A parent might reach for this book when looking for a gentle, humorous introduction to Halloween that addresses potential fears in a lighthearted way. It's perfect for a child who is excited but a little nervous about spooky costumes. The story follows a flock of sheep who dress up for trick-or-treating. On their way to the farmhouse, they unknowingly pass by a pack of hungry wolves. The wolves, terrified by the sheep's ghostly and ghoulish costumes, run away in fear. This silly tale of mistaken identity highlights themes of accidental bravery and friendship, showing children that things aren't always as scary as they seem. Its simple, rhyming text makes it a delightful and reassuring read-aloud for ages 3 to 6.
The book touches on the theme of fear, but handles it with humor and dramatic irony. The wolves represent a potential threat, but their reaction is comical, immediately defusing any real tension. The resolution is entirely hopeful and silly, presenting a metaphorical idea that pretend scariness can overcome real scariness.
Ideal Reader
This is ideal for a preschooler (ages 3-5) who is experiencing their first few Halloweens. It's perfect for a child who is intrigued by costumes but also a bit wary of anything too scary. The book provides a safe, funny context to explore the idea that scary things can just be pretend.
Parent Prep
No significant prep is needed, the book can be read cold. However, a parent might want to preview the two-page spread where the wolves are peering from the dark woods (pages 18-19). They can preemptively point out the wolves' big, scared eyes to frame the scene as funny rather than menacing from the outset. A parent's trigger for seeking this book would be hearing their child say something like, "That monster costume is too scary," or observing their child's anxiety around Halloween decorations. It's also a great choice for parents simply looking for a fun, non-frightening Halloween story to share.
Age Experience
A 3-year-old will primarily enjoy the sing-song rhyme, the repetitive rhythm of the text, and the charming illustrations of sheep doing silly things. A 5- or 6-year-old will more fully appreciate the central joke: the dramatic irony of the timid sheep accidentally scaring the big bad wolves. The older child understands the concept of bravery by accident and how perception shapes reality.
What Makes It Special
Compared to other Halloween books, its key differentiator is the concept of accidental bravery. The sheep are not trying to be courageous; they are simply having fun, and their courage is a byproduct. This is a gentle and empowering message. The signature rhyming style of Nancy E. Shaw also makes it a particularly fun and accessible read-aloud.
Read plot summary
A group of sheep decide to go trick-or-treating. They create costumes like a ghost, a witch, and a pirate. As they travel through the woods to a nearby farm, they are stalked by a pack of wolves. However, the wolves see the costumed sheep, mistake them for real monsters, and flee in terror. The sheep, completely oblivious to the danger they were in, happily continue on their way and enjoy their Halloween treats.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Which sheep's costume was your favorite? If you were a sheep going trick-or-treating, what would you wear?
2
The wolves thought the sheep were real monsters! Why did they get so scared? Has something ever looked scary to you but turned out to be not scary at all?
3
The sheep didn't even know they scared the wolves away. Can you be brave without even trying to be?
4
Look at the farmers' faces when they open the door. How do you think they felt seeing a ghost, a pirate, and a witch who were actually sheep?
