"Jo-Jo Finds His Voice" Receives Multiple 5 Star Reviews on Goodreads!
- Today's Seeds
- Jan 8
- 3 min read
Jo-Jo Finds His Voice by Jon Neal Selzer is a delightful picture book for children four to nine years old, depending on their maturity and vocabulary level. It tells the story of a duck-billed platypus named Jo-Jo who loves to sing and does so at every opportunity.
The duck-billed platypus is an animal found in Australia and Tasmania, and since some of the action occurs at the famous Sydney Opera House, shown in one of the book’s illustrations, we can assume that Sydney, Australia, is the setting. As a book published in the United States, it’s likely that most readers will be in North America, so it’s a good opportunity for kids to learn about Australia and its unique animals. Many of them appear in the story, including, of course, the kangaroo. Parents and other adults may want to brush up on their knowledge of Australian animals ahead of sharing the book with a child.
Jo-Jo’s interest in singing is noted by his teacher, Mrs. Picklejuice, a tiny creature (possibly a pygmy possum) who must sit on a stool to talk face-to-face with the much larger Jo-Jo. He’s thrilled when she asks him to join the school choir. In addition, Jo-Jo’s parents take him to the opera house for a performance of The Ring by Richard Wagner, and he is entranced by the performances, scenery, and costumes.
Jo-Jo is such a strong singer that he is asked to perform a solo with the choir, but he develops terrible stage fright. How he overcomes his fear is the crux of the book, followed by a satisfying conclusion.
In addition to learning about Australia and the animals, children will also be introduced to opera and will learn about stage fright and how to manage fear of performing or public speaking. In addition, the very mixed classroom of multi-colored animals, large and small, is a positive representation of the messages of diversity and acceptance of differences.
I found the story and its pacing were very effective. The vocabulary felt appropriate, with some words and phrases that will likely be topics for further discussion. More advanced readers will want to try the book on their own, but it is also a great story to read aloud. The illustrations by Kevin Kelly were eye-catching and appealing, with attractive graphics and uses of color that are bright enough to engage children but sophisticated enough for the adult eye.
I noted one typographical/grammatical error, but even that could be turned into several lessons for young readers: the importance of carefully checking one’s own work, how the error could be corrected, and that everyone, even professional writers and artists, makes mistakes, and that we shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves when we do slip up.
All in all, Jo-Jo Finds His Voice! by Jon Neal Selzer, is an excellent book to share with a child in your family, or to give as a gift
A warm, engaging story that shows kids that feeling nervous is normal and courage can be learned. Through music and opera, Jo-Jo discovers confidence and self-expression. A charming read for children!
"Jo-Jo Finds His Voice" is a thrilling children's book about a stage-frightened platypus.
This book is a "must-have" for kids learning about this shared problem. The book encourages confidence and openness to new experiences.
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