Reviews

Beware The Blue Bagoo by Karl Newson

angiew23's review

4.0

This cute, rhyming and made-up word picture book tells the story of a town full of people afraid of the Blue Bagoo. When a little girl tries to figure out what a Blue Bagoo is, she is surprised to find out he is quite tiny and not very scary! It is a very imaginative story, somewhat in line with what Dr. Seuss wrote. The only thing that I don't love is that the font is all over the page and would be difficult for beginning readers to follow/comprehend. I think this would make a nice read aloud story with a parent and young child though. I would recommend this book to families of children in the age 3-7 range. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!

mars243's review

3.0

The Blue Bagoo is a rhyming word picture book that makes the story very catchy.

The main character is on the search for the Blue Bagoo throughout the story. Hearing awful and scary things about this creature from others as they search. In the end, the main character learns that you can't always listen to judgments and opinions of others, as they are not always true.

The story itself was cute and catchy. Although really young children might catch a fright because of the thought of parents being gobbled up.

The illustrations are busy and full of color.

literaryinspired's review

5.0

Oh goodness, this is a super sweet and fun book to read! My kids even made me start it again! The rhyming and pacing were loads of fun. Yes, this story had heart and a lesson about the importance of not believing everything you hear, but I really liked that the lesson didn't overshadow the joy that comes from a quirky and sweet story. The art style is also really sweet - my kids loved all the different characters and the colours used throughout.

elilelio's review

4.0

A mysterious and cute story about teaching kids to not listen to rumors, that sometimes, (actually most of the time) something scary might not be scary at all, it just takes a bit of insight and courage or just a once of curiosity to find out the truth and be free from any prejudice :) (I want a blue bagoo as a friend. it's adorable.)

librarydreams's review

adventurous mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

The rhyme scheme in this book is delightful! Kids will enjoy looking for the hidden blue monsters on the early pages.

salatanita's review

4.0

 I liked the idea behind the book, and the illustrations and especially the choice of colour palette is great. This "Bagoo" thing is a bit odd, but the overall message and the rhyming text make it a cute picture book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group / Francis Lincoln Children's Books for an Advance Review Copy. 

librarianryan's review

adventurous informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 Five star read. This book needs to be read aloud to truly love. The cadence and the pattern to the story are just as important as the story itself and I love that this is not a typical cadence. We have a student who is trying to find out what the blue Bagoo is. The rumor around town is it’s big and hairy. It’s nasty it’s mean. But sometimes a rumor is just a rumor and people or baggees are not the horrible thing they’ve been made out to be. This book is a reminder to find information for yourself, and not just believe what everyone else is telling you. It’s a child first book on miss information and it’s absolutely fabulous. 

all_books_great_and_small's review

funny lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

duskvamp's review

4.0

Cute little book with a lyrical flow. My 1 year old loved listening as I read it and looking at all of the pictures. Bright colored pictures keep kiddos interested in the pages as you read. This is a great for littles to learn about how rumors can be very wrong

srivalli's review

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

4.5

The book is about how people spread rumors in the fear of the unknown and create complications for themselves and others. The Blue Bagoo here is the victim of these rumors, though some of it might be a wee bit true, albeit in a good way. 

We have a little girl wanting to who Blue Bagoo is. Written in rhymed verse, people share their versions, adding more drama and twists to the actual tale. The concept and execution of the book are done well. People get convinced easily toward the end, but this is a kiddo book, so it’s fine. 

The illustrations are cute and eye-catchy. Every page has the Blue Bagoo peeking out from a hidden place until it reveals its presence to the little girl. The girl is dressed like a detective. And the people aren’t humans, either. They are a blend of different creatures in different colors. 

It’s like reading a little book about the cutest monsters you want to be friends with. Beware The Blue Bagoo presents an important message in a lighthearted manner. Teeny kids might find a couple of rumors scary (which appears to be the intention). The text appears in different sizes, adding to the fun quotient. 

I received an ARC from NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, and Happy Yak and am voluntarily leaving a review.