David Metzenthen (text) and Jonathan Bentley (illustrator), Where Will the Sleepy Sheep Sleep?, Allen & Unwin, August 2023, 32 pp., RRP $19.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781761066160
Where Will the Sleepy Sheep Sleep? is a delightful bedtime adventure that transports readers from wild windy hills to dark and damp caves, following the journey of the drowsy sheep as the sky transitions into darkness and their eyelids grow heavier.
David Metzenthen has masterfully crafted another engaging bedtime story, incorporating playful repetition, including the delightful ‘Baaah!’ that young readers will eagerly shout out. The descriptive language used to depict each setting is creative and contributes to expanding the reader’s vocabulary. The simplicity of the text is balanced with an engaging narrative, and the strategic use of font emphasizes key words, heightening the storytelling experience.
Jonathan Bentley’s illustrations are not only beautiful but also intricately detailed, offering readers a limitless visual journey that defies predictability. The surprise of turning a page to discover a sheep flying through the sky adds an element of wonder. The meticulous depiction of the sheep’s sleepiness and the facial expressions of other characters, such as foxes and dingoes, infuses the book with personality. The background illustrations add texture to the pages, enhancing the overall visual experience.
Collaboration between two award-winning creators, the book introduces playful tongue twisters that contribute to the fun and enjoyment. The gradual shift in the hues of the sky is a visual treat, complementing the soothing bedtime theme.
Where Will the Sleepy Sheep Sleep? is not only a great read but also a perfect bedtime story suitable for all readers, offering a magical blend of whimsy and charm.
Reviewed by Anna Tran
