The counting sheep by Natashia Curtin

The Counting Sheep is a cleverly crafted picture book created by Natashia Curtin. Colourful, witty and unique, this story is equal parts funny, captivating and charming; making it perfect for both winding down at night and sharing during the day.

The story follows four music-loving sheep who dream of making it big in the world of music. Full of enthusiasm, they bravely venture from their home, eager to perform for audiences in the city. But, when they reach the big stage, they begin feeling nervous and apprehensive about the whole idea. Deciding to use a tried and tested method to overcome their anxiety, their musical journey hits a hilarious snag: every time they count themselves in and start playing, the audience falls fast asleep! No matter what they try, the same sleepy result occurs. Their talents simply don’t seem to suit the crowd.

After trying many different musical genres and still struggling to find success, the sheep are resigned to give up. However, they unexpectedly discover their perfect audience: nocturnal animals who desperately want to sleep at night so they can function during the day. Suddenly, their music is so popular and exactly what these creatures are looking for.

Each page of the book is bursting with personality, vibrancy and detail. Curtin’s illustrations are cute, colourful and creative, giving the audience deeper connection to the text. Packed with playful visual jokes to enjoy and build story conversations, this book is a winner.  Readers will enjoy spotting each little detail, making rereads just as delightful as the first.

With its enjoyable humour, lovable characters and creative storyline, The Counting Sheep works beautifully at any time of day. This delightful picture book is sure to charm families, teachers and young readers alike, and become a popular and well-loved addition to many bookshelves.

Themes: Music, Animals, Courage, Problem solving, Resilience, Sleep, Humour.

Michelle O'Connell