Review: Mary Had A Sleepy Sheep by Julia Dweck

Mary Had A Sleepy Sheep by Julia Dweck, Wilson Williams Jr. -Illustrator, YR, 2013, Kindle edition ebook, 25p, Rating=2
Source: own --free on Amazon

Young Mary had a little lamb.
His name was Sheppard sheep,
And everywhere that Mary went
That sheep was sure to sleep.
This is not your average Mother Goose nursery rhyme. In this hilarious parody, poor Mary has one very sleepy, slumbering, snoozing sheep named Sheppard and Mary’s mom is not happy.
Can Mary can keep her sleepy sheep awake?
Young readers will laugh along at Mary’s zany attempts, as she tries everything from spicy-hot fiestas to water fights. The humor is fast and fun in this easy to read rhyming adventure.

This is a parody to the well known nursery rhyme, Mary Had A Little Lamb.  However, I didn't care for this rendition. I liked the animated illustrations, the activity page at the end of the book (and find Whiskers challenge), and overall cute premise; but the part when the mother kicked the sheep out of the bed did not sit well with me (it was a very harsh depiction).  It was early in the book and it set an unpleasant tone to my read.  I also felt that some of the rhymes did not flow quite right.  Although, it seems that I'm in the minority.  Thus far this book has received mainly 5-star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.  I don't see it.

The Kindle edition ebook is still available for free on Amazon so those who have a Kindle can download it.  If you do, let me know what you think.

Follow the link below to download:

Brief Reviews: Picture Books Edition

Caarina the Cooking Fairy by Julia Dweck, YR, 2012, Kindle ebook, 26p, Rating=3.5
Source: own

Caarina is all set to create a delicious feast for the Fairy Queen. However, a pesky gremlin attempts to foil Caarina’s plan. Can Caarina “beat” him? Who will be “whipped,” gremlin or fairy? Young readers will enjoy this clever fantasy adventure, sprinkled with word play and more than a dash of fabulous fairy fun for all! (Goodreads)

Cute story about determination, persistence, and faith in one's abilities.  Really lovely illustrations, very girl friendly.


Zombie-Kids by Julia Dweck, YR, 2012, Kindle ebook, 22p, Rating=5
Source: own

Zombie-Kids is a ghoulishly fun rhyming adventure. Did you know that zombies are people that have feelings, too? They like to be loved just like me and like you. Join the Zombie-Kids as they bowl, dance, skate, and go to the movies in their unique zombie-way. The Zombie-Kids will tingle your spine and tickle your funny bone. (Goodreads)

The illustrations are ghoulish and dark but the rhyming story provided an entertaining and light look.  The zombies here are fun and kid friendly.  This is my favorite Dweck book I've picked up to date.


Surprise in the Kitchen by Mary Lee, YR, 2012, 32p, Kindle ebook, Rating=3.5
Source: own

Mia is a sweet little girl with a big imagination. She loves adventure, but cooking is just not is not her thing. To show her mom just how much she loves her, Mia decides that she will try anything. The consequences are hilariously delightful. (Goodreads)

One can't help but adore Mia's adventurous imaginations.  Here her mom invites her to make cookies.  Of course it's more fun to eat them than make them.  Also more fun to imagine sweet treats in the sea, on trees, etc.  Later she decides to surprise her mom and make her breakfast.  You can imagine how that went!  ~Cute read.


The Wizard of Oz by Big Red Balloon, YR, 2013, p, Rating=3
Source: own

Based on the original L. Frank Baum's classic, this newly illustrated picture book is perfect for sharing with pre-and beginning readers. It's full of bright colorful pictures and short enough to hold their attention. This retelling even includes scenes like the giant evil spider and the land of porcelain dolls rarely seen from the original book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. (Amazon)

A synopsis kind of story telling.  For example, "Once there was a happy girl ... one day a tornado came ...then this happened, then that, ...".  A child friendly summary of the original Wizard of Oz story.  My only qualm was the size of the framing of the picture pages.  It was a bit too small (upper 1/3 of my Kindle screen) so I had to squint to read the words.


Not Just a Princess! by Mary Lee, YR, 2012, Kindle ebook, 32p, Rating=3.5
Source: own

Mia is a sweet little girl with a big imagination. She has lots of fun playing pirate, having tea with a mermaid and flying with rainbow-swans. In this adventure filled story, a girl has no limits on what she can be. (Goodreads)

Mia is not all pink, fairies, and princesses.  No, her imagination takes her to a world of pirates, mermaids, and flying swans.  This girl wants to explore.  Good for you Mia!

Brief Reviews: Young Reader Edition

Where on Earth Am I? by S. Moo, YR, 2012, Kindle ebook, 27p, Rating=3
Source: own

This is more of a teaser book since the story continues ..7 books in total.  I understand that there are fun stuff for the kids (coloring book, games, etc) in the printed version but I have the ebook edition so I don't have any of that.  Overall, it's a cute story of a cat finding a home.  The sneak peak to the second book looks interesting. --I'd recommend to cat lovers and to get the print form so that the kids can take advantage of the fun stuff.

There's No Such Thing As Monsters by Michael Yu, YR, 2012, Kindle ebook, 25p, Rating=3.5
Source: own

Bold and bright illustrations, rhythmic flow to the read, and a cute take on the fear of monsters in the dark.  I good book to introduce to toddlers that might help tame the fear of the "boogie man".

Andy and the Angry Dragon by Thomas Yu, YR, 2012, Kindle ebook, 30p, Rating=4
Source: own

A darling story about fantasy, bravery, and empathy.  It was well illustrated and I think an adorable read for toddler boys .. or tomboys.  :)

Brianna the Ballet Fairy by Julia Dweck, YR, 2012, Kindle ebook, 25p, Rating=4
Source: own

A whimsical rhyming tale of a little fairy that ends up learning that a great talent was inside of her all along.  A great self esteem booster for young girls.  The pastel illustrations added the perfect girly-girl touch.  Wonderful book!