Beware The Blue Bagoo - Karl Newson - ★★★★

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AUTHOR: Karl Newson

ILLUSTRATOR: Andrea Stegmaier
GENRE: Children's Picture Book
RATING: 4 stars.

In a Nutshell: A good story that highlights the dangers of the rumour mill.

You might have the same question as I did: Who is the Blue Bagoo? The narrator of this story, a detective, also ponders the same. Going around the neighbourhood asking for clues about the Blue Bagoo turns out to be a fruitless endeavour, as everyone knows what the Bagoo does but no one knows who it is. Unexpectedly, the Bagoo turns up right in between the investigation. What do you think will happen next?

The first half of the book contains the mystery element about the identity of the elusive Bagoo while the latter half contains an important lesson. I did want to know a little more about the Bagoo. But just as it happens in real life, we can see the impact of a rumour, but we don’t know who started it or why.

More than the story itself, I loved the message put forth by the book about how rumours spread, how they are usually baseless, and how we must not jump to conclusions on hearsay nor spread gossip. A lesson worth remembering for all of us, little or older.

Some of the content in the initial section might be a bit frightening to little readers (depending on their comfort level, of course) as there’s talk of the Bagoo making a meal from humans. But the latter half does explain away the scary elements, so I hope kids will realise how wild rumours can become and why we should not be afraid just because of hearsay.

The content is written in simple rhythmic verse that flows well at times but is jumpy here and there. There’s a good mix of short and long sentences with loads of adjectives and action words, that will make this book fun to read aloud with voice effects.

The illustrations are quirky, cute and colourful while not being exaggerated. The citizens seem to be a mix of humans and anthropomorphic animals that are united in their fear of Blue Bagoo.

Overall, a nice enough story with a fabulous message: don’t believe all you hear. Recommended for readers aged 4-6 years.

My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Happy Yak, and NetGalley for the DRC of “Beware The Blue Bagoo”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

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