Sweet Pea and Friends: The Sheepover

PreS-Gr 2—Inspired by a true story, this picture book debut tells the story of Sweet Pea, a lamb who is very sick. Everyone in the farmyard is worried, including Farmer John, who takes quick action by summoning Vet Alison to treat Sweet Pea's injured leg and fever. She promises Sweet Pea that when she is fully healed a special treat awaits her in the greenhouse: a sleepover with all of her farm friends. Sweet Pea and the other farm animals like many of the same things young children enjoy when sleeping over at friends' houses such as eating delicious food, dressing up, dancing, and listening to bedtime stories. Photo-illustrations offer readers comical close-ups of Sweet Pea and her pals combined with digitally manipulated backdrops that lend the tale a fantastical feel. Text incorporates dialogue and uses refrains to show the anthropomorphized farm animals' concern for Sweet Pea and celebration for her recovery. Sweet Pea is a cutie, but there are far better farm-themed options available.