WOOLBUR

Woolbur

Written by: Leslie Helakoski

Illustrated by Lee Harper

Harper Collins Publishers, 2008

29 pages
Fiction 

            I selected to read Woolbur after seeing it displayed in the public library as a popular read. The story revolves around a little sheep named Woolbur and his desire to be his own silly self. Everyday Woolbur does something different from the other sheep while his mother and father worry about him. Woolbur would rather hang out with wild dogs, card his own wool, ride the wheel, and dye his wool blue. All his parents want is for him to do as all the other little sheep do, but every time they ask him about it he only says “Isn’t it great.” Woolbur loves being his own self and not following the crowd even if it means his parents will pull on their wool all night long with worry. In the end Woolbur’s parents finally have enough of him being different and tell him that he must do as the others. However, being the free thinker that he is, Woolbur finds a way to be himself and please his parents.

            The pastel colored illustrations throughout the book are drawn and colored with pencils by Lee Harper. Harper was able to show the expressions in the faces of the characters which enhances the understanding of the characters while adding humor. The art also follows the text descriptions and story line perfectly and beautifully. Surprisingly, Woolbur was Harper's first picture book and I can not wait to see what other stories he will bring to life. 

            Woolbur has not won any awards, but that does not make it any less worthy. I personality would use this story in the classroom and I love both the illustrations and story line. The book would create a wonderful opportunity to speak with the classroom about being ones owe self and not following the crowd. The book would also make a good lesson for vocabulary, about relating, about feelings, and about sheep.  The book’s fun nature and humor, I believe, would fit well for grades kindergarten and up.