Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Simpson's Sheep Won't Go To Sleep! - a book review


   "My test of a good novel is dreading to begin the last chapter."
                                                             ~Anyonymous

Title:  Simpson's Sheep Won't Go To Sleep!
Author and illustrator:  Bruce Arant





If you have kids and have gone through the "tuck them in bed" experience then you will be able to identify with this storyline completely.

Farmer Simpson is a very hard worker by day and all he yearns for at night, after his work is done, is to have a well-earned  sleep.  His farm animals - the pigs, cows, ducks and hens all feel the same way that he does and they pile into a heap when they crash...but his mischievous flock of little sheep find a million excuses to not settle down and close their eyes for the night.  Poor Farmer Simpson is so exhausted that he is beside himself and actually starts to cry.  One particular night in his distress he realizes that today was his wife's birthday and he had totally forgotten to get her a present.  He decides to go to the "best store in the city' to find her the perfect gift.  While in the store he discovers some other presents that might be just the thing to pacify and settle down his rambunctious, rebellious little sheep.  You will smile (and nod your head as you identify) and cheer him on hoping his brilliant idea will calm and settle those unruly little rascals and finally everyone will be able to get a good night's sleep.

This fabulous story is told in rhyme and the illustrations are soft, muted and whimsical - the best visuals before bedtime....dream-like really.  The expressions and antics of the characters are priceless.  I loved everything about the book and I highly recommend it.  It would be a fun gift to give at a baby shower and you could include one of those "lambie gifts" for the  brand-new human arrival.

About the Author:





Bruce Arant graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in marketing.   For as long as he can remember, Bruce has had a passion for drawing.  He is self-taught in a variety of mediums that include pencil, ink, colored pencil and watercolor, and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.  Much of his work provides aspiring authors with presentation quality artwork to accompany their manuscripts as they solicit publishers or choose to self-publish.  Prior to launching Arant Creative Group as a full-time illustrator and editor, Bruce enjoyed a career of nearly 20 years in the magazine and custom publishing industry where he held a variety of editorial and creative positions in addition to his work as a freelance illustrator.  Check him out on Facebook I am sure he would like you to drop by and say hi.




Book Review Rating:                           9  (Close to Perfection!)

Read on and read always!  

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