Sleepy Sheepy

Lucy Ruth Cummins (text) and Pete Oswald (illustrator), Sleepy Sheepy, Walker Books Australia, June 2024, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781760658946

Sleepy Sheepy was anything but sleepy. In fact, he was WIDE AWAKE! Although the clock said otherwise, Sleepy Sheepy was not sleepy, and Ma and Pa Sheepy just could not get their little cotton ball to bed.

Sleepy Sheepy is written by Lucy Ruth Cummins a critically acclaimed author and illustrator known for her debut work A Hungry Lion. Sleepy Sheepy is beautifully written and delights by incorporating rhyme and rhythm making the book fun to read and engaging for young readers. The characters’ emotions leap off the page at readers through clever typography emphasising the tone and mood of each moment. The strategic use of repetition adds to the books comedic timing and invites young readers to join in on the hilarious read.

Complementing Cummin’s words are adorable illustrations by Pete Oswald, a #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator with numerous picture books under his belt. Just like the narration, the pictures are also bold and fun. They may seem simplistic at first glance but upon further observations, there are hidden gems, details and depth on every page. There is a creative contrast of colours used between pages which added to the visual flair and enhances the story’s humour. Such as, darker hues as Sleepy Sheepy gets closer to his bed to bright and more vibrant tones when Sleepy Sheepy reiterated he just is not sleepy!

Even as an adult, I loved this illustrative book, and I just can’t wait to share it with my niece. I found the illustrations hilarious especially particularly the comedic contrast between Ma and Pa Sheepy’s growing eye bags and Sleepy Sheepy’s stubborn alertness. I was excited to turn the page to see how close sleepy sheepy would get to going to bed, but was left surprised every time he was wide awake!

This is a very fun read, and I wholeheartedly recommend it as a bedtime story for very young readers. Its engaging narrative, coupled with vibrant illustrations that spark laughter and curiosity, ensures it will become a cherished favourite among children and adults alike. A sequel was released in September.

Reviewed by Anna Tran

 

 

 

 

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