This post is part of my Quick Takes series – short, focused reviews that highlight key publications for teachers and players.
I confess, Bluey has passed me by, though my wife, Clementine, informs me that this blue puppy is the latest craze amongst children! Originating in Australia as an animated series for pre-school children, Bluey follows the adventures of an energetic, curious and imaginative six-year-old puppy of the same name.
It’s unusual for crazes such as Bluey to spill over into the world of music education, but Bluey: First Ever Piano Book, published by Faber Music, takes the energetic, curious and imaginative attributes of the puppy herself, and places them at the heart of exploring the piano. The 40-page book is aimed at ‘little ones’, or ‘kiddos’, and the intention is that it offers them the opportunity to explore the piano alongside a grown-up, even if the latter has no musical experience.
Key Impressions
I think it’s important to note that this is not a traditional piano tutor book, and indeed, it isn’t intended to be. Unlike the series of tutor books with which we’re familiar, the majority of which are designed to be used in lessons and at home alongside a piano teacher, the focus here is firmly on play and exploration. This is reflected in the colourful design and layout – it even comes with stickers – hooray!
The book begins by introducing the concept of the groups of two and three black keys on the piano. Written by Joff Bush, composer for the series, Bluey: First Ever Piano Book then uses these groups to play short tunes using 2nd and 3rd fingers in the RH.
The book then progresses quite quickly to introduce the letter names of the notes and how to find C to the left of a group of two black keys. Children are encouraged to find all the Cs on the piano, but again, progress is swift as the book introduces the concept of short and long notes using crotchets and minims.
The RH is predominantly used to then play short melodies with thumb on middle C in a five-finger position. Games are used to reinforce some of these concepts and familiar tunes such as ‘Ode to Joy’ are also included.
In Bluey: First Ever Piano Book, Bush introduces children to the concept of steps and skips in music. The LH is introduced and the book concludes by using both hands separately to play short tunes, culminating in the ‘Bluey Theme Tune’.
Verdict
Whilst there is some sound pedagogy here – a focus on sound as well as symbol, and some coverage of basic musicianship – the book is short, so progression is quick. In other tutor book series, the material here might be covered in a much longer book, or over two books.
That said, the intention of the book is to enable children already familiar with the Bluey animated series, to explore the possibilities of the piano for the first time. Bush reinforces the idea that a child’s journey through the book is a shared one with a grown-up. This is a book to be explored together with the same sense of imagination and curiosity which comes with Bluey herself.
Purists will criticise some of the pedagogical aspects of the book, but if it inspires children to explore the piano – and of course, to learn to play the Bluey theme tune – then it is a good thing. I’m sure it will be popular, and with Christmas approaching, it could be a good stocking-filler.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Worth exploring
Published 29.10.25.
Bluey: First Ever Piano Book is published by Faber Music, ISBN 9780571543526, RRP £8.99 You can order the volume on Presto Music here, or from your preferred sheet music retailer.
I was sent a review copy of this book free of charge; however, this review is my honest opinion as a teacher. You can find my Reviews Policy here.
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Star ratings reflect my personal opinion based on usefulness, creativity, presentation, and appeal for teachers and players. I only review publications I can genuinely recommend (3 stars and above):
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Worth exploring – A solid and dependable publication with moments of interest.
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Recommended – Thoughtful and well-presented; many teachers and players will enjoy using it.
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommended – Beautifully written, inspiring, and one I’ll return to often.
