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SHEEP DOG AND SHEEP SHEEP by Eric Barclay

SHEEP DOG AND SHEEP SHEEP

From the Sheep Dog and Sheep Sheep series

by Eric Barclay ; illustrated by Eric Barclay

Pub Date: Feb. 12th, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-06-267738-9
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins

New friends are out together, though not dancing, sheep to sheep.

The dancing allusion is apropos given that Sheep loves to trot the light fantastic and show off fancy hoofwork. The sprightly movements help her meet a shaggy canine on her farm. When this critter—a sheepdog—explains his function, Sheep declares that she’s an expert at watching animals of her kind, too, and is, therefore, a “SHEEP sheep.” Twice while searching for items her new buddy will need for his job, Sheep is stalked by wily predators. Unbeknownst to her, but observed by the dog—and readers—they attempt stealthy grabs but are promptly sent packing by…guess who? A third near mishap, to which Sheep is again oblivious, soon occurs, but the watchful dog saves her woolly hide again. Sheep Dog’s best “rescue,” though?—a clever and satisfying action plan for Sheep’s future at this thin story’s resolution that gives her a sense of purpose and restores her self-esteem, at the same time offering a punning twist on shepherding. Some may frown that the male is active and resourceful while the female remains relatively passive. The illustrations, rendered in colored pencils and Adobe Photoshop, are humorous and energetic if flat, which suits the endearing, cartoony, expressive characters.

Not the best friendship story, but one needn’t feel sheepish about enjoying this.

(Picture book. 3-7)