The Warrior Sheep Down Under

Gr 4–6—Those confused and zany sheep introduced in Warrior Sheep Go West (Sourcebook, 2011) are getting into mischief again. During what should be a relaxing, English seaside vacation, they hear a mysterious sobbing, sighing, and tapping that propels them into a series of madcap adventures. They try to make sense of the noises by consulting their prophetic verses, "The Songs of the Fleece," which tells them that a sheeply maiden, Tuftella, is in distress Down Under. Thinking that it is their duty to save her, the Warrior Sheep jump aboard Destiny, a ship bound for New Zealand. Also onboard is Alice Barton, a nasty, pampered, and suspicious woman who wants nothing to do with a horde of smelly sheep. She is going to claim her inheritance, an animal sanctuary called Barton's Billabong. Not only must she deal with the infuriating animals, but she must also show that she is a worthy heir by performing a number of distasteful tasks. The sheep, believing that she can lead them to Tuftella, haunt her every move once they arrive Down Under. A number of hilarious mishaps take place for both Alice and the sheep involving bungee jumping, white-water rapids, crocodiles, and more. With so many twists and turns, the story moves along swiftly from one silly adventure to another. Aside from the ever-present humor, the mysteries that surround both Tuftella and Alice Barton make for a page-turner.—Diane McCabe, Loyola Village Elementary School, Los Angeles