Someone's at the door. Is it one of the shepherd's precious lambs…or a wolf in sheep's clothing?

On a wild, windy night in a thunderstorm, Sam brings his ten sheep home and tucks them in bed for the night, with woolly socks on their feet and woolly hats on their heads. The shepherd wants to make sure he's rounded up all of them. But counting sheep always makes him fall asleep!

A knock on the door in the middle of the night wakes up Sam and his flock. How will Sam know that the knock on the door isn't a lost lamb but a wolf when he can't count up to ten without falling asleep? Now it's up to the fast-thinking sheep to help him…before it's too late!

Author Mij Kelly's imaginative, funny counting book told in rhyme will delight young readers with its silly, offbeat storyline and amusing cast of characters. Illustrator Russell Ayto's appealing cartoon-like illustrations featuring outsized dimensions and slapstick action add to the manic fun.


Author Photo

Mij Kelly is the author of several picture books for young readers including One More Sheep; William and The Night Train; Where's My Darling Daughter?; and I Hate Everyone. She lives in England.

You can visit Mij Kelly’s website here.

Author Photo

Russell Ayto has illustrated several picture books, including One More Sheep and Where Teddy Bears Come From. He lives in England.



“...this hilarious import features a clever wolf, a nearsighted shepherd with a short attention span and a plot spun out through an artful blend of irregular rhyme and wordless scenes.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“...children will giggle over the comical illustrations...Laughter will ring out...” ―School Library Journal

“The dynamic, cartoonlike pictures heighten the story's humor; classic comic sight gags inject the scenes with energy and movement.” ―The Horn Book Magazine

“The rhyming verses roll along smoothly with some very satisfying turns of phrase, while the stylized ink drawings and fine watercolor work give the art real pizzazz.” ―Booklist


Children's Book Sense Picks ―Book Sense Winter 2006-2007

Children's Book Award (nominee) ―Florida Reading Association 2007-2008

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (primary) ―Kansas National Education Association 2007

Best Read Aloud Book Award (runner-up) ―ReadBoston 2006