A SYMPHONY FOR THE SHEEP

by C.M. Millen ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1996

Millen's first picture book is a homespun ode to the creatures who shed their winter coats ""for we who were not wooly born,"" and a celebration of the traditional crafts of Ireland. Written in four-part harmony for shearer, weaver, spinner, and knitters, the compact verse follows the cycle (""And so it go and so it comes"") as everyone plays their part ""to spin the wool that must be spun."" The humor and wordplay give way to breathtaking philosophical musings on the crafts involved: ""While weavers are loners/and spinners keep quiet/two knitters together/can make quite a riot/and several can gather/ together and blather/while outfitting sweaters/that outwit the weather."" Sturdy woodcuts are a perfect match, rich, earthy, and of good cheer.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1996

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories: CHILDREN'S