Charlotte is different from the other sheep. She likes to explore the world around her, climbing up trees and wandering near the dangerous road while the wary old sheep "tsk, tsk." But when danger strikes, only Charlotte is brave enough to go for help and save the day. This beautifully illustrated tale speaks to all shy little sheep who stand out from the crowd and aren't afraid to follow their dreams.
Recognition
A New York Times Best Illustrated book
Reviews
"Each dreamlike image is suffused with colors that are rich yet subdued a kind of Chagall-meets-Rothko mash-up that suggests sleepy-time happiness." -New York Times Book Review
"The artwork . . . is both handsome and just a bit whimsical." -Booklist
"Brave Charlotte is a wonderfully illustrated book. You'll think of Charlotte as smart and brave when the other sheep think she is silly for traveling to get help. A great read." -Book Review Café,
About the Author
Anu Stohner, born in Helsinki, Finland, is a freelance translator and author living in Munich, Germany.
About the Illustrator
Henrike Wilson was born in Cologne, Germany, and studied graphic design and painting there and in the U.S. She lives in Germany.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2–Charlotte the sheep is anything but sheepish. She likes to climb trees and swim in fast-running rivers. Even the dog can not keep up with her. The older sheep shake their heads in disapproval, but their opinions change when the shepherd breaks his leg and Charlotte is the only one brave enough to make the long journey to the farmer's house to get help. The language is simple and the text is short enough for reading aloud. The lighthearted acrylic spreads give the characters personality. Wilson does a good job of suggesting the softness of the sheep's wool and the steepness of the mountain crags, making the art almost seem tactile. The illustrations are the best part of this otherwise average picture book.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT
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PreS-Gr. 2. The other sheep huddle sheeplike in the pasture, but Charlotte is a risk taker. They shake their heads when they see her leaping riverbanks and climbing peaks, and sheepdog Jack has his paws full with Charlotte. Yet Charlotte's intrepid behavior is an asset when the shepherd breaks his leg. It's Charlotte who makes her way to the farmer's house to get help, climbing over the mountains and getting a truck driver to give her a lift. Of course, all ends well, and that expected outcome adds to the book's main problem--a lack of surprise. On the plus side, the artwork, in an oversize format, is both handsome and just a bit whimsical--especially the spread showing four sheep staring out at the reader and asking, "What is she up to now?" The text is short enough to be easily read aloud, and there are a few lessons about bravery--as well as a caution that taking rides from truck drivers is only for sheep. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
About the Author
Anu Stohner was born in Helsinki. She is a freelance translator and author and now lives in Munich. Henrike Wilson was born in Cologne, Germany, and studied graphic design and painting there and in the US. Henrike and Anu are a wonderful author-illustrator team and worked on - amongst other books - the wonderful Brave Charlotte and Santa's Littlest Helper.
HENRICK WILSON was born in Cologne, Germany, and studied graphic design and painting there and in the U.S. She lives in Germany.