In the eighth volume of Shaw and Apple's Sheep series, five tired sheep amble back to their shed to sleep. After noises spook them and keep them awake, a collie comes by and helps settle them down for the night: the first with a hug, the second with a drink of water, the third with a lullaby, the fourth with a teddy bear, and the fifth with a quilt. One by one, they drift off to sleep. The text ends with a literary reference that will reward kids who are familiar with Mother Goose rhymes. Written in satisfying rhymed verse, the narrative includes several math challenges for those who want to play along ("Another sheep begins to snore. / Three asleep! How many more?"). The endearing colored-pencil illustrations portray the animals' emotions with clarity and wit. Besides offering a low-key introduction to counting and subtraction, this amiable picture book is just right for bedtime reading.

PreS-Gr 1 Shaw's eighth installment in her beloved "Sheep" series (Houghton Harcourt) is as lifting and soothing as the first. Rhyming text softly rocks readers alongside a patient border collie who puts five sheep to sleep by fulfilling their bedtime wishes. These requests range from a hug, a drink, a cozy quilt, and a teddy bear. The story is illustrated with Apple's signature colored-pencil drawings; they are sweet and soft, just right for bedtime. VERDICT This book will be a favorite for any reluctant sleepyheads. Melisa Bailey, Harford County Library System, MD