Red Berry Wool [Paperback]

Robyn Eversole (Author), Tim Coffey (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2002 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

"A gentle story about a lamb who wants to have a bright red sweater just like the shepherd boy who tends him. When Lalo finds out from his mother how wool becomes a sweater, he sets out to try to wash, spin, and dye his own wool. As Lalo perseveres and goes through this bewildering process, the shepherd boy is always there to rescue the lamb when he faces difficulties. The ending is wonderfully endearing as the lamb discovers the most important step in making a sweater, and one that gives him his true wish in the end. The story echoes a beautiful message of acceptance and unconditional love."

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Lalo the lamb has sweater envy. Why does the shepherd boy have such a beautiful red wool sweater, when his own wool is straggly, muddy, and full of bits of straw? When his mother tells him that wool becomes a sweater when you wash it, spin it, dye it, then knit it, Lalo memorizes this refrain, determined to be as berry-bright as the boy. He heads for the drinking pond and slosh-sloshes around to wash his wool, but falls right in. Fortunately, when he cries "Help!" the boy comes running. As Lalo attempts to spin his wool (in the meadow, chasing his tail like a dog), and dye his wool (rolling in red berries), he meets with disastrous results, always managing to be rescued by the boy just in the nick of time. And how does his wool look as a result of his efforts? His reflection in the pond shows that he is even stragglier than before! But all is not lost. When his mother tells him that "Knit means to bring things together," the lamb knows he must never leave the boy's side: "Then they sat and watched the sunset stretch from mountain to mountain, turning their whole meadow berry-red." This sweet, clear-as-a-bell story (with endearing, gorgeously textured illustrations) is a winsome, winning read-aloud choice, and while the lamb never transforms his straggly coat, the ending is as happy as can be. (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-When Lalo, a curious lamb, admires his young shepherd's beautiful, bright red sweater, he decides to make himself one using his own fleece. Learning that he needs to wash, spin, dye, and knit his wool propels him into a day filled with adventure and danger. He washes himself in the drinking pond but slips and almost drowns, spins himself off a cliff, and attempts to dye his wool by rolling in red berries only to be bitten by a snake. The shepherd boy patiently rescues the sweet-faced lamb from each escapade. When Lalo asks his mother to define "knit," so he can complete the formula for making a sweater, she tells him "Knit means to bring things together." Returning to the drinking pond and his new friend, Lalo sits happily with the boy while the sunset turns the meadow berry-red. Patchwork fields and curlicued sheep are portrayed in acrylic paintings that enhance the tender story. Jewel-toned illustrations in a variety of sizes and shapes depict a wonderland of textured skies, hills, and pond. An affectionate tale of caring.
Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (March 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807569186
• ISBN-13: 978-0807569184
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #914,566 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A refreshing and amusing story for kids and their parents, May 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Red Berry Wool (Hardcover)

A jewel among the throngs of stories that have no moral or lesson for it's reader. The lamb's behavior is so typical of a young child just discovering his world and wanting to be like the one he admires. His innocence in his pursuit to have a "red berry" coat like his friend is amusing. He finally discovers that he is happy as he is as long as his friend is near.

5.0 out of 5 stars Heart warming story, July 20, 2011

By 

Non-fiction only - See all my reviews

This review is from: Red Berry Wool (Paperback)

Beautiful story and beautiful illustrations make this book a treasure to keep for generations to come. It is a pleasure to read to your little ones and very touching. I think all parents should have this wonderful book, however,you are a fiber artist (knitter particularly) this story is an absolute must!

5.0 out of 5 stars Always loved, July 24, 2009

By 

Tracy L. Polyak "honey bunny mom" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Red Berry Wool (Paperback)

What a wonderful tale of a lamb that found he was loved no matter what trouble he found himself in! Christian folks will appreciate the symbols of Jesus Christ and those who seek to emulate Him. Others will appreciate the lessons of love and commitment.