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The Jolly Mon
Relates the adventures of a fisherman who finds a magic guitar floating in the Caribbean Sea. Includes the music for the song "Jolly Mon Sing."
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
2 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Jimmy Buffett
96 books473 followersJames William "Jimmy" Buffett (born December 25, 1946) was a singer, songwriter, author, businessman, and recently a movie producer best known for his "island escapism" lifestyle and music including hits such as "Margaritaville" (No. 234 on RIAA's list of "Songs of the Century"), and "Come Monday". He had a devoted base of fans known as "Parrotheads". His band was called the Coral Reefer Band.
Aside from his career in music, Buffett was also a best-selling writer and was involved in two restaurant chains named after two of his best known songs, "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and "Margaritaville". He owned the Margaritaville Cafe restaurant chain and co-developed the Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant concept with OSI Restaurant Partners (parent of Outback Steakhouse), which operates the chain under a licensing agreement with Buffett.
Aside from his career in music, Buffett was also a best-selling writer and was involved in two restaurant chains named after two of his best known songs, "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and "Margaritaville". He owned the Margaritaville Cafe restaurant chain and co-developed the Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant concept with OSI Restaurant Partners (parent of Outback Steakhouse), which operates the chain under a licensing agreement with Buffett.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 22, 2023
Colorful book for kids that matches the lyrics/story of Jolly Mon. RIP Jimmy. Thank you for this book.
March 31, 2018
I love this book! Way to go Jimmy Buffett and yes I have found my own island!
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November 22, 2013What a great story, especially if you need some more multicultural books in your home or classroom. Written by Jimmy Buffet and his daughter, the Jolly Mon tells the story of a guitar playing fisherman who is out at sea when he is kidnapped by pirates and then rescued by a magical dolphin. It's written in a lyrical style that is characteristic of Buffet's own music. The story is set in the Caribbean and is accompanied by beautiful paintings of clear blue waters and white sandy beaches, and all the islanders are donned in bright, vibrant clothing. The best part about this book though, is that it comes with a CD that has a song on it that was written and recorded just for the book by Jimmy Buffet himself. It's a great book for all types of learners, visual and auditory alike. Toss those kinesthetic learners some rainsticks and maracas to play along with the song and you've got the whole class enchanted.
June 16, 2011
This book is written by Jimmy Buffet, one of my favorite singers, and it is a beautiful picture book. This book is about a mythical character that sings for his food each night on the island that he lives on. Jolly Mon then traveled to other islands using the stars. On his way home one night Jolly Mon comes across some trouble and never makes it back home. Jimmy Buffet turned this book into a song, therefore this book would be great for poetry!
March 12, 2019
I read a review once that said that Buffett's story of the "Jolly Mon" was delightful in its 5-verse song, but far too detailed and complicated in its storybook form. I agree wholeheartedly. Anyone who thinks that adding complexity to a story is an automatic formula for a better story should use this book/song as a counter-example.
June 25, 2008
I enjoy many of Jimmy Buffet's talents (having a margarita in hand always helps!), and this was a fun, light story about a wonderful island who shared his music with others to create peace and harmony.
February 14, 2012
My mom first bought this book for me when I was very young, maybe 5, and it has always been one of my favorite children's books. The story and the imagery are very colorful and fairly easy to follow. I would (and have) recommend this book to anyone no matter their age.
February 24, 2014
He can sing and write! Michayla loved this one when she was young and so I decided to read it aloud to Seviah. She was not as enchanted as Michayla, but still enjoyed it. It is a sweet story that always makes me smile.
May 30, 2019
There is a tale that the island people tell. Don't care if it is true 'cause I love it so well...
It's near the end of May and the temperatures haven't crawled out of the 40s today. I'm between library runs and out of books. Needed a mental boost on this dreary, cloudy afternoon, so I cranked Jimmy Buffett on the stereo. "Jolly Mon Sing" came on and I thought about the time my daughter dressed as the Jolly Mon for Halloween (complete with dreadlocks and a leaping dolphin). I wondered if she still had the book I had given her and her brother oh so long ago. I scoured our various bookshelves and -- voila -- there was "The Jolly Mon" by Jimmy and Savannah Jane Buffett. My day was looking up. I wondered if it would still be as magical as when I had first read it to my kids all those years ago. I was almost afraid to read it again. But luckily my curiosity won out...
I still love this book!!! It's a wonderful Buffett-y tale with some of the most beautiful illustrations by Lambert Davis. I'm happy now!!!
Oh Jolly Mon sing
Oh make the heavens ring
Oh Jolly Mon sing
Oh make the magic ring
It's near the end of May and the temperatures haven't crawled out of the 40s today. I'm between library runs and out of books. Needed a mental boost on this dreary, cloudy afternoon, so I cranked Jimmy Buffett on the stereo. "Jolly Mon Sing" came on and I thought about the time my daughter dressed as the Jolly Mon for Halloween (complete with dreadlocks and a leaping dolphin). I wondered if she still had the book I had given her and her brother oh so long ago. I scoured our various bookshelves and -- voila -- there was "The Jolly Mon" by Jimmy and Savannah Jane Buffett. My day was looking up. I wondered if it would still be as magical as when I had first read it to my kids all those years ago. I was almost afraid to read it again. But luckily my curiosity won out...
I still love this book!!! It's a wonderful Buffett-y tale with some of the most beautiful illustrations by Lambert Davis. I'm happy now!!!
Oh Jolly Mon sing
Oh make the heavens ring
Oh Jolly Mon sing
Oh make the magic ring
November 25, 2023
An uplifting Buffett-y tale which coincides with his song Jolly Mon Sing…one of my favorites. Beautifully illustrated…Will reside on my coffee table so I can read again from time to time. A story for young and old will make you smile…I’m 61 :)
December 11, 2017
One of my favorites from childhood. Within its pages, you'll find adventure, dastardly pirates, a good-natured hero, a dolphin with a deep appreciation for music, and a little magic.
February 5, 2018
Great story and you can learn more about the song he sings in concert
April 7, 2018
Love the song, Love the book!
July 19, 2018
Adorable!
November 21, 2020
A great book to share with kids.
January 3, 2024
Interesting short story. Looking to read all the Jimmy Buffett books in 2024, in the order they were published.
March 28, 2024
All time favorite
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August 26, 2024This was given to you by your great aunt Mary and uncle Dave, the love for Jimmy Buffet runs deep with the Lonczaks!
March 6, 2017
A wonderful story!!!!
December 3, 2013
This tropical tale is about a man who lives on an island called Banana Land. One day the man, who is known as the Jolly Mon, finds a painted guitar in the water. Never having played a guitar before, he picks it up and finds his fingers already know how to play! The Jolly Mon decides to share his gift with the rest of the people on the island. They are so delighted with his music; they encourage him to sail to other nearby islands and play for them too. One night as the Jolly Mon is sailing, he comes across a burning ship. Out of the goodness of his heart, he decides to help the burning ship. However, the Jolly Mon finds out he has been tricked by pirates!
The Jolly Mon is my absolute favorite story. The pictures capture the story and extend it, showing details of the beautiful guitar or of the Princess Marigold nurturing the Jolly Mon back to health after the Pirate’s commandeered his ship. The themes of friendship and helping those around you are strong, but not overwhelming. The story shines through and takes most importance. Furthermore, the authors, Jimmy Buffett and Savannah Jane Buffett created a song that goes along with the story. The song compliments the story well and is an entertaining addition to the picture book. The song, also titled The Jolly Mon is bound to leave the readers singing along and make them feel like the storybook character too!
The Jolly Mon is my absolute favorite story. The pictures capture the story and extend it, showing details of the beautiful guitar or of the Princess Marigold nurturing the Jolly Mon back to health after the Pirate’s commandeered his ship. The themes of friendship and helping those around you are strong, but not overwhelming. The story shines through and takes most importance. Furthermore, the authors, Jimmy Buffett and Savannah Jane Buffett created a song that goes along with the story. The song compliments the story well and is an entertaining addition to the picture book. The song, also titled The Jolly Mon is bound to leave the readers singing along and make them feel like the storybook character too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2013
Subgroup: Afro- Caribbean
Genre: Fiction- Fairytale
Topics: Pirates, adventure, afro-Caribbean
Synopsis: Jolly Mon, a fisherman has an extraordinary singing talent that summons large groups of fish for his community to eat. He finds a magic guitar and accepts its instructions to share the happiness of his music with other islands. He gets captured by pirates and a very special dolphin saves him when they throw him overboard. He goes back to his homeland, Bananaland, and the people crown him King.
2) Buffett, J., & Buffett, S.J. (1988). The Jolly Mon. Orlando, FL: Harcourt, Inc.
Genre: Fiction- Fairytale
Topics: Pirates, adventure, afro-Caribbean
Synopsis: Jolly Mon, a fisherman has an extraordinary singing talent that summons large groups of fish for his community to eat. He finds a magic guitar and accepts its instructions to share the happiness of his music with other islands. He gets captured by pirates and a very special dolphin saves him when they throw him overboard. He goes back to his homeland, Bananaland, and the people crown him King.
2) Buffett, J., & Buffett, S.J. (1988). The Jolly Mon. Orlando, FL: Harcourt, Inc.
June 17, 2007
A delightful little book based on the song. It's one of my favorite songs of his. The song tells the story. The book adds to the story. Virgin boat drinks around.
November 9, 2007
A wonderful book for anyone who is intouch with there inner child. Also a really good Buffett song!
December 16, 2007
I want to be the Jolly Womon.
January 9, 2008
I love the artistry in this book. Fans will find familiarity with the book and the song by the same name. Noah enjoyed this book long before being a Buffett fan.
February 12, 2008
This was a staple of my son's childhood- more for me than him, though he did pay attention when the dolphin was in the picture. I think it's a sweet story, and I should look it up again.
October 11, 2008
yes I am a parrot head
December 29, 2008
great book for young.....and old
January 11, 2009
The illustrations in this book are beautiful and the story is really neat. Fun, colorful and happy. From Jimmy Buffett.....who knew?????
June 19, 2009
An amazing story for any child.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews