DELILAH

Life on the farm was lonely and hard for Red, at least until a sweet lamb named Delilah came along to change everything. Red had raised chickens and cows and even donkeys, but he had no idea what a difference one little sheep could make. All Red could afford was one young and unschooled sheep and she arrived, stepping from the back of the delivery truck on wobbly legs. From the first day, they did everything together. They watered the plants, weeded the garden, collected the eggs, and rode in the tractor. Together they looked forward to the delivery of the dozen new sheep in the spring, but their arrival would change everything for the two friends. The new sheep told Delilah that it was unseemly for a sheep to act in such human ways, and confused, she decided to follow their lead. Months passed, but Delilah was determined to blend in with the rest of the sheep, leaving Red alone once again. Finally, when she could stand it no longer, one lick from her tongue let Red know that they could be friends once more. Delightfully simple pencil-and-gouache illustrations accompany the quiet story of an unlikely friendship. Delilah is sure to become a bedtime favorite. (Picture book. 3-6)