Argyle

A sheep called Argyle roams the Scottish highlands, lowlands and midlands and discovers some tasty grass and hundreds of red, blue, white, green and purple flowers. He snacks daily at his secret place. Soon the sheepherder's wife discovers that Argyle has ""many-colored'' wool. Argyle is sheared and plaid socks are knitted from his wool. Fame and fortune follow, and the sheepherder becomes a bookkeeper of his riches; but Argyle is kept away from the common sheep and suffers the pangs of notoriety. This is a tightly woven story of a dandified sheep, but the insight that being ``special'' isn't always a blessing might persuade those readers with dreams of greatness to reconsider the notion. Sanford's art of furry-green meadows, well-cultivated hills and healthy and contented faces adds cohesion to the story's outlook. Ages 4-9. (August)