MARY WAS A LITTLE LAMB

Another successful team effort that encourages responsibility and caring, in this case for an abandoned sheep—well, not really abandoned, call it forgotten by its mother who has just had twins and the second lamb has slipped her mind. The sheep, born on a deserted farm on an island, is found by a citizen, taken in, and named—what else?—Mary. Soon, Mary is a full-fledged member of the community. But as she grows, as sheep do, she becomes a minor destructive force, putting dents in floors with her sharp teeth, eating homework assignments, and the like. Since Mary will have no truck with her flock, she finds a new home—and many new admirers—in a petting zoo. Low, low key—and a true story, to boot—definitely suitable for nighttime reading, though Ted Rand’s saturated colors and lovely brushwork that resembles sophisticated finger painting will keep young readers’ interest constantly refreshed. (author note) (Picture book. 4-7)