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Can't Sleep Without Sheep
Whenever Ava can't sleep, she counts sheep. But Ava takes so long to fall asleep, it's the sheep that are growing tired-until finally, they quit! When the sheep promise to find a replacement that Ava can count on, chaos ensues as chickens, cows, pigs, hippos, and more try their hand at jumping over Ava's fence. Finding the perfectly peaceful replacement for sheep might not be so easy after all.
With irresistibly adorable art, this delightful take on a familiar sleep tactic is sure to become a bedtime favorite.
With irresistibly adorable art, this delightful take on a familiar sleep tactic is sure to become a bedtime favorite.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 14, 2010
2 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Susanna Leonard Hill
45 books104 followersSusanna is the New York Times Bestselling Author of MOON'S FIRST FRIENDS: ONE GIANT LEAP FOR FRIENDSHIP, and the award-winning author of over 25 more books for children, including PUNXSUTAWNEY PHYLLIS, CAN'T SLEEP WITHOUT SHEEP, and the popular WHEN YOUR LION NEEDS A BATH series. Her books have been translated into French, Dutch, German, Turkish, Japanese, and Chinese. Susanna lives in New York's Mid-Hudson Valley with her children and her two rescue dogs. She loves chocolate, animals, and being outdoors.Please visit her website at www.susannahill.com and "Like" Susanna Leonard Hill on Face Book!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 29, 2018
Gorgeous in words and illustrations, funny, wonderful for children of all ages.
When I watched the trailer for it I absolutely had to have this book! It is funny, adorable, exquisitely illustrated, and so fun to read.
Ava has a hard time going to sleep, her mind is just too busy, so she counts sheep. The problem is that it still takes Ava so long to get to sleep that the sheep complain they are getting too tired jumping the fence so she can count them. They quit! Not wanting to leave little Ava without something to count on, they try to find other animals to replace them, and what happens next is hilarious. Pigs, horses, penguins, and the list goes on. So very enjoyable.
The day my husband brought Can’t Sleep Without Sheep in from our mailbox, I couldn’t wait to read it. When I read this book through for the first time I also read it to my husband because I wanted to share it with him, and I laughed out loud at the antics, the surprises and the amazing and hilarious illustrations. It’s even better than the trailer reveals. I have to say, the author and illustrator are a great team for this story.
This is a completely gorgeous book. An added bonus is that if you go to Susanna’s website: http://www.susannahill.com/books.html you will find activities that go with the story and that you can print off for children to do.
When I watched the trailer for it I absolutely had to have this book! It is funny, adorable, exquisitely illustrated, and so fun to read.
Ava has a hard time going to sleep, her mind is just too busy, so she counts sheep. The problem is that it still takes Ava so long to get to sleep that the sheep complain they are getting too tired jumping the fence so she can count them. They quit! Not wanting to leave little Ava without something to count on, they try to find other animals to replace them, and what happens next is hilarious. Pigs, horses, penguins, and the list goes on. So very enjoyable.
The day my husband brought Can’t Sleep Without Sheep in from our mailbox, I couldn’t wait to read it. When I read this book through for the first time I also read it to my husband because I wanted to share it with him, and I laughed out loud at the antics, the surprises and the amazing and hilarious illustrations. It’s even better than the trailer reveals. I have to say, the author and illustrator are a great team for this story.
This is a completely gorgeous book. An added bonus is that if you go to Susanna’s website: http://www.susannahill.com/books.html you will find activities that go with the story and that you can print off for children to do.
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May 19, 2014
CAN'T SLEEP WITHOUT SHEEP
I think it's safe to say we've all heard of the practice of counting sheep to fall asleep. Well, this book turns the whole process on its head! This is one of the freshest approaches I've read for a "bedtime" story, but between the hilarious illustrations (by Mike Wohnoutka) and playful text (by Susanna Leonard Hill), I think there may be too many giggles to allow for sleepiness. Of course, after having read Can't Sleep Without Sheep, the reader will be well-equipped with the "how to" of it! :D LOVE it!
November 16, 2016
Funny little story about a girl named Ava who has trouble falling asleep and counts sheep every night. The sheep's want to quit but are on the hunt for a replacement.
September 21, 2023
Can’t Sleep Without Sheep is a cute story of a young girl trying to fall asleep. This story follows my theme of goodnight and the way that children struggle to fall asleep at times. This picture book is about a young child counting sheep in order to fall asleep, but the sheep get tired, so they try to replace themselves with other animals to help her sleep. They do not seem to get her tired enough, they are all too slow or too fun or too ridiculous. The sheep take over again, and she manages to drift off to sleep at last. Larrick talked about how all white books used to dominate the children’s picture books because the people were very racist about the inclusion that was trying to be put into children’s picture books. This book is one that shows inclusion of characters (mom and daughter) with a darker tone of skin. It is good to show this diversity, so children have exposure to other races other than their own. The audience do not realize this integration of inclusivity because they are so young, and they will still insert themselves into the character's world because they have experienced not being able to fall asleep themselves
October 25, 2022
Super adorable picture book about a little girl who counts sheep to fall asleep, but as it takes her a very long time to fall asleep, the sheep want to quit. They do try to find suitable replacements, but that is way more difficult than they thought it would be. Very funny and cute. Perfect for bedtime!
July 13, 2017
A little girl has such an active mind that she has trouble going to sleep. The sheep get bored because it takes her so long/so many. They try to find substitutes, but the other animals are silly and cause issues. The sheep finally give in.
July 18, 2017
I loved this imaginative picture book. I'm now a huge fan of this author and can't wait to read more of her books. The illustrations are fun and this is a highly recommended bedtime or anytime story that adults and kids will want to reread again and again.
January 28, 2020
When the sheep get tired, they go in search of a replacement. But can any animal really replace sheep when you're trying to fall asleep?
Bright illustrations in acrylic. I think I love the chickens and the penguins.
Bright illustrations in acrylic. I think I love the chickens and the penguins.
December 9, 2022
When Ava counts sheep for too long, they quit! They send replacements but the chickens are not designed for fence jumping (Hilarious illustrations!) as the night erupts in Buffalo herd chaos, the sheep start to realize just how good at the job they are.
February 6, 2023
Another winner by Hill. These may not be the best books ever, but my inner child and I are both delighted to discover her winning themes and humor. This, and others, are archived to read for free on openlibrary.org.
August 13, 2017
Funny picture book. Ava can't sleep and counting sheep isn't helping. The sheep try to find other animals for her to count with hilarious results
May 8, 2018
No animal can replace a sheep when it comes to counting something to go to sleep. Always show your appreciation for your sheep.
September 12, 2018
Fun illustrations, clever story. Great for bedtime, but would be a good read any time of day.
June 22, 2021
Super cute and funny story! My 4 year old daughter enjoyed it as well and even remember the story the next day
April 11, 2025
Ava has trouble sleeping so her mom suggests that she count sleep. The sheep get worn out and quit, but they try to find a replacement, with amusing results. Nice book with nice illustrations.
September 14, 2025
A whimsical and fun exploration of what other animals you could count at night if the sheep asked for a night off.
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February 17, 2017Author Susanna Hill leaves ample room in the text for Mike Wohnoutka's pleasant and humorous illustrations. Mike Wohnoutka will be in Rochester Hills, MI for the annual Authors in April event: www.authorsinapril.org
November 9, 2015
So fun! I love it. A perfect one to add to the preschool bedtime theme I'm planning--and much more fun than the other things I was coming up with. I love the different animals who were trying. The illustrations are quite humorous. Should be fun to try.
3/20/13 & 3/21/13: Fabulous. The kids were into in and the parents loved it. Both times it took until the page with the chickens for them to get hooked, but after that they were all for it. The larger Wed. group seemed to miss something; perhaps not being able to see the illustrations as well? I don't know. But the Thu. group really got into it. I also remembered to have them stampede along with the buffalo on that day. But both groups enjoyed the part of the animals getting impatient when I asked them to tell me what animals they saw. There were so many and they loved seeing all the different ones. Everyone liked the ending, even if the parents got it better than the kids.
9/17/14 Parents loved this. The kids liked the pictures and different animals. Might not have quite grasped the concept, but it worked.
9/9/15 Used in Lambs & Sheep theme. Everyone got it, and loved it.
3/20/13 & 3/21/13: Fabulous. The kids were into in and the parents loved it. Both times it took until the page with the chickens for them to get hooked, but after that they were all for it. The larger Wed. group seemed to miss something; perhaps not being able to see the illustrations as well? I don't know. But the Thu. group really got into it. I also remembered to have them stampede along with the buffalo on that day. But both groups enjoyed the part of the animals getting impatient when I asked them to tell me what animals they saw. There were so many and they loved seeing all the different ones. Everyone liked the ending, even if the parents got it better than the kids.
9/17/14 Parents loved this. The kids liked the pictures and different animals. Might not have quite grasped the concept, but it worked.
9/9/15 Used in Lambs & Sheep theme. Everyone got it, and loved it.
February 27, 2012
Ava is young girl who has trouble falling asleep at night, tossing and turning, since her mind is so busy. Her mother encourages to count sheep. Initially this goes okay, but after a few days the sheep are worn out and want to quit. They assure Ava they will find suitable replacements. A slew of animals such as chickens, pigs, and even penguins, try out for the position; but for various reasons it doesn’t work out. Through the process the sheep learn how special and irreplaceable they really are.
I love, love, love the middle section of the book where the different animals are trying out. It was laugh-out-loud hilarious, and I normally do not laugh out loud. I can’t wait to read it to my girls. The strong points of this book are the concept and colorful, warm-colored illustrations.
Click here for the original review at Flowering Minds.
I love, love, love the middle section of the book where the different animals are trying out. It was laugh-out-loud hilarious, and I normally do not laugh out loud. I can’t wait to read it to my girls. The strong points of this book are the concept and colorful, warm-colored illustrations.
Click here for the original review at Flowering Minds.
February 20, 2014
Well, here is another book that my 2.5 year old loved from the first read. In my opinion, the sign of a truly fabulous aged appropriate read, is if they are captivated from the moment the book opens. We loved the quirky take on the age old bed time ritual of counting sheep, and Susanna managed to make this extremely engaging and very funny along the way.
The text is expertly sparse, leaving so much room for the illustrator.
Our favourite pages are when the pigs have to stop for snacks and are too lazy to jump over the fence, and the Penguins looked at themselves, then looked at each other and said "We need a plan".... Priceless.
I must confess, I wanted to get this one out, regardless of whether the small target audience in our house wanted to or not lol. I have read so much from Susanna on the craft of picture books that I wanted to see the product of her writerly wisdom. I was not disappointed.
We give this one 5 Stars.
The text is expertly sparse, leaving so much room for the illustrator.
Our favourite pages are when the pigs have to stop for snacks and are too lazy to jump over the fence, and the Penguins looked at themselves, then looked at each other and said "We need a plan".... Priceless.
I must confess, I wanted to get this one out, regardless of whether the small target audience in our house wanted to or not lol. I have read so much from Susanna on the craft of picture books that I wanted to see the product of her writerly wisdom. I was not disappointed.
We give this one 5 Stars.
April 25, 2012
What happens when the sheep a young girl counts quit because she will not fall asleep? An hysterical tale about a competition to find a replacement animal! The horses were too beautiful, the chickens couldn't jump the fence no matter how hard they tried. This is a laugh-out-loud good time story with lovely illustrations. There are all kinds of animals that try to be the next great counting animal - from armadillos to penguins...there are pigs more interested in snacks than jumping the fence, and buffalo that just run right through the fence. Finally, Ava talks the sheep who, after all, "are fluffy and peaceful and perfect" to come back to work and she is finally able to fall asleep. My story time audience laughed, and also enjoyed identifying all the different animals who are lined for the audition. Definitely a story time winner!
December 8, 2011
I don't think my 4-year-old quite understood the whole concept behind counting sheep but he still enjoyed the book. He liked seeing what each animal planned to do.
Anna can't sleep so her mom told her to count sheep. The sheep had to jump the fence so many times that they finally stopped from being exhausted. They told Anna they would find her a replacement. They tried horses (too much fun), chickens (couldn't fly over the fence), pigs (wanted to stop to snack), and the cows (crashed through the fence). Soon many different animals were lining up to audition including penguins, hippos, buffalo, flamingos, armadillos, and beavers. A stampede began.
Anna realized she would never get to sleep. The sheep realized they couldn't be replaced.
Anna can't sleep so her mom told her to count sheep. The sheep had to jump the fence so many times that they finally stopped from being exhausted. They told Anna they would find her a replacement. They tried horses (too much fun), chickens (couldn't fly over the fence), pigs (wanted to stop to snack), and the cows (crashed through the fence). Soon many different animals were lining up to audition including penguins, hippos, buffalo, flamingos, armadillos, and beavers. A stampede began.
Anna realized she would never get to sleep. The sheep realized they couldn't be replaced.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2010
My kids really enjoyed reading about Ava and her sheep. Ava usually needs to count sheep before she sleeps, but when the sheep decide to quit they look for their replacements. Among the animals who try out for the job are a horse, pigs, penguins, buffalo, hippos, and many other animals. Will the sheep realize they're the perfect fit for the job and stay, or will Ava be counting a different animal to sleep each night?
This is such a delightful bedtime read. The story is fun and engaging, and received a lot of laughs from my kids and the illustrations are great! Can't Sleep Without Sheep gets high marks in our household.
This is such a delightful bedtime read. The story is fun and engaging, and received a lot of laughs from my kids and the illustrations are great! Can't Sleep Without Sheep gets high marks in our household.
December 1, 2010
My kids really enjoyed reading about Ava and her sheep. Ava usually needs to count sheep before she sleeps, but when the sheep decide to quit they look for their replacements. Among the animals who try out for the job are a horse, pigs, penguins, buffalo, hippos, and many other animals. Will the sheep realize they're the perfect fit for the job and stay, or will Ava be counting a different animal to sleep each night?
This is such a delightful bedtime read. The story is fun and engaging, and received a lot of laughs from my kids and the illustrations are great! Can't Sleep Without Sheep gets high marks in our household.
This is such a delightful bedtime read. The story is fun and engaging, and received a lot of laughs from my kids and the illustrations are great! Can't Sleep Without Sheep gets high marks in our household.
December 9, 2010
Ava’s mother told her to count sheep to help her fall asleep. But the sheep got tired of jumping night after night so they decided to quit. The sheep promised Ava that they would find her a replacement. First they thought of sending in a horse, but they were too pretty so they sent in a chicken. But Ava just laughed as the chickens tried to get over the fence. The pigs were no use because they were in no hurry to get over the fence. Several of the animals (cows, hippos, buffalo, flamingos, armadillos, beavers and more) tried to help Ava fall asleep but it wasn’t as easy as they thought. Read to find out which animal puts Ava to sleep. - Review by Cindy Tran
April 16, 2011
Can't sleep without sheep is funnily enough about a girl that can't sleep so she counts sheep. And that is where the story that you know about ends, because this tale has a great twist. The sheep are very active in the story and fed up of jumping the fence. They have an idea to give themselves a break and it is a lively, fun story right to the end.
The pace is excellent, the vocabulary perfect for children to pick up and introduce new words in a fun way and the illustrations are gorgeous. It looks like they were done in pastels. A great bedtime read especially if your little ones don't sleep well ;)
The pace is excellent, the vocabulary perfect for children to pick up and introduce new words in a fun way and the illustrations are gorgeous. It looks like they were done in pastels. A great bedtime read especially if your little ones don't sleep well ;)
April 23, 2015
This was a great addition to my "Sweet Dreams" themed storytime. It's a cute story about a very imaginiative little girl named Ava. Ava, whose mind was often "full of ideas and quetiosn, thoughts of today, and plans for tomorrow," had trouble falling asleep. At the suggestion of her mother, she tries counting sheep, but her mind is so busy, the sheep quit due to exhaustion! Rather than leaving Ava to deal with her insomnia alone, the sheep hatch a plan to help her out, and everything from the hilarious to the disasterous ensues.
The illustrations are so dreamlike and magical that it seems as if the reader is right alongside Ava and the sheep (and everyone else)!
The illustrations are so dreamlike and magical that it seems as if the reader is right alongside Ava and the sheep (and everyone else)!
January 25, 2022
I think we have all heard as a kid to count sheep to go to sleep. But what if that doesn't happen because the sheep are on strike. The illustrations in this book are so fun and bring the book to life. You can tell that Mike Wohnoutka really worked hard on bringing the book to life. They are colorful and really keep the attention of little kids around. Cassie really loved listening to the story and about all the different animals that this little girl was trying to count. We loved how silly it was and often was giggling at the antics. I loved reading this book out loud to my daughter. We read it right before bed and loved every moment of it. It's an easy read and no stumbling over words.
October 5, 2010
I loved this book! My 3 year old loves it too. The pictures are beautiful and fabulous! The story was great!
Some children books have only one line per page and then you are turning pages so quickly you don't really look at the pictures, that bugs me. Some books have way too many words and it takes 20 min to read, which is far beyond my son's attention span. This book was just in the middle, perfect for my 3 year old.
The story itself was humorous, the illustration was perfect. Highly recommended, so glad I won this from goodreads! I will look for more by this author.
December 8, 2011
Got this one for my daughter mostly because we had been talking about counting sheep to help her sleep at bedtime. She tried it and said it didn't help. We read this book and got a real giggle out of it which is what I was hoping for. After we read it she told me the next morning that she tried counting sheep again and this time she went right to sleep. She sounded so surprised when she told me and was so funny. So I must say I do recommend this book for a giggle and possibly a good nights sleep.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews