The Great Sheep Shenanigans

K-Gr 2—A clever—and hungry—wolf tries to insinuate himself among a fine, fat flock of sheep. Lou Pine, the wily wolf, thinks that it should be easy to sneak up and help himself to dinner. But no, Rambo the Ram, complete with snorting nostrils and boxing gloves, is there to defend his kin. Lou next tries a sheep disguise. There's Ma Watson's woolly nightgown…and a cotton candy coating…and even a sweater from Granny, but all fail to help him blend in with the flock. Bently's rollicking rhythms rarely (but occasionally) falter. His story is vigorous and unabashed. (At one point, Lou fantasizes about what he'll do when he catches some sheep: "Now shall I have cutlets? Or roast leg of lamb?/Or chops and mint sauce? Or even lamb stew?/Or burgers? Moussaka? Or lamb vindaloo?") Some of the words, concepts, and humor will soar over the heads of young listeners. Matsuoka pulls out all the stops here with mixed-media images that zing with color, texture (you can almost feel the fluff on the sheep), and hilarious exaggeration. While not for the very young, the faint of heart, or the aspiring vegetarian, The Great Sheep Shenanigans makes great reading for energetic youngsters.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY