Woolbur

"Woolbur" is a wonderful picture book I just happened to order about a year ago from Scholastic. What immediately attracted me to this book was the cover art by Lee Harper. I thought to myself what nice art, but what a strange looking sheep. Then when I received the book about a week later, I was delighted by Leslie Helakoski's writing as well.

This is a book about Woolbur, a little sheep that is proud to be different. All the other sheep at school follow the flock and do what they are told, but Woolbur puts his own twist on every task. His parents are so worried and stressed about how different Woolbur thinks and acts, but Grandpa keeps telling them "Don't Worry". Woolbur is quite happy being different, always telling his parents "Isn't it great?" when he comes home with a new wild story. Woolbur tries everything from running with the dogs rather than standing still with the sheep, to putting his head in the loom to weave his own forelocks rather than the colored wool provided. His parents finally order him to stay with the flock and be like everyone else. This causes Woolbur to come up with a plan. He then teaches all the other sheep to be just like him.

 This is a great story about being yourself and accepting who you are regardless of what others may think of you. Woolbur shows children the importance of self confidence and being true to yourself. I also love Grandpa who seems to be proud of Woolbur just the way he is, and teaches Woolbur's parents acceptance too by the end of the story. The illustrations are also whimsical and funny throughout the story, adding to the stories charm. I would definitely recommend this book for young readers, especially those who have a little Woolbur in them :)