Floss [Paperback]

Kim Lewis (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Floss is a young border collie who belongs to an old man in a town and loves playing ball with the children in the park. The old man's son is a farmer and needs a new sheepdog to replace Nell, who has grown too old to work, so the old man decides to give his son Floss. Somewhere in her memory Floss knows about sheep and she soon learns how to be a sheepdog. But one day when Floss is on the hillside herding sheep, she sees the children playing with a new ball and can't resist joining in. Meanwhile the sheep escape - and the farmer is very angry. Floss is put in the doghouse, while Nell rounds up the sheep. But after this Floss becomes a very good sheepdog - although, when she has time, she still likes to play ball with the children. Kim Lewis has written three other books set on a Northumberland sheep farm, "Emma's Lamb", "First Snow" and "The Shepherd Boy" which was shortlisted for the 1991 Kate Greenaway Medal.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

After the old man gives Floss, his Border collie, to his son, she's trained to take over the work of the old sheepdog on the son's farm. Floss does her job well but longs to play ball with the farmer's children--a breach of discipline, the son thinks. But after she proves herself in the dog trials, he relents, even joining in the joyous game. Perhaps not all dog trainers will agree with the farmer's indulgence, but the human message--that play has its place--is a good one, giving the story more substance than Lewis's earlier efforts (Emma's Lamb, 1991); her soft pencil illustrations of the upland sheep country of northern England are beautifully observed, while Floss herself is especially appealing. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Kim Lewis draws the English countryside and farm animals as well as any childrenis illustrator, with delicate and detailed realism." Susan Hill, The Sunday Times" --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (January 3, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564022714
• ISBN-13: 978-1564022714
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 0.2 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #241,971 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Treat For Dog Lovers, September 5, 2002

By 

Terrie (Little Chute, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Floss (Paperback)

This short simple story of a young Border Collie learning her craft in English sheep country is beautifully illustrated and will win the hearts of any dog lover, particularly one lucky enough to know Border Collies themselves. When her elderly owner gives her to his son she must make the transition from a town dog with little responsibility to a working country dog. She longs to play with the farmer's children but her job keeps her busy. The artist's wonderful examples of canine body posture and facial expressions speak volumes. Check it out and discover how Floss adjusts to her new life. I think you'll really enjoy it as I did.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful children's story, May 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Floss (Paperback)

Floss is a beautiful story fo young and old, particularly those that have ever owned or loved border collies. The illustrations are wonderful and will captivate young readers. A sotry that will be read time and time again

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars story about a border collie learning to herd sheep, April 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Floss (Paperback)

Realistic story about a border collie that must learn control and focus in order to work as a sheep dog. Fun, easy reading for any child who loves dogs...especially fun for those who have or know a border collie!