Bea Rocks the Flock [Hardcover]

Victoria Jamieson (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 12, 2009 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Bea the sheep knows she's "ewe-nique" and when her flock doesn't want to put up with her antics any longer she decides to go her own way. Bea moves to the big city and tries every new job she can think of--including a cloud, a library lion, and more--until she finds the confidence to be herself again and return home...only to inspire her flock to be more unique themselves. This hilarious and surprising story reiterartes a familiar lesson without talking down to the reader. From Bea's hilarious expressions to the wacky predicaments she finds herself in, readers will be delighted with this fantastic new character and her bold personality.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K—No matter how hard Bea tries, she can't live up to her flock's credo: "SHEEP ARE NOT UNIQUE!" All the other sheep knit the same dull white scarves, but Bea's striped hat, mittens, scarf, and socks scream with color. And as the rest of the identical ewes play their identical recorders, Bea literally marches to the sound of her own big bass drum. After being scolded once too often for not fitting in, she takes off for the big city, where she knows she'll be appreciated. While there, the lone ewe attempts several "jobs," including hanging from a tree like a fluffy cloud, posing as one of the stone lions outside the public library, and dyeing her wool and entering a dog show as a pink poodle. After winning a blue ribbon as "Most Unique Dog," she returns to her flock. They have all missed Bea and are finally ready to live out some of their own dreams with her encouragement. The energetic acrylic illustrations depict a joyous Bea in her pursuit of happiness. Sharp-eyed readers can follow the progressive, silent stories of the city dwellers shown in the backgrounds of the spreads. A predictable, mildly entertaining tale.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

“Tired of the repression inherent in the Rule of Sheepdom, “Sheep are not unique,” Bea does as she likes. But she can only stand the flock’s disapproval for so long before she decides to start a new life in the city. Although the city’s distinctive inhabitants impress her at first, Bea has trouble finding a place that is just right for her, until she wins the “Most Unique” award at a dog show. Recognizing that the Rule of Sheepdom might be wrong, she enthusiastically returns to the flock to encourage them to pursue their own one-of-a-kind talents. Jamieson’s message to “BEEEEEEEEEEEE yourself” is lightened by her riotously funny tongue-in-cheek acrylic illustrations. Bea’s backpack contents will have readers chuckling, as will her attempts at fitting in in the Big Apple. A bright spring palette makes the white sheep pop off the pages…even more so when they decide to show their true colors. Paired with the recent Sylvie by Jennifer Sattler, this neatly addresses the issue of expressing yourself in the face of peer pressure. Who knew sheep had a wild side?.” –Kirkus Reviews

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens (May 12, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599902605
• ISBN-13: 978-1599902609
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,288,677 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars its' ok to be yourself, June 23, 2009

By 

Melissa Sack (georgia) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bea Rocks the Flock (Hardcover)

Bea is a sheep that is trying to shake a stereotype. Everyone expects sheep to acts the same and Bea thinks that is boring. She wants to be true to herself. After being put down within her flock for being a free spirit she sets off for the big city. There she learns some valuable lessons. She learns that it is ok to be true to your self and she runs back to teach that lesson to her flock. You will not believe the change that Bea is able to make in the pasture! This book is great to read aloud. It has lots of detailed illustrations that kids will love to look at while you read. It is perfect to use to bring up discussions on self esteem.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review from www.firrkids.com, May 24, 2009

By 

www.firrkids.com - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bea Rocks the Flock (Library Binding)

The Golden Rule of Sheepdom: Sheep Are Not Unique. Their homogeneity is pretty much what makes them sheep. The point of sheep is to be white and fluffy and nearly indistinguishable from one to the next. When Flossie knits a white scarf, they all knit white scarves. They all play flutophones and paint the same meadow scene. Not Bea. She marches to the beat of her own drum. Fed up with flock-induced conformity, Bea gathers up her belongings, straps on her baaakpak and hoofs it to the big city.

Just as Bea had imagined, there are no two sheep, er, people alike in the big city. She feels invigorated, energized and just plain un-sheeplike! After some sightseeing, Bea settles down to think. Done being a sheep, she needs to find a new profession. This is where Jamison's creativity really shines through. Bea turns up in some unlikely places, appropriately groomed to fit in. After a few mishaps, it dawns on Bea that she can be a sheep and be unique at the same time.

Back at the farm, Bea inspires the other sheep to find their true calling. Flossie starts an organic flower farm, Mossie opens a painting school and Jean reveals her desire to become a country western singer. These sheep are unique! They vote to change their golden rule and pursue their individual dreams instead of being a mindless flock of fluff.

What a great book to encourage children to choose their own path in life! Good story, bright and busy illustrations and plenty of clever details tucked about. One of my favorite pages is one that shows the interior of Bea's backpack - each item is buckled in separately and clearly labeled for the readers. Our kids were particularly drawn to the very last page, where the sheep are sheared in different styles, dyed brilliant colors and wearing funky clothing. We spent a looong time poring over the pages, analyzing how each sheep was different from the others.

Visit Victoria's blog at http://victoriajamieson-illustration.blogspot.com/ to see the Bea illustrations and jacket sketches that didn't make the cut. I think it's fascinating to see part of that process. Plus she's funny.