An explanation of the life cycle and life span of sheep, using up-close photographs and step-by-step text to follow a sheep's growth process from embryo to lamb to mature sheep.
Part of the Grow with Me series
While farm animals are popular subjects in books for babies, toddlers, and very young readers, the volumes in the "Grow with Me" series reveal that there’s more for upper elementary students to learn about these barnyard creatures. Large text and numerous full-page color photos work together to make the series inviting, especially to reluctant readers. The focus is on the life cycle of each animal, particularly how it develops as an embryo and grows from baby to mature adult. Other life science information includes the animals’ various breeds, diet, physical characteristics, special features, mating, vulnerability to certain parasites and/or predators, and uses to farmers. Cows explains why and how these familiar bovines spend most of the day eating and chewing cud. Goats emphasizes these creatures’ use of herd leadership for mating and keeping larger groups safe from attacks. Pigs highlights that pigs are actually clean animals and wallow in mud to cool down and prevent sunburn. Sheep discusses the differences in hair among sheep breeds and why wool sheep must be shorn. Bolded text with glossary definitions and inset photos with facts provide more information, while a concluding life cycle with visuals rounds out each book. This series fills a gap for older children who want, or may even need, to know more about farm animals.
–Angela Leeper, Booklist, 05/15/2020
These series entries provide fairly thorough profiles of domestic animals. The opening pages describe an animal's basic physical features and geographic locations, followed by a look at the processes of birth and development. The settings in which owners keep the animal groups, as well as the products they produce for humans, are also described. While examples of some wild animal varieties are noted (Goats, Sheep), the emphasis is on domestic life. Full-page photographs offer a nice variety of breeds in different settings and situations. Small inset photos on some pages enhance the visual presentation. Predators and potential health risks are included. There is no mention of factory farming, which is an appropriate choice for the intended audience. Solid introductions where subject coverage is needed.
–School Library Journal, 05/15/2020