BOOK REVIEW: The Good Baboo

TITLE: The Good Baboo
AUTHOR: Chris Thompson
PUBLISHED BY: Pegasus Publishing

This is an enchanting tale of companionship and a young girl’s quest to find her way home after being lost, deep in the forest. Under the light of the moon she meets a friendly horse who becomes her companion on her journey home. 

After meeting a friendly stag he tells her that the elusive and wise Good Baboo is the best one to help her find her way home but after going to the place he tells her where the Good Baboo will be, she is disappointed to find only a bear cub there and not the Good Baboo. 

This happens time and time again as she meets other animals who tell her that the Good Baboo is elsewhere. Eventually the horse disappears and she is left all alone to find the Good Baboo herself.  She is despondent but manages to pick herself up and carry on.

She eventually finds the Good Baboo but I’ll not say where as I don’t want to spoil things for those wanting to read the story themselves.

This is a gentle mystery which children up to 12 years of age and adults will enjoy reading to their children.

I was initially drawn to the book by the beautifully illustrated cover and page illustrations which bring the story to life. They are very emotive and wistful, really setting the scene for the story. Watching as the girl learned and explored, seeing where the journey took her, was charming and very enjoyable.

The book’s compact size makes it manageable for a child with small hands to hold. Plus, it has easy to slide pages which make it easier for small hands eagerly wanting to turn over to the next part of the story to handle. The wipe-clean front and back covers are a bonus for parents reading the story to children with sticky fingers.

It is a beautiful story with a moral to it which children will want to read again and again, definitely a staple read for young children.

Reviewer - Anne Pritchard.