Woolbur by Leslie Helakoski, illustrated by Lee Harper.

Woolbur is his own sheep.  He wants to run with the dogs, doesn’t want to have his wool sheared, experiments with various wool styles, and dyes himself a deep blue.  After each experiment, his parents fret and fret, while his Grandpaa tells them not to worry.  Finally, his parents reach the end of their patience and insist that he act just like the rest of the flock.  Woolbur thinks and thinks about this and comes up with his own rebel solution.

This book is a joy to read aloud.  There are refrains from scene to scene.  Woolbur says “Isn’t it great!” whenever his parents express their concerns.  The illustrations also make the book a pleasure.  The expanding nature of Woolbur’s wool, his glee at being a different color, and finally his puzzling through his parents need for him to be “normal.”  And what a perfect message to share with children.  That it is OK to be different, to try new things, to experiment, to express yourself. 

High recommended for sheep story times and for those about self expression.  A great way to start talking about being different, or to explain to your younger child why his teen sibling suddenly has pink hair.

Ms McCaw Learns to Draw by Kaethe Zemach.

Dudley wasn’t very good at schoolwork.  He had trouble paying attention and it can take him awhile to learn new concepts.  When he didn’t know how to do his work, he doodled.  His new teacher, Ms. McCaw, took the time to explain new concepts to him, over and over again if necessary.  The whole class thought that Ms. McCaw knew everything until one day she tried to draw a face on the board.  She tried and tried, but finally gave up.  But Dudley wouldn’t let her, and volunteered to teach her how to draw a face.  He patiently did it again and again until he covered the entire board and then asked Ms. McCaw to try.  And she did it!

Zemach has created a wonderful picture book where there is real teaching and learning happening for both students and teachers.  It speaks to everyone having their own strengths and weaknesses, the need for people to try hard to learn new things, and the ability for students to be educators.  The illustrations are friendly, bright and winning, especially the many faces that Dudley draws as examples on the board. 

Recommended for classes to talk about why not to tease people about their abilities and to talk about their own strengths and weaknesses.  Appropriate for ages 5-8.