The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book one hundred and eighty-nine

It is not easy being a farmer, especially if you have livestock of any kind. We live on the edge of town, and so far we have seen horses, goats, and cows breaking out of their fields so that they can wander around the neighborhood. So far the sheep have stayed put, but I believe it is only a matter of time before we see them walking up our road and heading towards town.

In today's picture book you will meet some sheep who know exactly what they want to do, and who are not afraid to do it.

Hide and Sheep

Andrea Beaty

Illustrated by Bill Mayer

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Simon and Schuster, 2011, 978-1-4169-2544-6

   Farmer McFitt is fast asleep and his sheep are taking advantage of his doziness by jumping over the gate and running away. He really needs to wake up “before it’s too late.”

   Ten of the sheep head for the zoo where they have a splendid time making friends with an okapi, a kangaroo, a giraffe, and some chimpanzees. Another nine decide that the circus life is what they need, and soon they are dancing with a bear, flying out of a cannon, and walking on the high wire. In a nearby sports stadium, eight sheep join a baseball game where they nibble the grass and confound the players. Then there are the seven sheep who go to the movie theatre where they watch a movie and eat so much popcorn that they feel sick. Where are the rest of the wooly wanderers, and will Farmer McFitt be able to gather them up so that he can shear them and knit some clothes?

   Children who like books that are full of wonderfully goofy characters and ridiculous situations are sure to enjoy this picture book. The story ends happily for everyone, and young readers are sure to have a good laugh when they see the last page.