Counting sheep may be an old insomnia standby, but Sheep 101 is not your typical fleecy ritual. Inventive and hilarious, Richard T. Morris’ Sheep 101, illustrated by LeUyen Pham, is guaranteed to end any day with a laugh.
When the book opens, we’re tucked in and the sleep-sheep are jumping—all’s well. That is until Sheep number 101—a little less athletic and a little more stuffed animal-like than his previous counterparts—apprehensively makes his leap. And misses. With Sheep 101 firmly wedged on the fence, Sheep 102 takes charge and calls in the moon-jumping Cow.
Pham’s bold illustrations provide hilarious detail: Sheep 102’s bossy, I-mean-business expressions will have readers rolling off the bed, as will Cow’s attempt to steal the spotlight and document the occasion. Each nursery-rhyme character pops off the page, bringing more comedy and personality to this tale. Morris provides added humor with his narration’s mild exasperation, which mixes with dialogue for delightfully chaotic results. This is an exciting read-aloud, and little listeners will not be disappointed as the story resolves—eventually—with sleep.
This article was originally published in the March 2018 issue of BookPage. Download the entire issue for the Kindle or Nook.
