Woolbur's list of Do's and Don'ts:  "DO express yourself creatively... DON'T worry if you weave your forelock into a pot holder... DO march to your own beat... DON'T worry when Maa and Paa tell you to stay with the herd DO be bold and brave... DON'T be afraid to BE YOURSELF "

Woolbur is not like other sheep. He hangs out with wild dogs, carves his own wool to avoid the shearing barn, and even dyes his wool blue. "Don't worry " says Grandpaa when Maa and Paa fret that Woolbur is different. But when they tell their son to follow the flock, the opposite happens--the flock follows him.  Soon everyone is copying his wild hairstyles and taking turns on the spinning wheel. Leave it to Woolbur to find a new way to step ahead of the herd.

Spunky, funky, and refreshingly distinct, Woolbur will strike a chord with anyone who's ever felt different.

Leslie Helakoski's Woolbur is a very special book about a very special sheep who does not see the value in following the flock. By choosing to adhere to his own ideas about life, Woolbur worries his parents, but eventually encourages his peers to experience life in different ways. The darling story is complete with hilarious illustrations and engaging text and will delight both you and your child.

As children begin to go to school and make friends, it is common to feel pressure to conform to in a certain way. Woolbur will encourage your child to get excited about being different and to relish the differences in others. Aside from the deeper messages, your child will be entertained by the story. There is also a lot of repetition, which will encourage your child to start recognizing what familiar words look like.

It is always exciting to find a truly funny book to share with my nieces and nephews. When I read the story with my nephew Joshua he can not get enough of it. The part where Woolbur dyes himself blue had him so entertained that we had to take a pretty lengthy "laugh break". The book really understands its audience and also shares a sweet message about being yourself, even if other people might find your ideas hard to understand.

--Eve