Soon, Baboon, Soon

by Dave Horowitz

Having watched the monkeys play bongos, the chimpanzees play tympani, and the orangutans bang on the drum, one discouraged Baboon wonders when he will have a chance to show his stuff on the big stage.

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

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 17, 2005

About the author

My name is dave horowitz. I grew up in Smithtown, New York in the 1970s. Instead of paying attention in school I drew pictures of my teachers. Then I went to a famous art college in Rhode Island and studied coloring.

In 1992 I graduated and went to Oregon to play drums and drink coffee. Then I moved to New York City and worked next door to the Twin Towers. Then I learned how to climb rocks and got fired.

Then I climbed rocks.

I moved up to the Hudson Valley and then to California and then to New Hampshire and then back to the Hudson Valley. Then I got a job as a “professional” rock climber. Then I got too old for that.

I still live in the Hudson Valley where I write and illustrate picture books. Also, I'm a paramedic. So far so good…

Reviews

[Amy Seto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This colorful book is full of crazy drumming monkeys, lemurs, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. They play percussion instruments of all kinds in a joyful celebration. But when little Baboon wants to play his triangle they keep telling him, “Soon, Baboon, soon.” Finally Baboon gets his chance to shine and with a “ting” of the triangle the audience goes wild.

The jazzy rhyming text is very brief, just a word or two per page, and is full of onomatopoeias. The painterly illustrations feature primates of all kinds, some playing with abandon, others with blasé attitudes. The purple and white endpapers are covered with different types of percussion instruments, from a conga to a trap set, a tambourine to pots and pans.

Full Review at Picture-Book-a-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2...

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the world's a stage. At least, according to some picture book readers.

Which would explain why there are so many books for toddlers (and others) where big applause for one's performance is (supposedly) the most important goal in life.

GIVEN THAT THIS IS A PICTURE BOOK FOR TODDLERS...

Of course, there are many animals. Naturally, all of them can communicate across species. Plus it's a no-brainer for them to do human-type things like play the drums.

Gee, once the baboon finally gets a chance to play, do you think his large theater audience will be impressed?

NO SPOILERS FROM ME, NO NO.

Nor will I rate this feelgood toddler tale... based on my personal reactions.

Instead, I think it's fairer to rate a book according to what the intended audience would think. Surely they'd love imagining all the animals and their wonderful music. So, sigh! FIVE STARS.

Imagination is a wondrous thing. Besides, it takes all kinds to make a world of Goodreaders.

[Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought he'd be on the bassoon, but okay...

[Joelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

So fun! Makes me want to go buy a triangle. :)

[Cana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mommy says: Cute, short, appropriate for the preschool set.

[Aspasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Various primates play in an orchestra but baboon has the best part.

[Yulidy Decena]

I liked this book, the pictures where cute and funny.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book dedication!

Illustrations are a lovely mix of cut paper, charcoal and colored pencils with eye-catching color. The text has a lovely rhythm of its own.

[Ham · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you like lame storylines and awful illustrations, check this one out!

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a humorous musical tale with lots of onomatopoeia and a lesson about patience. The story is fun to read aloud and the illustrations are colorful and cartoonish.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short fun kids book with good monkey pictures and the opening page has the title of the score: "Percussion of the Apes," which I now want to hear!

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple book with few words to a page. Good for preschoolers.