Sheep Shape

by Adèle Tariel, Oksana Bula (Illustrator)

A Heartwarming Story About Independence, Adventure, and Growing into Yourself


Chip is a sheep who loves his wool just the way it is. When shearing day arrives, Chip decides he is not quite ready. Instead of staying with the flock, he sets out to explore the world beyond the pasture. There are mountains to climb, rivers to cross, and new experiences waiting to be discovered. Chip is excited to see what is possible when he follows his own path.


The other sheep worry. What if he looks silly? What if things go wrong? What about the wolves? But Chip is determined to learn, try, and grow. Along the way, he discovers that becoming yourself sometimes means taking a brave step forward, and that home will still be there when you are ready to return. This story encourages children to explore who they are, take safe risks, and find confidence in their own choices.


Key Features



Supports Independence and Confidence: Helps children ages 5 to 9 understand the value of exploring new experiences and trusting themselves.
Celebrates Individuality: Encourages kids to embrace what makes them unique, even when others do not understand right away.
Relatable Social-Emotional Themes: Opens conversations about belonging, courage, self-expression, and personal growth.
Engaging Read-Aloud: Warm text and expressive illustrations make this a delightful story for classrooms, libraries, and family reading.
Guidance for Adults Included: A helpful reader’s note offers suggestions for discussing independence, resilience, and trying new things with children.
Trusted Publisher: From Magination Press, the children's imprint of the American Psychological Association, experts in child development and emotional well-being.

Genres: Picture Books

34 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

"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.

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Ameliessa Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Laurel Zeisler · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC from Netgalley.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.