What begins as an adaptation of the “Baa Baa Black Sheep” nursery rhyme becomes an exercise in sharing when a small boy asks a lamb to give him enough wool to knit a warm winter wardrobe.
Initially, the boy asks the lamb if it has any wool because he wants to make a sweater for winter. Soon the boy returns, asking for more wool for a hat. Indeed, the boy returns repeatedly for wool to knit a scarf, mittens, socks and, finally, a long coat. The lamb obliges, telling his friend, “if you’re that cold, I will let you take my wool and you can knit it all up.” In a surprise twist, however, the boy reveals he’s also created a sweater, scarf, socks and a hat to keep his lamb pal warm as well. The simple text relies on repetition to convey its message of sharing, while colorful, whimsical illustrations use flat patterns and lines to showcase both the puffy white lamb and the boy in his expanding winter wardrobe of knit items. A spiraling line linking the lamb to the boy and his ensemble of knitwear proves an appropriate visual device, weaving like an endless piece of yarn or long muffler from page to page.
A charming study in cooperation (but how did this amazing boy learn how to knit so prodigiously?). (Picture book. 3-6)
