Who says you can't judge a book by its cover? I saw this one on the new book shelf at my public library, and couldn't resist it. I took it home and immediately knew it would be making an appearance in THE PIT!Since reading it I have seen several other reviews you may want to check this one out at Fuse #8.
Woobur is the proverbial black sheep of the family. He simply refuses to participate in any normal sheep behavior. He likes to run with the dogs, and not shear his wool. Woolbur cards his own wool, creating a newer, fluffier looking sheep, and when it comes time to weave, Woolbur sticks his head in the loom and weaves his forlock into some gnarly braids!
Of course his parents are beside themselves with worry for their son's need to express himself in very unsheeplike ways and it causes them to pull on their wool with worry every night. Woolbur's response to their questions about his behavior is always, "I know, isn't it great?" which only causes them more concern.
The grandfather sheep, who is always seen sitting in a yoga position on some sort of futon thing always responds to Mr. and Mrs. Sheep with a smile and "Don't worry!" Sometimes it's easy being the grandparent, even in the world of sheep.
In the end, instead of conforming to the ways of the flock, Woolbur encourages the flock to change to fit him. Great story, fun, colorful pictures make this an excellent read aloud. Each of the sheep show a different voice, and as I prepare to share it in THE PIT, I can already hear them in my head.
Oh, I FORGOT Woolbur was a 2008! Love this book. Hadn't remembered it for Caldecott.
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