Sharp Sheep
What’s inside...
Josh collects horror comics and loves to scare his brother Paul and stepsister Mandy with gruesome stories. When they visit Grampy Jenkins in Wales, Josh tells a tale about the eerie Balwen Black Mountain sheep and their sinister shepherd, Rhys the Fleece, who grants a magic wish to anyone who can survive a night in the valley. As Josh, Paul, and Mandy soon learn in the chilling hills, reality can be more terrifying than any fiction.
Age
6-9
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the sheep learned at the end of the story?
Why do you think the sheep wanted to be sharp, and how did it try to achieve that?
How do you feel about the way the other animals reacted to the sheep’s ideas?
If you were one of the sheep’s friends, what advice would you give to it?
Can you think of a time when you wanted to change something about yourself like the sheep did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings for the story, boosting creativity and comprehension.
Relate the sheep’s experiences to your child’s life by discussing similar feelings or situations they might have encountered, enhancing empathy and self-awareness.
Invite your child to draw their favorite scene from the book. This can help them recall details and express their understanding of the story visually.
Use expressions and voices for different characters when discussing the book, making the conversation more lively and engaging for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Sharp Sheep', the sheep work together to outsmart the wolf, highlighting the importance of cooperation and using collective strengths to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or play, learning to value each team member's input and experiencing the benefits of working together.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The clever tactics the sheep use to deal with the wolf's threats demonstrate critical thinking and creative problem solving.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively when faced with challenges, whether it's resolving conflicts with peers or tackling difficult tasks at school.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Despite being naturally fearful of the wolf, the sheep muster the courage to protect their flock.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and stand up for themselves and others in the face of adversity, whether it's trying something new or defending a friend.
Example Lesson: Strategic Thinking
Explanation: The sheep devise a strategic plan to keep the wolf at bay, which underscores the importance of planning and foresight.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to think ahead in their actions, such as planning their study time or preparing for school projects, to achieve better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Importance of Vigilance
Explanation: The sheep's continuous vigilance keeps them safe from the wolf, teaching the value of being alert and aware.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of paying attention to their surroundings for safety and in everyday interactions and activities.