Shaun the Sheep Movie: Shear Madness

Shaun the Sheep Movie: Shear Madness (Walker Books)

PB RRP $9.95

ISBN 9781406359657

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Shaun the Sheep of Mossy Bottom Farm is the new series of books released by Walker Books for early readers, to coincide with the movie currently showing. It’s full of humour and its success on the ABC guarantees the books’ success.

Smart Shaun hates having his hair cut. At the sound of the shears’ buzz he tries to get away but gets shorn first. The spectator pigs enjoy a great laugh.

Shaun decides it’s time for a day off but how will they get away from the farmer. Counting sheep always puts him to sleep, so Shaun as usual, devises a plan.

With the farmer finally off with the fairies in his caravan, the party begins. Pizza and DVDs is the menu. When Bitzer the dog can’t find his master, Shaun reluctantly leads him to the caravan. Here the loyal companion tries to wake his master by pushing and jumping against the door.

The caravan starts to roll. It ends up in the town, crashing to a halt. By the time Bitzer reaches him, his master is being placed in an ambulance.

The flock returns to their party but the greedy pigs have got there first.

The farmer has lost his memory and nothing can stimulate its return. Confused, he runs away. He stops at a hair salon and remembers clippers. What happens next sees the farmer embark on a career that makes him rich and famous.

Meanwhile, the sheep and Bitzer have been unable to track the farmer down. A giant billboard with his picture finally leads them to the lost farmer. Their mission to kidnap and return the farmer to the caravan on Mossy Bottom Far is a success.

Will the farmer remember his great adventure when he wakes?

This highly entertaining chapter book series is suitable for early readers.