Sam Sheep Can't Sleep

Children's Literature

Billed as a phonics reader, this short story is about a sheep who can't sleep and goes about the neighborhood waking up his animals friends to consult them about how to fall asleep. By the time all the animals make their rounds, Sam is so tired he falls asleep. Featuring lots of repetitive, rhyming phrases and alliteration, the book is designed to introduce phonics-based reading to a young child. The illustrations are colorful and charming, but the story's reliance on phonics makes it sound like the old "Dick and Jane" series of the 1950s. While a story of this type may help beginning readers who are struggling with phonemic awareness, a more naturally sounding story may be more inspiring. The book includes some explanations of phonics-based reading for parents. 2000, Usborne Publishing, $7.95. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger