Shaun the Sheep:
The Beast of Soggy Moor by
Martin Howard, illustrated by Andy Janes (Walker Books)
PB RRP $9.95
ISBN 9781406357721
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis
In the second book of this terrific series from the
TV show Shaun the Sheep, the zany
sheep Nuts who is always getting into trouble, is introduced at the beginning
amongst the other characters in the story, plus the map of Mossy Bottom Farm in
intricate detail. We also learn that the farmer is clumsy and accident- prone
and that the sheep are entertained by these short-comings.
A creepy shadow is sighted on Mossy Bottom Farm at
night by Bitzer when he goes out to check the chickens. He’s convinced it’s a
beast from Soggy Moor. When a cat goes missing soon after, Bitzer believes it
is the work of the beast.
Scared senseless and fearing for all their lives,
Bitzer ropes Shaun into helping him track down the beast that threatens. The
ingenious Shaun designs an elaborate trap out of scraps of junk to catch the
shadowy form. Only Nuts is crazy enough to offer himself as bait. This results
in chaos, mayhem and misinterpretation.
Some of the story is told in pictures within comic
strips without words. The story
addresses important issues frequently experienced by children such as fear of
darkness, and false imaginings attached to the unknown. This book can be used
to initiate discussion between parents/teachers and children when addressing
such concerns. Or, it can simply be read and enjoyed for its clever
construction, humour, and witty text. This series is ideal for the 6+ age
group.
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