- favorite sheep of the flock escapes his pen and has an eventful journey back home
- an amusing neighbor friendship, a snow storm, and a new piano!
- well-written prose and delightful illustrations
Type: beginner/early chapter book
Ages: 4-8
Author: Gary D. Schmidt, Elizabeth Stickney
Illustrator: Jane Manning
Simply put, this book is high quality. There’s a depth to Schmidt’s writing that draws young readers into the story immediately and overshadows many other short chapter books. Though the vocabulary is kept basic, he inserts colorful and more challenging words on occasion–such as rototiller, illuminated, or calliope–and makes good use of alliterations, a literary device that can encourage new readers due to its memorability.
The relationship between the two neighbors is funny with its strains (one annoys the other) and eventual strengthening (working together to look for the lost sheep). It shows readers how to get along with those different from you!
Overall, Wilson’s story is enjoyable and would make a cozy wintertime read. I hope you can meet this smart, woolly, and friendly sheep!