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Russell the Sheep
Russell the Sheep
There must be a way to get a sheep to sleep! All the sheep are falling asleep—except Russell. What's a sheep to do? Count stars… Count feet… Perfect for naptime or bedtime, this New York Times bestselling picture book is from Splat the Cat author-artist Rob Scotton. Your sheep will giggle, and you will agree with the New York Times Book Review : “A hilarious woolly insomniac. Adorably funny. A runaway hit.” And don't miss the other funny picture books about
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
11 people are currently reading
932 people want to read
About the author
Rob Scotton
139 books137 followersRob Scotton is the bestselling author and illustrator of "Russell the Sheep," and "Russell and the Lost Treasure." His latest book, "Splat the Cat" is the story of a young cat facing all the wonders and worries of his first day at cat school. Rob's work can also be found on greeting cards, ceramics, textiles, prints, stationery, and glassware. An honors graduate of Leicester Polytechnic, Rob now lives in Rutland, England, with his wife, Liz, who is also an artist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
December 6, 2018
I have had mixed feelings about Rob Scotton's
Splat the Cat
books - sometimes I enjoy them, and sometimes I am indifferent - so I was curious to see what I would make of his other picture-book hero, the ovine Russell. I'm glad to say that I found him to be an appealing character, and that I enjoyed this initial story, in which Russel struggles to get to sleep, quite a bit!
Russell tries everything, from changing his apparel to using his frog companion as a pillow, to get to sleep, but in the end the solution to his insomnia is the traditional one: counting sheep! Young readers who have trouble falling asleep themselves will identify with Russell's story, while also appreciating Scotton's appealing illustrations, with their soothing blue backgrounds and expressive faces (Russell looks so tired, by the end!). Russell's zany bed-cap, with its happily adaptable curves, was a particularly fun touch! I found myself wondering: did Scotton choose the title Russell the Sheep (like someone who "rustles" the sheep - get it?) deliberately, or was the name serendipitous? Whatever the case, I was amused...
Russell tries everything, from changing his apparel to using his frog companion as a pillow, to get to sleep, but in the end the solution to his insomnia is the traditional one: counting sheep! Young readers who have trouble falling asleep themselves will identify with Russell's story, while also appreciating Scotton's appealing illustrations, with their soothing blue backgrounds and expressive faces (Russell looks so tired, by the end!). Russell's zany bed-cap, with its happily adaptable curves, was a particularly fun touch! I found myself wondering: did Scotton choose the title Russell the Sheep (like someone who "rustles" the sheep - get it?) deliberately, or was the name serendipitous? Whatever the case, I was amused...
March 7, 2011
I didn’t have high expectations for this book because I wasn’t wild about the cover illustration. But, I ended up being pleasantly surprised.
The illustrations are a hoot. They are so cute. A sheep with a teddy bear, one with dentures in a cup, one with a newspaper, and much more, and Russell’s companion on nearly every page, a frog. Most of the pages have much to view, and much of it is amusing. I also ended up liking the art style, at least in conjunction with the story. I love the blues and greens and other colors and the way they’re used. It’s enjoyable to look for everything shown on every page.
The story is of Russell the sheep who cannot sleep. No, the story is not told in rhyme. Russell tries all sorts of things to try to fall asleep, and adults and children who know about the counting sheep technique will probably guess what’s coming. But, it’s still quite funny when that part comes. Russell is a very endearing character. And, as an almost lifelong insomniac, I was particularly tickled by this storyline. I enjoyed Russell and the frog character was a great inclusion.
This is a fun bedtime storybook, and a just for fun anytime book, and it can also work as a 1 to 10 counting book!
The illustrations are a hoot. They are so cute. A sheep with a teddy bear, one with dentures in a cup, one with a newspaper, and much more, and Russell’s companion on nearly every page, a frog. Most of the pages have much to view, and much of it is amusing. I also ended up liking the art style, at least in conjunction with the story. I love the blues and greens and other colors and the way they’re used. It’s enjoyable to look for everything shown on every page.
The story is of Russell the sheep who cannot sleep. No, the story is not told in rhyme. Russell tries all sorts of things to try to fall asleep, and adults and children who know about the counting sheep technique will probably guess what’s coming. But, it’s still quite funny when that part comes. Russell is a very endearing character. And, as an almost lifelong insomniac, I was particularly tickled by this storyline. I enjoyed Russell and the frog character was a great inclusion.
This is a fun bedtime storybook, and a just for fun anytime book, and it can also work as a 1 to 10 counting book!
September 6, 2020
The story was for younger children, but the pictures were a lot of fun.
March 11, 2009
Okay, I read a LOT of picture books. It's an occupational hazard. I rarely add them to my Goodreads list because I feel like it would unfairly influence my "must read at least 52 books per year" list.
However, this is the week of my RTMLA "Bedtime" storytime, and I picked this book. And I'M IN LOVE. It worked so well as a read-aloud. The kids didn't wiggle, the parents giggled, and everyone liked helping me count the sheep. The drawings are detailed and funny and interesting. The kids could see the main action, but I was able to ask them a lot of questions about the details of the pictures. They laughed at the "frog" pillow, too - and liked pointing out the frog in the other illustrations.
Excellent addition to the storytime - I strayed from the RTMLA literacy book, but no one likes to be tied to that thing anyway. I HATED the darned Thai Lullaby book anyway. This is much better.
However, this is the week of my RTMLA "Bedtime" storytime, and I picked this book. And I'M IN LOVE. It worked so well as a read-aloud. The kids didn't wiggle, the parents giggled, and everyone liked helping me count the sheep. The drawings are detailed and funny and interesting. The kids could see the main action, but I was able to ask them a lot of questions about the details of the pictures. They laughed at the "frog" pillow, too - and liked pointing out the frog in the other illustrations.
Excellent addition to the storytime - I strayed from the RTMLA literacy book, but no one likes to be tied to that thing anyway. I HATED the darned Thai Lullaby book anyway. This is much better.
June 18, 2016
Russell is a cute little sheep who can't sleep. He tries a lot of things but still... no sleep, until he decides to count SHEEP :)
Adorable story with amazing illustrations!
Adorable story with amazing illustrations!
July 30, 2022
Gelezen in het Nederlands maar vandaag al 6-7 boeken toegevoegd en nu geen fut meer. XD Dit boek was heel erg schattig en gaf me enorme Shaun Sheep vibes. Zeker ook hoe de andere schapen zich gedroegen (er is een oma schaap die met het wol van de ene (die nu in zijn ondergoed staat) gewoon een nieuw leuk dingetje breit). Ik vond het leuk geschreven en het werd nog leuker toen Russell moest slapen en het maar niet wilde lukken (ik ken dat gevoel). Hij probeert van alles en ik lag dubbel om wat hij zoal probeerde! Ik vond de illustraties ook leuk, die maakten het helemaal af.
May 6, 2019
I loved reading this fun little book with Mattingly. Russell is a cute little sheep who can't find a way to fall asleep....until he counts sheep! It's a very clever little book with lovely illustrations.
April 16, 2022
Labai linksma knygelė, tinkanti vaikams kurie nenori eiti anksti miegoti :)
January 23, 2018
Russell the sheep has always been one of my favorite picture book series. In his first book he is trying to fall asleep. He tries sleeping in different locations, with different people, and then counting. But not even counting every star in the sky can help him get to sleep. The story is cute, and the illustrations are adorable making for a great picture book.
August 7, 2013
My son and I both loved this book! The illustrations are well done and the prose simple and easy enough he can read it alone.
There are plenty of giggles, and it seems every time we read it, he notices something new and silly to adore.
There are plenty of giggles, and it seems every time we read it, he notices something new and silly to adore.
October 27, 2015
I'm a huge fan of the author's art, I buy his books just for the (amazing) pictures! The story is nice too, with humorous touches, and the characters are really likable.
Russell books are light in text, so they are better for young kids around 3yo.
Russell books are light in text, so they are better for young kids around 3yo.
April 6, 2015
The story line is nice, but the illustrations are superb!
October 11, 2019
32/40 Reto de lectura para mis alumnos
October 5, 2017
Title: Russell the Sheep
Author: Rob Scotton
Illustrator: N/A
Genre: Counting Book, Picture Book,
Theme(s): Sleep, Bedtime, Sheep/Animals, Counting,
Opening line/sentence: Russell the Sheep lived in Frogsbottom Field.
Brief Book Summary: Russell the Sheep is having trouble getting to sleep one night, blaming everything from being too hot or cold to needing a frog for a pillow. Eventually, Russell decides to try counting his toes to the millions of stars and still cannot fall asleep. Ultimately, Russell decides to count sheep, which finally allows him to fall into a deep slumber.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Reviewer name N/A, Horn Book Guide: (4) PS After Russell the sheep tries everything to find sleep, he counts things: body parts, stars, and, finally, sheep. Only after he counts himself does he nod off. The story doesn't amount to much, but the turquoise-tinted illustrations, which feature a big-eyed protagonist who wouldn't be out of place in a Wallace & Gromit cartoon, make that easy to overlook. http://www.hornbookguide.com.ezaccess...
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Susie Wilde, Children’s Literature, CLCD: This wound-up sheep can not find his way to sleep. The dark scares him in a quiet meadow, his wool overheats him. Neither exercise, a pillow, nor change of location helps. Only after counting six hundred million billion and ten stars does the weary lambkin decide to count sheep. That does the trick. When the others rise, Russell still sleeps soundly. Simple words, soft blue hues, and comical illustrations ease pre-sleep tension. http://www.clcd.com.ezaccess.librarie...
Response to Two Professional Reviews: While neither review seems too fond of or too against the book, I found it to be quite enjoyable. The Horn Books review says the story “doesn’t amount to much”, and while it is a simple story, the main aspect of this book is that it is a counting book, so I don’t feel as though the story needs to be much deeper. I agree with the Susie Wilde’s review on the book easing pre-sleep tension, making the book quite relatable as everyone has at some point struggled to fall asleep.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: With the simplicity of this book, it is very believable and relatable for readers. Russell’s struggle is clear from the beginning, moves at a good pace, and ends with a satisfying conclusion. Russell is seen all over the field the book is set in, and although the story focuses on Russell, we see images of other animals that make his world more fleshed out.
Consideration of Instructional Application: While I enjoyed reading this book quite a bit, I believe it has more place as a bedtime story than in a classroom. In a classroom, this story would be more ideal for younger kids so that the counting Russell does at the end could be the educational focus. If there was a lesson involving the topic of sleep this would be a good book to use, and it could be expanded upon by having children share their own experiences with sleeping and what helps them to fall asleep.
Author: Rob Scotton
Illustrator: N/A
Genre: Counting Book, Picture Book,
Theme(s): Sleep, Bedtime, Sheep/Animals, Counting,
Opening line/sentence: Russell the Sheep lived in Frogsbottom Field.
Brief Book Summary: Russell the Sheep is having trouble getting to sleep one night, blaming everything from being too hot or cold to needing a frog for a pillow. Eventually, Russell decides to try counting his toes to the millions of stars and still cannot fall asleep. Ultimately, Russell decides to count sheep, which finally allows him to fall into a deep slumber.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Reviewer name N/A, Horn Book Guide: (4) PS After Russell the sheep tries everything to find sleep, he counts things: body parts, stars, and, finally, sheep. Only after he counts himself does he nod off. The story doesn't amount to much, but the turquoise-tinted illustrations, which feature a big-eyed protagonist who wouldn't be out of place in a Wallace & Gromit cartoon, make that easy to overlook. http://www.hornbookguide.com.ezaccess...
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Susie Wilde, Children’s Literature, CLCD: This wound-up sheep can not find his way to sleep. The dark scares him in a quiet meadow, his wool overheats him. Neither exercise, a pillow, nor change of location helps. Only after counting six hundred million billion and ten stars does the weary lambkin decide to count sheep. That does the trick. When the others rise, Russell still sleeps soundly. Simple words, soft blue hues, and comical illustrations ease pre-sleep tension. http://www.clcd.com.ezaccess.librarie...
Response to Two Professional Reviews: While neither review seems too fond of or too against the book, I found it to be quite enjoyable. The Horn Books review says the story “doesn’t amount to much”, and while it is a simple story, the main aspect of this book is that it is a counting book, so I don’t feel as though the story needs to be much deeper. I agree with the Susie Wilde’s review on the book easing pre-sleep tension, making the book quite relatable as everyone has at some point struggled to fall asleep.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: With the simplicity of this book, it is very believable and relatable for readers. Russell’s struggle is clear from the beginning, moves at a good pace, and ends with a satisfying conclusion. Russell is seen all over the field the book is set in, and although the story focuses on Russell, we see images of other animals that make his world more fleshed out.
Consideration of Instructional Application: While I enjoyed reading this book quite a bit, I believe it has more place as a bedtime story than in a classroom. In a classroom, this story would be more ideal for younger kids so that the counting Russell does at the end could be the educational focus. If there was a lesson involving the topic of sleep this would be a good book to use, and it could be expanded upon by having children share their own experiences with sleeping and what helps them to fall asleep.
April 27, 2018
Rob Scotton
Harper Collins 2005
This book follows Russell the Sheep as he struggles to fall asleep! He goes around, trying to find more comfortable places to sleep, he tries to count things, such as his legs, other animals, and even the stars, but still he cannot seem to get to sleep.
I don't foresee anyone having any potential problems with this book. Does not really cover any sensitive issues.
This book is such an amazing going to bed book for little children. It teaches about the old saying "counting sheep" and it also uses a few more advanced words to help children expand their vocabulary. The illustrations throughout the book are very unique and very appealing to younger children. It is also colored in the soft blues and greens, which are supposed to be calming and soothing, all very important in a going to bed book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with small children, both boys and girls.
Harper Collins 2005
This book follows Russell the Sheep as he struggles to fall asleep! He goes around, trying to find more comfortable places to sleep, he tries to count things, such as his legs, other animals, and even the stars, but still he cannot seem to get to sleep.
I don't foresee anyone having any potential problems with this book. Does not really cover any sensitive issues.
This book is such an amazing going to bed book for little children. It teaches about the old saying "counting sheep" and it also uses a few more advanced words to help children expand their vocabulary. The illustrations throughout the book are very unique and very appealing to younger children. It is also colored in the soft blues and greens, which are supposed to be calming and soothing, all very important in a going to bed book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with small children, both boys and girls.
October 3, 2017
Russell the Sheep has a hard time falling asleep. He tried all sorts of methods, like covering his eyes, taking off his fur and then putting it back on. He tried different places to rest but none of his efforts seemed to work. However, there is one classic method that can put anyone to sleep...even Russell.
This book brought a smile to my face! It was a cute book and fun to read. Russell the Sheep is definitely a lower grade and age reading level. I say this not necessarily because it has easy to read words but rather for the bedtime story feel it has to it. Also, the concept is not hard for kindergarten through second grade (or above) to understand.
I would definitely use this book in a kindergarten classroom. It would a perfect book to read right before nap time or for counting.
This book brought a smile to my face! It was a cute book and fun to read. Russell the Sheep is definitely a lower grade and age reading level. I say this not necessarily because it has easy to read words but rather for the bedtime story feel it has to it. Also, the concept is not hard for kindergarten through second grade (or above) to understand.
I would definitely use this book in a kindergarten classroom. It would a perfect book to read right before nap time or for counting.
November 16, 2020
This story is about a sheep named Russell that could not fall asleep. He tried sleeping in all different places and no matter how hard he tried he just could not sleep. I thought this picture book was a very creative way to teach children about counting sheep to help them fall asleep. I also think that this book is great because it presents a relevant topic for children. For some children, there are nights they lay awake and are either not tired or are anxious about something and cannot fall asleep. This story teaches students that if they are ever in this predicament, they can try the classic method to help them fall asleep which is counting sheep. By counting sheep, their minds will be distracted, and sleep will come.
May 30, 2017
I love Russell. What a cutie-pie. Poor little thing just wants to go to sleep but he can't. He tries all sorts of things. I also love the little frog and ants and of course the other sheep. They all have their individual activities. One likes to knit, a scarf, from another sheep's wool. When they go to bed one has a teddy bear and others have blankets. Maybe they made them from some other's wool. The illustrations are wonderful.
December 2, 2022
A sheep...counting sheep...to fall asleep? How comically ironically!
When it is time to go to bed, Russell the sheep just cannot seem to fall asleep. After many attempts to tire himself out, so that he can fall asleep, Russell resorts to one more thing...counting sheep!
This is not necessarily a book you would want to use in a classroom setting, as it does not have any true lesson. However, it is a cute, fun read to enjoy as a bedtime story, or even as a book to teach your baby/toddler how to count.
When it is time to go to bed, Russell the sheep just cannot seem to fall asleep. After many attempts to tire himself out, so that he can fall asleep, Russell resorts to one more thing...counting sheep!
This is not necessarily a book you would want to use in a classroom setting, as it does not have any true lesson. However, it is a cute, fun read to enjoy as a bedtime story, or even as a book to teach your baby/toddler how to count.
May 7, 2024
This is super cute! It is the same other that writes the hilarious Splat the Cat. There were some gut-busting laughs right from the first few pages with this one. I love the style of illustrations. Every page seemed to have something amusing to look at. My students thought Russell's body looks like a pillow - which makes sense.
I noticed my library has two more Russell the Sheep books. I'm in!
I noticed my library has two more Russell the Sheep books. I'm in!
January 9, 2022
Russell is a sheep who has difficulty falling asleep at night even when all of the other sheep are already fast asleep. He tries sleeping different places, but can’t get comfortable. He tries counting different things, but finds that no matter what he counts, it doesn’t make him tired. Maybe he could try counting what other people count - sheep?
August 1, 2025
There are certain picture book authors who imbue a magical joy in their delightful stories and illustrations. Rob Scotton is one of these authors.
Russell the Sheep from Frogsbottom Field is a big fluffy sheep with a wide-awake personality, who needs a solution for his insomnia. But what could that solution be?
Russell the Sheep from Frogsbottom Field is a big fluffy sheep with a wide-awake personality, who needs a solution for his insomnia. But what could that solution be?
August 15, 2018
Par le créateur de Splat, une histoire absurde et apaisante de moutons, et d'un mouton bien particulier qui n'arrivait pas à dormir. Les illustrations fourmillent de détails amusants à explorer. Un album idéal à apporter avant le dodo...
October 15, 2018
Russell is a sheep who lives in Frogsbottom Field, and after a tiring day of doing sheep things, all the other sheep went fast to sleep, but Russell was wide awake. He tried everything he could think of to fall a sleep. His only solution was to count things.
January 3, 2019
Russell the Sheep can't go to sleep. He tries everything, until he counts sheep, and falls to sleep just as everyone else wakes up. The illustrations are hilarious and little ones are sure to relate to Russell's frustration.
February 25, 2020
Probably one of my favorite bedtime reads. Filled with humor, beautifully illustrated, simple concept and a seriously adorable sheep. Russell the sheep can’t sleep. He tries a lot of different things, but nothing seems to work. Will Russell ever figure this out?
March 31, 2020
Picked this up just for fun at a thrift shop not having seen it before. I am so glad I did! Such a fun little book for kids with a story made to elicit giggles and illustrations that can make anyone smile!
June 27, 2021
Kiddo age 3.5- tried read when he was younger but didn't hold his interest.
Muted colors, cute fat sheep and a wonderful bedtime book. A relaxing and engaging story. Not one he asks for but one he enjoys when I pick it.
I give it 4/5 for re-read ability.
Muted colors, cute fat sheep and a wonderful bedtime book. A relaxing and engaging story. Not one he asks for but one he enjoys when I pick it.
I give it 4/5 for re-read ability.
March 2, 2022
What’s not to love about Russell the Sheep, written and illustrated by Rob Scotton, and published by Harper Collins Publishers?
The story and illustrations are clever, and will leave you smiling. Perfect for Bedtime and StoryTime. Some children will love reading the book out loud.
The story and illustrations are clever, and will leave you smiling. Perfect for Bedtime and StoryTime. Some children will love reading the book out loud.
December 20, 2024
My two granddaughters won't go to sleep, when they're sleeping over, unless we read Russell the Sheep as the final book. The eldest is old enough to read it herself but has memorised it from all the times we've read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews