FEEDING THE SHEEP

The simple daily farm task of feeding an animal begins a series of events that lead to a warm sweater. On a family farm an inquisitive child follows her mother as she takes all the steps from caring for the sheep, to shearing, drying, carding, spinning and dyeing the wool. Then she knits the sweater that will provide warmth for her daughter. But the real warmth and love is in the process. For each activity the child asks, “What are you doing?” Mother replies briefly, and Schubert adds a snappy four- or five-word descriptive rhyme. U’Ren’s action-filled, brightly colored double-page spreads convey physical exertion and concentration as well as joy and satisfaction. There is a strong sense of depth and detail, and, in a subtle touch, the little girl’s play mirrors her mother’s work. The collaboration of text and illustration is seamless and presents a complex operation in a manner completely accessible and understandable to young readers. Lovely. (Picture book. 4-8)