Synopsis: The language of sheep is Baa and every single word is baa...There are many different ways to baa, but when they are lambs, sheep only know one kind, which is why the field trip Mrs. Ramsbottom takes them on is so important. Mrs. Ramsbottom takes her class out into the country to learn the finer points of baa in situ. And soon, they're good enough to take their Baa exams, for which they all gain a gold star!

Review: Younger readers will love this funny book with its comical illustrations. The little sheep go to school to find out how to speak Baa and their teacher, Mrs Ramsbottom, takes them on a field trip. During the trip they learn how to speak Baa. They encounter various different locations, including a meeting with a wolf, during the trip and are all awarded gold stars in the exams. The story ends with them giving their ‘very best baas… The ones they say to their ma’s and pa’s.’

The story is told in rhyme so children will soon feel able to join in with the words – ideal for less confident readers who want to read ‘real books’. The end papers are a hilarious story sequence with some of the antonyms in the book illustrated with easily recognisable pictures. Speech bubbles are used throughout the book and the Baa is written in different fonts to show the intonation needed to speak Baa in a particular situation. This is obviously intended for parents as young children would not really be able to distinguish between the different fonts. The humorous illustrations will provide children with plenty of laughter - and fodder for their imaginations. Baa!

2006-11-13