cover image Will Sheep Sleep?

Will Sheep Sleep?

Hilary Leung. Cartwheel, $7.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-338-21562-5

In this endearing first title in a new series, Sheep—who has a brown face and cloudlike, off-white wool—“has been playing all day, and now he is tired.” But as Sheep takes off across the page, donning a long orange cape, the question arises: “Will Sheep sleep?” Leung repeats the question-and-answer pattern, asking, “Will brushing his teeth help Sheep sleep?” Sheep and his alligator friend sword fight with toothbrushes: “No.” Other potentially soporific activities include a bedtime story (the tale inspires Bear and Sheep to wear sailor hats and take the bed on a pretend voyage) and using a night-light (Sheep and Ladybug make shadow puppets). Leung handsomely colors the pages in woodgrainlike textures and in striking shades, including jade green and dusky rose. Readers will be pleased that when Sheep finally sleeps (after counting his friends dressed in wool), there’s room for a bit more fun: “Will Sheep snore? Yes. Good night, friends.” Ages up to 3. (May)