adventure here, all delivered in the slenderest of two- and three-word clauses, all of which rhyme. If you pick it apart you find lots of instances of non sequiturs and silly aspects, but it's best to go with the flow, and hope the bright and lively colours don't keep the young audience awake – this is designed to be a night-time charmer to send them off, after all. Four and a half stars.

[Susan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for the advanced reader’s copy.

When I saw this initially, I thought "This is the book for all of my music teacher friends!", but that would technically work better if they were teaching the concept of Cacophony :-D. However, it has many useful applications, the most prominent being sheer enjoyment.

Who can resist a Blue Baboon? No one. Especially with colorful illustrations so vivid that they vacillate between museum quality and hallucination.

It actually took me a while to realize that the unfolding plot is heavily dependent on words that rhyme with "baboon". Moon, bassoon, balloon, tune, monsoon. You see where this is going.

Young readers (especially young readers hoping to defer bedtime) will delight in the very simple text, which is usually two words per lavishly illustrated page, one of which will rhyme with "baboon", hence adding to the excitement and prediction of the next bit of text. Given that the text is pretty silly, this keeps contributing to the reader's glee. And delayed bedtime.

Synopsis (slightly and inelegantly paraphrased--the original is much more melodic): Blue Baboon purloins a bassoon. Melody is attempted (without years of practice). Melody is not successful. Baboon gets soaked in a monsoon; takes off in a balloon; purloins the bassoon again; some singing happens ("croon"); some uniting of a variety of animals singing and playing instruments happens; and some unexpected harmony results after the introduction of another Baboon character.

This is the joy of a childhood book. An explosion of colorful, joyous artwork. Silly characters. No one is in peril. Everything is a riotous celebration of nonsense. With an underlying message that music should be shared and celebrated (if you're a stickler and you really need a music curricular alignment, this fits in with PreK-2: instruments of the orchestra). Stick in color recognition (art) and you're got a thoroughly academic book here. And a definite silly keeper. You rock, Blue Baboon.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Blue Baboon Finds Her Tune by Helen Docherty and Thomas Docherty, a sweet story about marching to the beat of your own bassoon.

Blue Baboon, out for a moonlight stroll in the park, happens upon a trio of musicians and a open bassoon. Wanting to join the musical merriment, the baboon picks up the instrument and starts to play… POORLY. The musicians gently request that she return the baboon, just as a storm (monsoon) rolls in. Finding shelter from the rain at a hot-air balloon field, baboon is gifted the bassoon by the musicians before flying away to play her cacophonous tunes somewhere she won’t bother anyone else. However, she may find that there are new friends who can appreciate her unique musical style… and old ones who decide her company is worth a little discord.

A simple and sweet tale. The sparse rhyming text flows exceptionally well, and is truly fun to read aloud – who doesn’t love an “oooo” sound? The spareness does occasionally leave some questions about the progression of the plot, but it’s a minor issue, as the heart of the themes come through in the absolutely stunning illustrations. Deep blues and vibrant oranges, pinks, and greens are a treat for the eyes, as are the character designs and visual representations of music. The length is great for a storytime, and JJ and I both really enjoyed this one. Overall, absolutely worth a read, and we recommend it – Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit, you had me at Helen Docherty. When I read the description that this was a rhyming bedtime story from the creators of The Snatchabook, that was all I needed to know. This story finds words to rhyme with baboon (not something that happens every day) and works them into a narrative that is funny and heartwarming. The colors are bright and friendly, even in the "big monsoon." The faces of "orange moon" and the other animals as the blue baboon plays out of tune are comically dismayed, as is the baboon's face when the monsoon turns her into a "wet baboon." But with a hot air balloon ride and the discovery of a green baboon who is also out of tune, things eventually work out. A helium balloon with a heart on it slips away from a small cat during the first bassoon performance, but then drifts along through the pages and eventually winds up on the dune with the two baboons - a small symbol of hope and happiness that readers may not notice the first time through the book.

Sure to be read repeatedly and with laughter each time. Perfect for Docherty fans and for those who enjoy rhyming fun at bedtime (or any time).

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how the artwork in this book sets my heart soaring . . . almost like a baboon in a balloon!

This was just delightful - simple rhyming words (and very few of them, at that!) highlighted by gorgeous, DYNAMIC illustrations.





What a treat! I could read this again and again.

A big whopping thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Kids for letting me meet this baboon.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreaders, only you can decide if you're going to believe that this pleasant book with many rhymes really qualifies as a "Rhyming Bedtime Adventure."

I find it to be pleasant enough, as a book for very young children:

Many rhymes
With simple pictures for toddlers
And neon-bright colors to the illustrations.

Is this more of an "adventure" than other picture books? Hardly.

Seems to me, the intent is sweet. But the execution lacks subtlety.

Rather than stirring a reader's amazing imagination, this clobbers the kid's senses.

But then I'm not the intended audience. For them, FIVE STARS, sure.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful rhyming picture book tells the story of blue baboon and all of the things that rhyme with her name, including the moon, a bassoon and a beautiful tune. It is the perfect bedtime story for young children because the dark blue sky sets the mood for bedtime and the sing-song words create a soothing atmosphere. During the day, the beautiful pictures can also be enjoyed as you look closer at the background details. I would recommend this book for children in the 2-6 age range. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue Baboon Finds Her Tune is a beautiful picture book tells the story of Blue Baboon and her journey to play the bassoon. This book helps readers connect various rhyming words as the main character tries to find a way not to let a monsoon destroy her groove. Readers will learn a bit about storms, weather, music and friendship. The art work is absolutely stunning throughout and will sure make this story a favorite to read again and again.

Special thanks to Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[MookNana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely bedtime book for toddlers! Blue Baboon goes out for a nighttime stroll and finds music, adventure, and friendship along the way. The text is very simple, with a nice rhythm and rhyming pattern. The art is absolutely gorgeous! It's full of color and lovely little details for young readers to notice. Kids will love looking at the bright, lively pages and this could definitely become an oft-repeated favorite!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

[Sammy Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Babboon is a simple rhyming story about some animal friends making music. The illustrations are absolutely spectacular, and the rhyming words make their own kind of music as the book is read aloud. Perfect for babies and toddlers to enjoy its rhyming cadence, young readers to gain confidence in reading, and older children to grow their vocabulary and engage with the intricate artwork, this book is sure to please all ages.

[Kelly Paradis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute story but the best part of the book is the artwork. I loved looking at each page and discovering all the little details. Absolutely beautiful colors and a perfect, simple book for reading before bed to my kiddos. The story is honestly a little bit weird, but my kids didn't mind.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Jabberwocky and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this free e-arc in exchange for an honest review?

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this unique story, the reader will get to explore with the blue baboon as she finds a bassoon, endures a monsoon, and flies in a balloon. The very simple, rhyming text will make this easy enough for young readers. The illustrator uses color in fun ways to show the nighttime scenes and cute animals.

Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for providing me with an advanced reader's copy of this book. I was not compensated for this review.

[Katie Reilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the advanced reader’s copy to share and review.

A vibrantly illustrated picture book, Blue Baboon Finds Her Tune tells its story through rhyming, repetitious text that will have young readers joining in during the storytelling. Early readers will also be exposed to color names and a variety of animals and musical instruments.

I will be sharing this one with the team of early childhood educators and music teacher at my school. Publishing in September 2022.

[Elles_shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute, simple, fun book to read with little ones. The colors are so vivid and the story is silly. I like the rhyming words and children will love the silly out of tune baboon. This is a perfect short story for younger children who want just one more story before bedtime. It would also be good for a music teacher to talk about beginning musicians and practice. It's also perfect for teachers introducing the /oo/ sound.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from SOURCEBOOKS Kids through NetGalley.
How often do readers get to see a rhyming book based off the word baboon. Docherty uses simple text to take readers through a story of Blue Baboon looking to play music and explore before bedtime. Gorgeous illustrations pull readers in to find a band, play the bassoon, get soaked in a monsoon, and float away by balloon. Younger readers will love the energy, fun and acceptance.

[benita · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about a baboon who wants to play her basson, with her friends, but then a big monsoon almost destroys the fun. Maybe a balloon can save the day?

This book made me very happy to read. The rhyming, the pictures—just overall an enjoyable read. Young readers will for sure love this, especially if it’s read out loud!

I got this book for free from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

[Carmen Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was confused at first with this one, but when I read it again with my toddler, she LOVED IT. The colors, the words, the noises, and the experience with her were more than I could have expected by just reading to myself. So for this to be a children's book, I would say it has achieved all goals kids look for in a book. The thoughtfulness of intent, I think is wonderful.


Thank you NetGalley & SOURCEBOOKS Kids for the ARC of this book!!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun simple read. It almost feels like a board book but is probably standard a hardcover picture book. There is probably 30 words in the entire book. There is 2 to 4 words per page such as blue, baboon, find, bassoon. And while the words don’t necessarily rhyme, they go together to form a singsong pattern that just works. What is really amazing are the illustrations. They’re bright, and colorful, as well as a unique style of art. That isn’t normally find in books.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as a publisher arc through my job and it's absolutely beautiful. Not only is the artwork vibrant and absolutely dreamy, the words are rhyming and fun in a a way that will make it a great book for story time or bed time. It isn't overly wordy like some picture books are. Highly recommend for your picture book collection!

[Alissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is on my must buy list, my six year old daughter has me read this to her almost nightly now. Throughout the years I have come to find that personally I am more drawn to reading books aloud that are rhyming books. This one hit the perfect notes, of fun, colorful, whimsical, and of course rhyming.

[Annette · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC edition from raincoast books for my review.

lyrics are simple rhyming couplets.

I am firmly convinced that the best children's books intrigue the parents reading them as well. This one has no intrigue though I was delighted by the surprise ending.

great illustrations that provide lots of talking points which is always a good thing.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

**This book is being considered as a nominee for next year’s Beehive Book Award for Children in Utah. My review reflects my thoughts as it pertains to that consideration.**

Great illustrations, great rhyming and text, a lot of fun to read out loud. Definitely going to be in my Storytime rotation.

Storytime Themes: Jungle, Music, Colors

[Nici · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful picture book!
If is very much not about the story which is kinda random and only based on which words rhyme to baboon.
But those rhymes are so sweet and the pictures so lovely and colorful. I expect all little children to love this!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the ARC. This beautifully illustrated story tells the story of blue baboon, a cute little animal who wants to find their tune. The text is fairly simple, but this is a cute story that kids are sure to love.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun book about singing a "happy tune" and never giving up, even when you might be out of tune! The journey the blue baboon went on was pretty cute and the illustrations were so beautiful. Thank you Sourcebooks!

[Robyn Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminiscent of The Berenstain's B Book, Blue Baboon Finds Her Tune is full of vibrant colors and rhyming text. Despite monsoons, and friends who do not appreciate her tune Blue Baboon is determined to find a place to play her music. In the end old friends and new friends find a common tune.