Children's Book review

Shaun is not a conventional sheep-shearer, nor is his sheep-dog quite what you'd expect. Pete the sheep has no problems herding his peers, as (rather like that other unusual sheep-pig-dog, Babe) he is always polite to them when he asks them to move. The other shearers, and their dogs, are a rough and ready bunch who resent Shaun and Pete, but discover that a different approach to shearing, coupled with courtesy, can provide an even better job than their traditional role. Infused with gentle humour, and wry observation of her fellow Australian's stereotypical traits, French's picture book offers many topics for young readers to discuss. In his splendid illustrations, Whately elaborates the humour and provides additional information about rural life down under.