The Great Sheep Shenanigans

February 6, 2012
A tough-guy sheep known as Rambo the Ram, a cotton-candy machine, and Red Riding Hood’s grandmother all play their parts in a rambunctious story from the team behind The Great Dog Bottom Swap, about a wolf’s attempts to procure sheep’s clothing. The ample humor in Bently’s mellifluous yet entertaining rhymes runs the gamut from highbrow (the wolf’s name is Lou Pine) to lowbrow (he winds up in a “big pile of poo”). The verse is often slyly witty, as when the wolf dreams of the lamb dishes that await him: “...chops and mint sauce? Or even lamb stew? Or burgers? Moussaka? Or lamb vindaloo?” Matsuoka’s illustrations supply plenty of comedy, too, from the boxing gloves that Rambo wears to the water gun that a neighbor (“the best shot in town”) uses to blast Lou when he tries to steal her fluffy gown for a disguise. Lou is thwarted again and again, and even after he forces Red Riding Hood’s grandmother to knit him a sweater, she finds a way to get the last laugh. Lou Pine’s ineptitude gives Wile E. Coyote a run for his money. Ages 4–9.

May 1, 2012

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

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.