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Tales from Mossy Bottom Farm
Shaun The Sheep 1 Flock Factor
Characters from the CBBC and Aardman series Shaun the Sheep step from screen to page in the 1st book in illustrated fiction series Tales from Mossy Bottom Farm Fans of C BBC 's Shaun the Sheep will adore the 1st novel in the Tales from Mossy Bottom Farm series, which is based on characters from the top-rated TV show by A ardman (the creators of Wallace and Gromit). There are black-and-white illustrations throughout, plus comic strips and activity pages. It's talent-show time on Mossy Bottom Farm, and all the sheep are flocking together in the hope of beating their rivals, the chickens. Who will be crowned the Flock Factor champion?
96 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 8, 2021
Shaun the Sheep is one of those rare TV shows that both adults and children love to watch. Pure slapstick comedy in the comforting style of old style British country charm, reminiscent of the vaudeville physical comedy of silent movies. Pure innocent joy in 5-10 minute long claymation packages.
One prompt in my reading challenge involved getting a word from a random word generator and reading a book based on that. My word was “flock” so I typed it into the search bar. Among many uninspiring titles, this book about Shaun the Sheep came up! I had to get it - luckily my library is well stocked with sheep material.
The results are mixed. While this book certainly follows the spirit of the silly stories and characters of the show, the writing is extremely pedestrian: it tries to describe the visual gags in the most mundane way. It just doesn’t work… well, it sorta did, because I could imagine Bitzer doing just what it said, and the image made it funny… but on its own? No.
I still give it three stars because it reminded me of the show and we watched a few episodes with my daughter. She is grown now but still loves that silly sheep, the dog, and all their antics.
Much better watched than read.
One prompt in my reading challenge involved getting a word from a random word generator and reading a book based on that. My word was “flock” so I typed it into the search bar. Among many uninspiring titles, this book about Shaun the Sheep came up! I had to get it - luckily my library is well stocked with sheep material.
The results are mixed. While this book certainly follows the spirit of the silly stories and characters of the show, the writing is extremely pedestrian: it tries to describe the visual gags in the most mundane way. It just doesn’t work… well, it sorta did, because I could imagine Bitzer doing just what it said, and the image made it funny… but on its own? No.
I still give it three stars because it reminded me of the show and we watched a few episodes with my daughter. She is grown now but still loves that silly sheep, the dog, and all their antics.
Much better watched than read.
July 23, 2016
I love Shaun the sheep. We watched it even before I had my son to share it with. This book tries to capture the same goofy spirit of the cartoon. It is a silly plot with all the same characters. While it is an enjoyable read and I would grab it if it were inexpensive enough on my book fair, I wouldn't put it as the best book ever. The author has to work hard to put into words all the funny details and emotions the show would express. For example - a slow clap on TV just doesn't come across the same when it has to be explained in a book. Perhaps if there was a bit less of trying to create a transcript for a wordless cartoon and more of an original spin on the scene, it would work better. I received a digital galley cop and the artwork isn't quite finished. Perhaps that will help. I think this series could have potential if it is tweaked a bit.
October 31, 2014
I won this book through goodreads first-reads. I thought Shaun the Sheep was very cute. It takes place on a farm and the animals are having a talent show. I read it by chapters in two nights to my 6 and 3 year old and they loved it. We found it to be funny. The illustrations were well put and depictive, even though it stated on there that they were only sketches. I like that some were in comic book style. I could easily show my children the illustrations and they could see what was going on or what was going to happen. I believe this is a book that will be read over and over.
November 9, 2017
Everybody loves Shaun for being so witty... and for the funny adventures he shares with Bitzer :)
In this book they got all excited about talent contest and the chickens were so sure of them being better and sheep being dumb. Well, in the end it's not only the talent that counts, but being smart in desperate situations ;)
In this book they got all excited about talent contest and the chickens were so sure of them being better and sheep being dumb. Well, in the end it's not only the talent that counts, but being smart in desperate situations ;)
October 25, 2014
Shaun the Sheep: The Flock Factor is a chapter book from the Tales from Mossy Bottom Farm series by Martin Howard and Andy Janes. It is currently scheduled for release on November 25, 2014. It’s talent-show time on the farm, and the roosters and chickens are banding together in hopes of beating out their rivals, the sheep. Meanwhile, Shirley, a sheep whose flair for singing is as large as her frame, has a big problem; a massive case of stage fright. Can Shaun the sheep convince his jittery friend to wow the mole judges and take home the prize?
Anyone that has watched the claymation movies or shows from the makers of Wallace & Grommet, Shaun the Sheep, or even Timmy Time for the youngest readers, will recognize the setting and humor found in Shaun the Sheep: The Flock Factor. Shaun is the smarter than average sheep, who thinks and plots constantly, sometimes with the help or hindrance of the farmer’s dog and other barnyard animals. In this story, Shaun and the sheep have challenged the chickens in a talent contest, and frankly it does not look good for the sheep. Mad cap mishaps and Shaun looking out for his fellow sheep make the story move along and readers laugh and enjoy the ride. The humor is multi layered, making it a fun read for new readers all the way to adults.
I would recommend Shaun the Sheep: The Flock Factor to readers of all ages, particularly those that enjoy British humor and shows like Wallace & Grommet, Shaun the Sheep, or even Timmy Time.
Anyone that has watched the claymation movies or shows from the makers of Wallace & Grommet, Shaun the Sheep, or even Timmy Time for the youngest readers, will recognize the setting and humor found in Shaun the Sheep: The Flock Factor. Shaun is the smarter than average sheep, who thinks and plots constantly, sometimes with the help or hindrance of the farmer’s dog and other barnyard animals. In this story, Shaun and the sheep have challenged the chickens in a talent contest, and frankly it does not look good for the sheep. Mad cap mishaps and Shaun looking out for his fellow sheep make the story move along and readers laugh and enjoy the ride. The humor is multi layered, making it a fun read for new readers all the way to adults.
I would recommend Shaun the Sheep: The Flock Factor to readers of all ages, particularly those that enjoy British humor and shows like Wallace & Grommet, Shaun the Sheep, or even Timmy Time.
July 7, 2014
Shaun the Sheep: Flock Factor won't be released until November 2014 as of July 2014. It feels super early to put up a review for this book, but the publisher put up an ARC on Net Galley.
A huge con to the publisher putting this book up for review on Net Galley so early was that the artwork, a key piece to any childrens book, was actually incomplete. All of the art was marked as 'SKETCHES--FINAL ART TO COME'. That's great, but doesn't help me to review this one bit.
What I quite enjoyed about Flock Factor was that it seemed and even read like a very plausible episode for Shaun the Sheep. I could very well see this happening. Which in the end, kind of had an odd down side to it as well. Since it is a plausible episode, and an average story from Shaun the Sheep is about 5 or so minutes, you start to get this annoyed feeling like why is it taking so long to get through something that could have been done in 5 minutes? Also the author tried to emulate the style of Shaun the Sheep with the descriptions and such. But it is clear that it works much better on screen than on paper.
Find more reviews at Books A to Z
A huge con to the publisher putting this book up for review on Net Galley so early was that the artwork, a key piece to any childrens book, was actually incomplete. All of the art was marked as 'SKETCHES--FINAL ART TO COME'. That's great, but doesn't help me to review this one bit.
What I quite enjoyed about Flock Factor was that it seemed and even read like a very plausible episode for Shaun the Sheep. I could very well see this happening. Which in the end, kind of had an odd down side to it as well. Since it is a plausible episode, and an average story from Shaun the Sheep is about 5 or so minutes, you start to get this annoyed feeling like why is it taking so long to get through something that could have been done in 5 minutes? Also the author tried to emulate the style of Shaun the Sheep with the descriptions and such. But it is clear that it works much better on screen than on paper.
Find more reviews at Books A to Z
July 26, 2016
At about 77 pages, Shaun the Sheep: The Flock Factor straddles the line between the chapter books and middle grade reading levels and is well-suited for the 7-10 age range. Illustrations throughout, including a few comic book-style spreads, enhance the story and make it an appealing read for reluctant readers and those who prefer graphic novels or comic books to text stories.
I wanted to like Shaun the Sheep: The Flock Factor; based on its cover, it looks like a fun--and funny--read. Unfortunately, it felt rather flat to me, and read as though it were a play-by-play of a movie. (I don't know which order the movie and book were done in, movie first or book first, but either way, the book feels more like a description of a movie than a stand-alone book.) Those who are already fans of the Shaun the Sheep (and Wallace and Gromit) franchise may find Shaun the Sheep: The Flock Factor more funny than I, who had little experience with the franchise before reading this book.
Note: I received a digital galley of this book through NetGalley.
I wanted to like Shaun the Sheep: The Flock Factor; based on its cover, it looks like a fun--and funny--read. Unfortunately, it felt rather flat to me, and read as though it were a play-by-play of a movie. (I don't know which order the movie and book were done in, movie first or book first, but either way, the book feels more like a description of a movie than a stand-alone book.) Those who are already fans of the Shaun the Sheep (and Wallace and Gromit) franchise may find Shaun the Sheep: The Flock Factor more funny than I, who had little experience with the franchise before reading this book.
Note: I received a digital galley of this book through NetGalley.
December 31, 2014
I received a free copy of Shaun the Sheep: The Flock Factor as part of Goodread's new-release giveaway program in exchange for my honest review.
Due in part to the fact that Aardman Animated media (like Shaun the Sheep & Wallace and Grommit) are so fantastic, I had very high hopes for Shaun the Sheep: The Flock Factor as a book. I was expecting it to *wow* me in the same way that the Aardman movies do. Unfortunately, while I enjoyed the engaging illustrations, I was underwhelmed by the story itself. I've never thought about the challenge that it must be to take a concept that works well as fast-paced, full color, action-packed animated TV show and "slow it down," so to speak, to an elementary school aged reading level.
~Jen
Due in part to the fact that Aardman Animated media (like Shaun the Sheep & Wallace and Grommit) are so fantastic, I had very high hopes for Shaun the Sheep: The Flock Factor as a book. I was expecting it to *wow* me in the same way that the Aardman movies do. Unfortunately, while I enjoyed the engaging illustrations, I was underwhelmed by the story itself. I've never thought about the challenge that it must be to take a concept that works well as fast-paced, full color, action-packed animated TV show and "slow it down," so to speak, to an elementary school aged reading level.
~Jen
August 10, 2015
Shaun wants the sheep to beat the over confident chickens at the farm talent show, but it seems like no one has the talent do it except for Shirley who is to shy sing in public. Can she overcome her fear and save the day?
Based on the animated British cartoon, Shaun the Sheep this illustrated novel brings all the fun of the TV show in book format. Fans of the cartoon will enjoy this novel and be familiar with the humor. Extras include a how to draw Shaun tutorial, how to tie a balloon dog, and a crossword featuring clues from the story which helps develop recall in a fun way for kids.
I would recommend this book for purchase for libraries with a need for pop culture books.
This book was provided by the publsiher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
Based on the animated British cartoon, Shaun the Sheep this illustrated novel brings all the fun of the TV show in book format. Fans of the cartoon will enjoy this novel and be familiar with the humor. Extras include a how to draw Shaun tutorial, how to tie a balloon dog, and a crossword featuring clues from the story which helps develop recall in a fun way for kids.
I would recommend this book for purchase for libraries with a need for pop culture books.
This book was provided by the publsiher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
January 22, 2015
3.5 stars. The sheep are at it again. My husband and I love the Shaun the Sheep show. The book is basically one long episode with the sheep up to their usual antics. This time it's a farm talent show. There are some laugh out loud moments and kids who love funny books will enjoy this book.
April 6, 2015
gr 1-4 85pgs
Everyone at Mossy Bottom is excited about the upcoming talent show. The Farmer is practicing his balloon animal talent and all the animals decide to have their own talent show: sheep vs chickens.
Everyone at Mossy Bottom is excited about the upcoming talent show. The Farmer is practicing his balloon animal talent and all the animals decide to have their own talent show: sheep vs chickens.
June 11, 2015
Some farmyard animals stage a talent contest.
This book had a reasonable story, goofy characters and was amusing in places but a lot of the visual humour from the animated films / TV series didn’t translate very well.
Expect young children will enjoy it.
This book had a reasonable story, goofy characters and was amusing in places but a lot of the visual humour from the animated films / TV series didn’t translate very well.
Expect young children will enjoy it.
August 13, 2016
review to come after 11/11/14
January 17, 2015
This was okay, but not as good as watching the show. It might've been better as a picture book or graphic novel.
RC15: A book with nonhuman characters
RC15: A book with nonhuman characters
December 10, 2014
adorable! I love shaun and his friends. can't wait to get the next one!
December 10, 2014
A fun and clever book for kids (and adults) with a nice moral.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews