A quirky bedtime story, introducing endearing insomniac, Russell the Sheep. Sometimes Russell the Sheep is just a little bit out of step with the rest of flock. All the sheep are falling asleep - except Russell. He's tried everything...but he's still wide awake. What's a sheep to do?
Reviews
"A captivating debut…with a witty, engaging, and fluffy character…Russell will win the hearts of readers. -- School Library Journal
"A hilarious woolly insomniac…adorably funny…[A] runaway hit." -- New York Times Book Review
"A stylish debut." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Blends silly and warm into the kind of package that appeals to a broad age range…[S]imultaneously endearing and comic." -- Publishers Weekly
"Silly and warm…package that appeals to a broad age range…[S]imultaneously endearing and comic." -- Publishers Weekly
"Visually humorous and texturally engaging, this sleepytime tale will win giggles and requests for rereadings at storytime." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
"Russell is one wide-awake sheep. When the sky grows dark and the other sheep in Frogsbottom Field drift into slumbers, Russell's eyes ("BOING!") are wide open. It's not for lack of trying: he pulls a nightcap over his eyes, removes his wool, and uses a pillow. He tries different locations: a rusty car, a hollow tree, a high branch. And counting things: his legs, the stars, and finally (yawn) sheep. Even young children will relate to Russell's predicament in this simple, satisfying story told with economy and illustrated with wit. The artwork, in a cool palette of muted blues, greens, and grays, is subtle and pleasing. But the real fun here is in the details, from the fat sleeping sheep with their skinny legs pointing skyward to the small, expressive changes in Russell's round eyes. A droll bedtime read-aloud that will amuse those listening as well as those reading" Carolyn Phelan, Booklist
Author Biography
Rob Scotton studied at Leicester Polytechnic. He lives in Rutland with his wife, Liz, who is also an artist. Rob only had to look out of his studio window to find the inspiration for Russell. The rolling coutnryside surrounding his home is brimming with sheep, other wildlife, sheep, rural beauty and more sheep! Russell the Sheep is Rob's first picture book.
