
By Kerry Lyn Sparrow, Guillaume Perreault (Illustrator)
A boy's bedtime stalling backfires when a sheep refuses to jump.
Duncan loves bedtime stories but hates sleeping. His mom suggests counting sheep, and soon, sheep leap over his bed. But Sheep #68 stalls, needing water and bathroom breaks. Can Duncan get him to jump? This playful tale turns bedtime tricks on their head, offering a humorous twist on a familiar routine.
There are lots of things Duncan likes about bedtime — the stories, the pajamas, the bubblegum-flavored toothpaste … The only thing he doesn’t like is going to sleep. And he’ll do anything he can to avoid it. Until one day, Duncan’s mom has had enough of his stalling. “Try counting sheep,” she tells him. So, he does. At first, it’s kind of fun. As he counts, each sheep appears, wearing its number like a race car, and leaps over the bed. But then comes Sheep #68, who hesitates. He needs a drink of water before he can jump. Then he has to go to the bathroom. Then he wants to put on running shoes. Will Sheep #68 ever do what he’s supposed to? Kerry Lyn Sparrow’s hilarious picture book story offers a new take on a universal experience. Using delaying tactics to avoid going to sleep at bedtime is a common routine for young children, and they’ll love the sly humor when Duncan’s own tricks get turned on him by the (“sheepish”) sheep. In subtle colors with lots of telling details, Guillaume Perreault’s illustrations bring Duncan’s bedtime rituals and his unexpected sheep guests humorously to life. This book makes a fantastic, funny read-aloud, appealing to both children and adults.
Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.
Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.
Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.