Sheep Dog and Sheep Sheep reminded me of books I read before and liked. But there is the issue. The story has been told before. There is nothing really new to the “child does not realize what adults do for them” and “we need to watch out for each other” story.
Eric Barclay does have a nice story, however. It is just. Happy. Cozy. You know the “Good Guys” win and the “Bad Guys” do not. Sheep is just your typical kid, more than a little naïve and not really pays attention outside of themselves. They dance and they play, and they just wander the farm. And through it all, they seem to have their heart in the right place. So, when Sheep Dog comes to the farm, their adventures are what most doting parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle or babysitter has gone through at one time or the other. (Perhaps we have not had to chase coyotes away, but you know, the other things…)
And what really makes this a good read, are the illustrations. Again, they are fun and sweet (even if they did go and show the “PeePee Dance”). The fluffy of sheep and the one eye of Sheep Dog peeking out, the bow that finds its way to take fur out of eyes, all are comfortable. Their colors pop, the sunny disposition of Sheep comes out, not to mention the patience and bravery of Sheep Dog. You can read the story from them. Text is great, but the child can tell you the story, too.
