The Snow Lambs

This is a tale about a boy's concern for his lost sheepdog on a blustery, cold, snowy, winter night. The comparisons between what the boy is doing getting ready for bed, and what the dog must be going through is very sweet (i.e. the boy asks to be read a scary story, but then regrets it and wonders if his dog is scared out in the cold). I really enjoyed this book, especially the love and devotion that the boy has for his dog and the wits and devotion the dog has as well. The illustrations weren't anything that personally blew me away, but I did enjoy them. The only reason I took off a star is that it bothered me how little the father seemed to be concerned about the dog, and that being stuck in the cold might "teach the dog a lesson." I just thought this was a tad harsh for: a) the dog, and b) the feelings of the boy. But, I was pleased with the ending, so I think the author made an attempt to address this.

I have a used book store that specializes in Childrens' titles and this one stands out from the many, many books that I have had go through my hands. There is so much going on, the storm, the Dad's concern about what might happen if the tree fell, his attitude that the dog is 'useless' and just goofing off somewhere, the boy's concern for the dog, etc. After about the 3rd page you have two stories going on, the human events and through side-by-side illustrations, the dog and sheep's story. Of course, the boy and the dog are the ones that get it right and the worst worry, the possibility of the tree falling and causing a power outage, ends up.... well read the story and you will see. A great read aloud for the ages where you can lose them with too many words.

This a good book to snuggle up and read with your child. My two yr old loves it and sits through the entire book. The story is sweet as well as the illustrations. I'm sure this will be a favorite of ours for years to come!