'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Tuesday, 14 November 2023

Review: Where Will The Sleepy Sheep Sleep?

A book for bedtime reading, this tongue-twisting and somewhat mind-bending story will delight and entertain parents and children alike.

With its wonderful wordplay and tricky tangles, it’s not for the faint-hearted! However, it definitely IS for those who enjoy playful language and a laugh.

‘Do you think the sleepy sheep will sleep on top of this wild and windy hill?

Baah! No-o-o, this windy hill is far too high and wild for a sleepy sheep to sleep on!’

The wild and woolly sheep in question has gorgeous big, heavy eyelids and tries its best to fall asleep in different places, but to no avail.

Words and illustrations alike are playful, evocative and very endearing.  Our main sheep is delightfully, typically woolly and cuddly looking but oh so very tired – and we really just want it to find somewhere nice to settle in for the night. 

The book’s colour palette is friendly for night-time standards, with gorgeous hues of darker blue and green that imbue the landscapes with beauty and mystery. A wider cast of interesting and sometimes shady characters suggest a little bit of danger and a lot of laughing!

As with all good bedtime books, the ending is delightfully soothing and very satisfying.


Title:
Where Will The Sleepy Sheep Sleep?
Author: David Metzenthen
Illustrator: Jonathan Bentley
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $19.99
Publication Date: 29 August 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761066160
For ages: 3 - 7
Type: Picture Book