Russell the Sheep by Rob Scotton

Scotton, R. (2005). Russell the sheep. New York: HarperCollins. 32 pages. Picture book. ISBN: 978-0060598501. Ages 3 and up. Official website: http://www.robscotton.com/

Russell is a sheep afflicted with insomnia. This story tells of his plight to finally fall asleep.  

The caricatures of Russell and his fellow sheep add humor to the story. As the story progresses, and Russell become sleepier, his eyes begin to show the lack of sleep and desperation. He tries all of the suggested methods of sleep and nothing works until he counts sheep. He falls asleep as the sun rises and others start their days. The use of color and the manner the illustrations are orchestrated to create and communicate a calm mood that is appropriate for a bedtime book. One concern is the fact that it took him all night to fall asleep and is sleeping when others are awake. This isn't a healthy pattern. However, it is a funny bedtime story and has received many good reviews.