The Sheep in Wolf's Clothing

Starred review from August 6, 2007
Lester and Munster (Hooway for Wodney Wat
) do it again, striking a winning combination of witty wordplay and hilarious images. Ewetopia, a sheep who is “not comfortable in her own wool,” dons an array of outrageous outfits in a futile attempt to impress her peers. When she receives an invitation to the Woolyones' Costume Ball, she determines to outshine everyone. Not until she tries on 57 costumes does she—in a “Ewereka!” moment—find the perfect one: a wolf's suit. At the ball, her disguise draws ample attention, yet not of the desirable sort (“Bad taste,” “Faulty judgment,” bleat the other attendees). Then all eyes shift to a handsome stranger entering the ballroom, whom readers will recognize as a wolf in sheep's clothing, his tail, feet, paws and snout comically protruding from his wooly costume. In a pleasingly absurd twist, he mistakes Ewetopia for his mother and suggests that they grab “a couple of fat woolyones” and go home to eat, which puzzles her (“What kind of a creep would dine on a sheep?”). Eventually Ewetopia wises up, of course, and slyly manages to drive the wolf from the ball and save her wooly comrades (their names are Ewecalyptus, Ewetensil and Heyewe). Extremely amewesing. Ages 4-8.

September 1, 2007
Gr 1-3-A pun-filled tale with sheep that have names like Ewetopia, Ewecalyptus, and Ewetensil. Older children are more likely to appreciate the puns, while younger ones will simply enjoy the humor. All poor Ewetopia wants is to be noticed, and she gets her chance to shine when she is invited to the Woolyones' Ball. After trying on 57 costumes, she decides that dressing as a wolf will get her the most attention. With a sheep disguised as a wolf and a wolf as a sheep, trouble is sure to be right around the corner. The playful illustrations, suffused with expression and shades of pink, show sheep outfitted in tutus and an Elvis costume, and the wolf having a tantrum. Lester follows a familiar format in this clever tale, which would work well when compared to and contrasted with others that involve sheep and wolves."Judy Chichinski, Skyline Elementary School, Tacoma, WA"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2007
Ewetopia, a young sheep, is uncomfortable in her own wool. She tries to hide her insecurity in elaborate outfits, but none of the other sheep pays any attention. Then shes invited to a costume ball, and she chooses an outfit that no one can ignore: a wolf suit. At first, the other sheep disapprove of her choice, until a real wolf arrives, dressed in a sheep suit, and its the disguised Ewetopia who dispatches the predator and saves her herd. The screwball farce doesnt really hold together; the ending, which resolves in a whos-on-first joke, is particularly weak. But kids will relate to the idea of using clothes to gain confidence, and they will feel reassured when Ewetopia is finally accepted and welcomed by those who snubbed her. Best of all, though, are the winning watercolor-and-pencil illustrations, which display Ewetopias every outfit and mood with precise line work and affectionate humor. Once again, Munsinger has created a set of endearing animal characters who echo childrens anxieties and struggles with irresistible accuracy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)