Friska, the Sheep That Was Too Small

Lewis's story concens the trials and eventual triumph of Friska, laughed at for her diminutive size until she stands up to a wolf who has the flock trapped (precisely because she is so small, she creeps up on him unseen). Friska bravely bites the wolf's tail; he flees, assuming he has been assaulted by a terrible monster. From that moment Friska has the respect of the other sheep. This straightforward tale is well suited to young children, who will both sympathize with Friska's dilemma and appreciate her futile attempts to disguise her true stature (among other things, she piles snow on her back in an effort to appear taller). Lewis's text is serviceable but undistinguished, with a flatness of tone. His strength lies in his illustrations: primitive, almost crude in style, they effectively convey the various sheep's expressions, and are especially notable for their striking depictions of light, weather and mood. Ages 3-up. (April)