Pete the Sheep-Sheep Book

Shaun is the new sheep shearer in Shaggy Gully. Since shearing is such hard work, all the other shearers have sheep dogs to help them. But not Shaun. His partner is Pete . . . a sheep- sheep!

Pete has a polite way of rounding up his charges, and Shaun is an expert shearer. The sheep are thrilled with this unconventional new team, but the other shearers—Ratso, Big Bob, and Bungo—are not. Luckily, Pete has a few ideas under his hat that are sure to please everyone.

Bruce Whatley’s spirited illustrations bring to life Jackie French’s zany characters in this hilarious tribute to individuality and the working sheep.

Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz - Children's Literature

Sheep-shearers in Shaggy Gull traditionally have a sheep dog. But Shaun, the new sheep-shearer, has a sheep-sheep named Pete. Pete talks to the sheep, and they talk to him, which helps make Shaun and Pete a great shearing team, to the annoyance of the other shearers. Angrily they send them away. Shaun, who loves and misses shearing, gives Pete a whole new sheared look. When the other sheep admire it, Shaun is inspired to open a Sheep Salon. Not only do the sheep flock there for the latest look, but the sheep dogs go for a trim as well. Deserted by both their sheep and their dogs, the shearers join Shaun in helping everyone look "gorgeous." Whatley keeps his watercolor and colored pencil pictures of shearers and animals front and center with no need for settings. In their odd fedoras and shorts, the men make a comic trio contrasting with Shaun in shorts and Pete in his own hat. The sheep and dogs all play natural roles until, of course, each gets a special hairdo. The sight of them in the barber chairs just adds to the fun. 2005 (orig. 2004), Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Company, Ages 4 to 8.