Simon the Sloth

by Molly Arbuthnott

Simon is a sloth who plays the bagpipes. The only trouble is no one likes his music. He plays so slowly it sounds like foxes fighting!
Determined to find his magical melody, Simon travels all over the world desperately searching for the answer..... Only to discover that all he needs has always been there, right under his furry nose.
Join Simon on his musical quest, and maybe you will find your spiritual song too!

Paperback

Published December 7, 2022

About the author

Molly Arbuthnott is a teacher, author, editor, and academic from Scotland, UK. She's passionate about the promotion of children’s literature. With a solid understanding of literature and the ability to read, she believes you can take on the world. She has completed an M.A. in Art History and an M.Ed in children's literature. She has gone on to write nine award-winning picture books.

She uses experiences from life as inspiration for her writing. Teaming up with four fantastic illustrators has helped breathe life into the stories. Each story is loosely based on family or friends who have been important in her life whilst also trying to tell stories honestly and gently, singing praise to things we have to celebrate in our world. Teaching children to look out for others, work as a team, and not be afraid of doing the right thing is important. Such lessons might then filter through and be reflected in the way we live in the magical world around us.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this for free, to review for Booktasters.

This was a delightful short story about a sloth called Simon. I thought Simon was very sweet, the illustrations were very colourful, it made me smile to look at them, and the story was fun. While I was reading, there was a particular moment that tugged at my heartstrings, and I wonder if anyone else will work out what that was. The ending made me smile though. I may recommend this book to some of my friends who have small children.

Thank you to Booktasters and the author for a free copy to review.

[Kalpanaashri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Booktasters for giving me an opportunity to review this sweet short book!

Genre:
Fiction, Children

Plot:
Simon, the sloth loves playing bagpipes. However, he plays so slowly that no likes his music. An upset Simon decides to find a solution. Will he succeed?

Review:
This is a sweet short book with quite an unlikely character as hero! The story is very simple and makes up for an enjoyable read. An adorable bagpipe loving Simon literally goes on an adventure to make better music made me chuckle and warm. The author Molly Arbuthnott is truly amazing!

The illustrations by Maude Smith look beautiful. Children will definitely love the bright and colorful pages. And animated telling of the story will make it even better!

This sweet book can serve as an encouragement to kids to follow their dreams.

I definitely recommend the book!

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sloths have a special place in our hearts so when Booktasters asked me to read Simon the Sloth I was happy to do so. Simon has a dream but he just can't master the bagpipes. He finds the magic nectar that gives him the zing to do so. The author has stated clearly that this does not mean Simon took performance enhancing drugs but rather found his inner bagpiper. I know my son would have loved this book when he was little for the pictures and idea of a sloth playing bagpipes. The pictures are fun and it has a joyful ending. The life lesson of working hard until you persevere is always a good one.

[Betty Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable children’s book. The story has a couple themes that are important lessons for all of us. The first is that great deeds require diligent effort and even struggle and failure. The second is that true friend’s support can make a difference in our struggle. The art work is stunning. Congratulations

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon the Sloth by Molly Arbuthnott offers pages of stunning art depicting the story of Simon, a sloth who loves to play the bagpipes. He’s very good at playing the right notes, but he has a problem. He plays so slowly that his music sounds like yowling cats and screeching foxes. If you’ve never heard that fox noise just Google it. Their cries sound like a woman’s high-pitched scream, so the description was perfect for getting the point across that no one wanted to listen to Simon play.

The story follows Simon’s journey around the world as he seeks an answer to this problem, but no matter where he played, he was just too slow. I won’t say more because I don’t do spoilers. This story is a fun read, though I wished it were a little more developed. The artwork is stunning and colorful. Kids will love it because it includes all kinds of details not mentioned in the story which a parent can point out in a teaching moment. I recommend Simon the Sloth as a Pre-K read-aloud story, and for early readers. It’s a gentle, sweet story that provides a practical lesson in perseverance and reaching goals on a toddler’s level. I think those who enjoyed The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield, or The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright will love this book. I give it a strong 4 stars.

I received a free review copy of this book from Book Tasters and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it.

[Snarhooked · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as part of the Booktasters marathon.

It tells the story of Simon the Sloth who loves to play the bagpipes. But, being a sloth, Simon does things slowly and the music he produces is not exactly melodic. The books follows Simon as he travels around the world trying to find a way to speed up his playing. He eventually discovers that what he needed was always at home waiting for him: the amber nectar of his favourite palm tree. It sounds like the book has a positive message but essentially Simon is relying on an energy drink to power his performances. That may be me reading it as a cycnical adult rather how a child would see it though!

If you don't look at it too closely it's a fun story and it's nice to have a bit more representation for sloths in children's books. I think this book could encourage to readers to learn more about these animals and hopefully take steps to protect their vulnerable habitats.

The book is full of captivating, often whole page illustrations. These often feature other animals which can be pointed out and discussed. I would have preferred a slightly larger font size to make it easier for a child to read aloud.

[Wren Vale]

I had a little bit of help reviewing this book, from my 9yr old nephew.
Simon is a sloth who loves to play his bagpipes, but because of his naturally slow nature he feels he`s not doing it right and needs to speed up his playing but he`s not sure how.
WE follow Simon on his journey to find the answers, but he finds all he ever needed where he belongs, home.
The illustrations are fun and the overall story is cute.
My nephew thoroughly enjoyed it and felt Simon was trying to tell us to believe in ourselves, I absolutely agree with his observations.

[Het · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book to read to the kids. The illustrations are comical and done with eye soothing earth tones. I liked how they showed that the slot doesn't give up what he likes to do and how in the end it is highlighted that people are happy doing what they like to do. The book is easy to read and not too over complicated for the young ones.

[Kathleen Van Lierop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit, I couldn't resist reading this lovely book and it didn't let me down.
I was attracted by the amazing layout and the colourful paintings. I also
enjoyed the beautiful story as well. Anyway a tale as a tale should be!
It also reminds all of us to do whatever you love! It's a story which made
me smile.

With lots of pleasure I give a 5 star rating for this amazing book!

[Rice Eating Mxolisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids would really love this book just from its cover. There are some of the most beautiful paintings I've seen in this book.
If you want your child to grow up with some appreciation for paintings, I think this would be a good way to initiate them.

The story is as captivating as the paintings contained in the book. (I keep referring to them as "Paintings", because they are that visually appealing.)
The main character in the book is Simon, who has picked up a skill but isn't satisfied with his progress, so he goes on a journey to challenge himself and reach a level where he could be master in his chosen craft.
Along the way, after going almost around the world. He comes back home and a friend offers him some life challenging advise.

I'm planning on re-reading this story in the future because it plays out almost like one of Aesop's Fables and there are a lot of things parents can teach their kids from this story.

—
I asked my sister what he thought of the book and this is what she said :

"Simon was looking for something that was always in front of him"

—

Her take really influenced how I see the story and I was pleased to see how she came up with this from reading the story herself. Maybe your kid might see something else different.

[Pinky N.A · Rating 5 out of 5]

the first thing i thought when i read this book is this is so colourful! it will catch the attention of little kids, especially the ones who still learning how to read and in indonesian case, still learning how to read in english, i think they'll find the book interesting.

and the story is cute! my favourite part is when simon practice and practice everywhere. since sloth is not a common animal in indonesia (plus the bagpipes, too. we never see it in indonesia), i rarely see this animal in indonesian picture books. it's refreshing to read a story about this slow-movement animal.

[Jithendra Jithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon the Sloth

by Molly Arbuthnott

Rating:5/5

Review:

👉Just finished reading Simon the Sloth by Molly Arbuthnott, and it’s such a charming and heartwarming book! 🌟 The story revolves around Simon, a lovable sloth who has a passion for playing the bagpipes. The only problem is that Simon plays so slowly that his music sounds more like “foxes fighting” than a pleasant melody. Determined to improve, Simon embarks on a global adventure, seeking the secret to enhancing his musical skills.

👉His journey takes him to various fascinating places, filled with colorful characters and delightful experiences. Despite his travels, Simon ultimately discovers that the answer to his musical dilemma was always right at home. The sweet amber nectar from his favorite palm tree turns out to be the key to finding his rhythm and playing beautiful music.

👉The book’s simplicity is one of its greatest strengths. The narrative is easy to follow and captures the essence of Simon’s endearing quest. The story is not only entertaining but also carries meaningful messages about perseverance and the importance of having supportive friends. These themes are presented in a way that resonates with both children and adults.

👉The illustrations are absolutely stunning, adding a vibrant and whimsical touch to the story. Each page is a visual treat, perfectly complementing the text and bringing Simon’s adventure to life.

👉While the book’s message is generally positive, it’s worth noting that Simon’s success relies on the "amber nectar" for a boost. This aspect might be interpreted differently by adults compared to children, but it’s clear that the story’s main focus is on finding one’s unique path and the joy of self-discovery.

👉Overall, Simon the Sloth is a delightful read that will warm your heart and put a smile on your face. It’s a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf, offering both entertainment and valuable life lessons. 🌟📚

Happy reading 😁 😁

#bookreview

[Divya Mahajan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon The Sloth by Molly Arbuthnott is a delighful kids book . This is my 2nd book by the author - Oscar the ferry cat being the 1st one which was also very endearing. The illustrations are like they are drawn by a kid that makes it more relatable. The book has simple words that would make it easier and catchable to small kids learing the words. As an adult I also enjoyed the book. there is also travel around the world. This the story of a cute little sloth - Simon who loves to play the bagpipes but cannot play it well. He travels around the world to find his music but finds it home under the tree he lives. This delighful story has me smile through a lean phase of my daily routine.
The only thing I found a little disturbing not exactly wrong but still- that a drink is the solution to his problems . Maybe because I am going through a bad phase so I am nitpicking .

Overall a beautiful book
thank you Booktasters for this book

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book had me smiling from beginning to end. The illustrations are positively beautiful, and I'd purchase simply for those. Simon travels the world in search of doing what he loves in a way that he feels would be "the best". Turns out, there's no place like home, AND he finally succeeds. Such a cute tale. The story said that Simon played like cats yowling, and the back cover said it was like foxes fighting, but either way, you'll get the gist.
Recommend to children ages 2-8, and for anyone that appreciates art and stories that are encouraging one to never give up when it comes to reaching your goals .

[Terrytracy Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon the Sloth is wonderful written book, with her life experiences as a guide. Ms. Arbuthnott has again published another truly inspiring children's story. This time the story is about a sloth named Simon. He is trying to play the bagpipes, but he has one problem. The problem is that he plays them so slow that people think that it is "two foxes fights". So, Simon must find a way to play them and overcome his doubts. This is truly an inspiration for children learning to overcome their doubts. The drawing are beautiful done. I love how this simple and thoughtful story show us, we can accomplish any thing we try as long as we believe in ourselves.

[Julie ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very cute little book with marvelous illustrations.

[Thatiane Rezende · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable story about a Sloth playing his bagpipes around the world but couldn't find happiness. One day he meets a special friend that makes everything change. A nice reading!