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Sheep Shape
Chip is a sheep. As you certainly know, sheep grow wool. Lucky coincidence, because Chip loves wool. This year, he's made a no shearing for him. He is going to escape.
It's shearing day at the farm, but Chip loves his warm, cozy wool too much! So he ventures out into the wilderness, determined to explore and see the world. The other sheep don't understand—why would Chip leave the safety of the flock? Isn't he comfortable following, like everyone else? He'll look ridiculous if he doesn't get sheared, and doesn't he know there are wolves in the mountains?
But Chip doesn't care! Destiny calls! He has big places to see and things to do. He wants to have experiences and let his wool grow big! And maybe eventually, one of those experiences will be coming back home.
Included is a reader's note for adults on talking to children about independence, individuality, risk-taking, and resilience. Even a temporary experience can be a meaningful one.
It's shearing day at the farm, but Chip loves his warm, cozy wool too much! So he ventures out into the wilderness, determined to explore and see the world. The other sheep don't understand—why would Chip leave the safety of the flock? Isn't he comfortable following, like everyone else? He'll look ridiculous if he doesn't get sheared, and doesn't he know there are wolves in the mountains?
But Chip doesn't care! Destiny calls! He has big places to see and things to do. He wants to have experiences and let his wool grow big! And maybe eventually, one of those experiences will be coming back home.
Included is a reader's note for adults on talking to children about independence, individuality, risk-taking, and resilience. Even a temporary experience can be a meaningful one.
- GenresPicture Books
32 pages, Hardcover
Published February 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 27, 2025
Loved the story and the illustrations. Such a gifted artist and talented author. I smiled the entire time I read this book. Chip, the sheep is adorable. Highly recommend.
I was blessed with an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Chip the sheep is of the opinion that being shorn is so unpleasant he will escape into the wilds, where there be mountains and wolves, and take his chances there. As the cover proves, he gets to be quite the rounded beastie, with birds and other animals happily nesting in his wool, but is that going to see him safe?
This seems to be happy acting as something to raise discussion – the story doesn't offer quite as much pure enjoyment as it might. It's about taking charge of your own mind, knowing the risks in what you plan to do and still accepting that urge to explore. The literal translation of the original French title, which I think is "Must", shows that we do have the urge to learn, but it's the considered risk involved that raises maturity and inquisitiveness alike.
To that end there are two pages of adult-directed end-matter, telling us how to engage with youngsters using this book. This will certainly have some small appeal for the target audience – it's cutely done, with lovely colours, and isn't as bad as the five year wait for a translation may have led me to expect. But nor is it highly dramatic, or surprising, or totally obvious in what it's trying to tell junior. Three and a half stars.
This seems to be happy acting as something to raise discussion – the story doesn't offer quite as much pure enjoyment as it might. It's about taking charge of your own mind, knowing the risks in what you plan to do and still accepting that urge to explore. The literal translation of the original French title, which I think is "Must", shows that we do have the urge to learn, but it's the considered risk involved that raises maturity and inquisitiveness alike.
To that end there are two pages of adult-directed end-matter, telling us how to engage with youngsters using this book. This will certainly have some small appeal for the target audience – it's cutely done, with lovely colours, and isn't as bad as the five year wait for a translation may have led me to expect. But nor is it highly dramatic, or surprising, or totally obvious in what it's trying to tell junior. Three and a half stars.
October 18, 2025
"Sheep Shape" is a children's story about a sheep who wishes to flee his life on the farm and avoid losing his wool. I absolutely loved the illustrations, but I felt that the storyline was missing something. The sheep had such big ideas and dreamed of more than a simple life on the farm. Yet at the end he, in essence, gives up his dreams and seems to lose the part of himself that made him unique in the beginning. I would have liked to see a happier character growth. I don't know if the story portrays the self-expression, risk-taking, and independence like it was meant to.
Thank you, American Psychological Association and Magination Press, for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you, American Psychological Association and Magination Press, for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was left with mixed feelings about this one. As an adult I struggled with the message but a young enough child might not read that much into it and will still find it enjoyable. The illustrations are absolutely precious so I think children will definitely love the images!
As I mentioned my issue is with the story itself. Chip has great big ambitions and wants more from life and his wool. He leaves and goes out on adventures but eventually his wool becomes too big and too messy and he returns home where he is sheered. It almost felt like he was giving up, or admitting that sometimes our dreams are just too big and don't work out. I don't know perhaps I read into it wrong?
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
As I mentioned my issue is with the story itself. Chip has great big ambitions and wants more from life and his wool. He leaves and goes out on adventures but eventually his wool becomes too big and too messy and he returns home where he is sheered. It almost felt like he was giving up, or admitting that sometimes our dreams are just too big and don't work out. I don't know perhaps I read into it wrong?
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a very gentle, comforting story. Sheep Shape feels like a quiet walk beside a child who is learning to trust themselves. Chip’s journey is calm, curious, and full of small moments that feel reassuring rather than overwhelming.
I loved how the book shows that growing doesn’t have to be rushed. It reminds children that it’s okay to take their time, try new things, and still know that home will be there when they’re ready. A warm, thoughtful read that invites reflection and conversation.
I loved how the book shows that growing doesn’t have to be rushed. It reminds children that it’s okay to take their time, try new things, and still know that home will be there when they’re ready. A warm, thoughtful read that invites reflection and conversation.
September 2, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. The illustrations were great. I liked the story but didn't think it had all the messages that were described in the end notes.
November 14, 2025
ARC from Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4 stars
A little sheep keeps his wool for a year and makes discoveries that he otherwise wouldn't. The gentle illustrations bring the little woolly guy to life as he confidently goes his own way.
A little sheep keeps his wool for a year and makes discoveries that he otherwise wouldn't. The gentle illustrations bring the little woolly guy to life as he confidently goes his own way.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews