Review: Shearing Time

I really enjoyed this informative and educational book on shearing. What a gem! 

Kids will love reading all about what happens on a sheep farm, as it begins and ends with a whole, very busy day of shearing.

It is told in the voice of a young girl that loves shearing time. We accompany her through her day on the farm, which begins with mustering the sheep. 


She has her own trail bike to help with the mustering, and her dog is her constant companion. We see and learn about the role of sheep dogs on the farm.

We visit the pens where they draft the lambs from ewes. Then we enter the shearing shed. We find out what everything is from floor to ceiling, including skirting, and join the shearers in their work.

At morning tea, we see what they eat and how they have to watch their language in front of children. Then lunchtime finds us together with them in the kitchen.

The girl helps mum with the bales of hay to feed the cows, and then to drove the sheep to the paddock before the sun goes down.

Inside the back cover there is heaps of information about shearing in Australia, sheep dogs, and the curious words and phrases used by shearers. I can’t recall coming across another book like this, but I have enjoyed re-learning about shearing.

The illustrator/artist Shane McGrath has translated the story well in bold lines and vivid colour. The book is full of light. It’s as if you are outside in the sunshine enjoying the activity with the characters.

This is an excellent book for the 8+ age group that are interested in learning about sheep farming and shearing. This is also an ideal gift for overseas visitors or for gifting to someone outside our country.

Title: Shearing Time

Author: Alison Paterson

Illustrator: Shane McGrath

Publisher: Big Sky Publishing, $24.99

Publication Date: March 2017

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9781925520088

For ages: 5+

Type: Picture Book