The Jolly Mon [Paperback]

Jimmy Buffett (Author), Savannah Jane Buffett (Author), Lambert Davis (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: K and up

"Bright ebullient paintings easily capture the sunshine and sea breezes of the warm climate; the Jolly Mon’s smile is winsome; and children familiar with the Buffett song on which the story is based will enjoy meeting him all the more."--Booklist

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4 Caribbean sunlight shines through the pages of this picture book adventure. Sea green and blue color the illustrations, which strengthen and carry a good-natured but rambling tale in bedtime story tradition. Jolly Mon, a fisherman gifted with extraordinary singing talent, finds a magic guitar and accepts its instructions to share the happiness of his music with other islands. Jolly Mon is neither individual nor active enough to make readers care for him, even when he is menaced by fierce pirates led by One-Eyed Rosy. Jolly Mon is a passive protagonist: he is given a guitar and boat; he is rescued by a dolphin; he is chosen to be king. He earns nothing by his own effort, and this lack of struggle weakens the story. The score and lyrics to Buffet's ballad Jolly Mon Sings summarize the narrative. Its five verses have an economy, grace, and excitement the longer narrative lacks. The book has strong, imaginative illustrations, acrylic paintings reproduced on fine paper, which elementary-school-age children, especially those from the Caribbean area, will enjoy. Anna Biagioni Hart, Sherwood Regional Lib . , Alexandria, Va.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"Bright ebullient paintings easily capture the sunshine and sea breezes of the warm climate; the Jolly Mon's smile is winsome; and children familiar with the Buffett song on which the story is based will enjoy meeting him all the more."--Booklist

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (August 27, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152405380
• ISBN-13: 978-0152405380
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #258,773 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have For Any 2nd Generation Parrotheads!, May 11, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Jolly Mon (Hardcover)

We all remember our favorite books from our childhood years. Just the title brings back a warm fuzzy feeling to our now stressed bodies. That is how this book affects me now. I was 9 years old when I was given this book by my Dad, a devoted parrothead. It instantly became my favorite book of all time. I would read it and invision myself off sailing in tropical places, fishing with sticks and fighting off pirates with my bare hands. I also loved that this book was co-written by Buffett and his young daughter Savannah. I believe that this is the reason the book truly captures the imagination that only a child can radiate. THIS IS A MUST HAVE! PUT IT IN YOUR SHOPPING CART RIGHT NOW!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEAUTIFUL, January 4, 2002

By 

Ei "crzybookmoovielover" (Seekonk, Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Jolly Mon (Hardcover)

Both Jimmy Buffett's story and the illustrations are so beautiful. This story of the jolly mon, and his adventures(such as maybe Buffett himself may have or has had already) in the sea is a real treat.
While it is marketed for children, as a Parrotthead myself, I think all Buffett fan's could enjoy this. He has added the lyrics to his song, Jolly Mon, in the back of the book as well.
Like all other stories, this has it's good guys and bad, and conflict. I think that is the way Jimmy Buffett writes, which is so honest and down to earth. This is as good as any song he's written, maybe even better. I was so moved by the ending, I cried.
I am not going to give anything away, but this story has a great message.
I think this is a great addition to the library of books I am building for my children.
My son is only 1 year old, and while he doesn't really pay attention nor understand what I am saying. He was entranced by the illustration.
The artist, Lambert Davis, did a wonderful job of capturing the characters and the places that Jolly Mon visits.
This is definitely worth buying!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hats off to Buffett!, December 6, 2001

By 

Claire Surratt (Georgetown, SC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Jolly Mon (Paperback)

I ordered this for my niece, I read it and it is wonderful! I will be puchasing another copy for my child as well. This book takes your imagination far away to Bananaland where things are peaceful and happy! If only the real world could be so wonderful. This tale will delight readers of all ages! Buffett has done a great job with his awesome imagination! All of his books are a breath of fresh air for the weary mind. He should write more than he does! And Lambert Davis did a great job with his colorful images, you felt like Bananaland was real!