The Sheepover (Sweet Pea & Friends #1)

Originally self-published and based on animals who live on the Churchmans' Vermont farm, this story opens "way past bedtime" on an icy winter night with Laddie the sheep dog discovering that Sweet Pea the lamb is very sick. The entire farm springs into action; Alison the vet is consulted, and soon Sweet Pea is recovered and ready to celebrate with the party described in the title, complete with leis to wear, yummy snacks, dancing under a disco ball, and a favorite bedtime story. John Churchman's photo-illustrations are gauzy and multi-layered, an impressionistic approach that works well when portraying the late-night emergency or the farm's inhabitants. The pictures feel fussed over and unfocused during the party scenes--there's nothing wild or woolly about the festivities, and the partygoers look sphinxlike and bored--yet the storytelling works. With characters delineated almost solely in terms of their actions (only Laddie emerges as a genuine personality) and a serene, unadorned narrative voice, the Churchmans capture something that feels like a modern-day fairy tale. Ages 3-6. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (Dec.)

PreS-Gr 2--Inspired by a true story, this picture book debut tells the story of Sweet Pea, a lamb who is very sick. Everyone in the farmyard is worried, including Farmer John, who takes quick action by summoning Vet Alison to treat Sweet Pea's injured leg and fever. She promises Sweet Pea that when she is fully healed a special treat awaits her in the greenhouse: a sleepover with all of her farm friends. Sweet Pea and the other farm animals like many of the same things young children enjoy when sleeping over at friends' houses such as eating delicious food, dressing up, dancing, and listening to bedtime stories. Photo-illustrations offer readers comical close-ups of Sweet Pea and her pals combined with digitally manipulated backdrops that lend the tale a fantastical feel. Text incorporates dialogue and uses refrains to show the anthropomorphized farm animals' concern for Sweet Pea and celebration for her recovery. Sweet Pea is a cutie, but there are far better farm-themed options available. VERDICT Not an essential purchase.--Samantha Lumetta, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH