Duncan is a master of endless delays, at least when it comes to sleeping. While he relishes the routine leading up to bedtime – the snacks, the taste of bubble-gum toothpaste – sleeping itself is the problem. Mom is well acquainted with Duncan’s stalling tactics: pyjama temperature, water supply, pillows fluffed just so. Cognizant of his penchant for theatrics, she creates a foolproof plan – in the form of an absurdly overstocked, sleep-enabling bedroom – to counter all of Duncan’s possible excuses.

“Try counting sheep,” she adds on her way out. Giving it a go, Duncan calls up a procession of dreamland gatekeepers. They each pass over the bed with ease. That is until sheep no. 68 shows up.

Like Duncan, no. 68 does not want to sleep and offers up myriad excuses. Duncan knows the drill, and with enough nudging and assurance, 68 finally passes to the other side of the bed allowing sheep and youngster to get some much-needed rest. Kerry Lyn Sparrow’s debut picture book illuminates the age-old proverb: the world is a mirror reflecting ourselves back to us.

A child’s world is one where everyone towers over them – literally and figuratively. At every turn a child is confronted by a person with more authority and life experience. It’s gratifying when they are given a brief moment to demonstrate their wisdom and be a guide to someone smaller.

Sparrow captures the voices of Duncan, his mother, and no. 68 with ease, creating a rich set of characters brought to life by strong narrative and funny dialogue. Illustrator Guillaume Perreault is not afraid to get creative with page space; a helpful diagram and use of colour on only select objects hone the focus and shake up traditional storytelling. By incorporating friendly animation with quirky details – such as sheep wearing numbered racing suits – Duncan’s world becomes a vibrant abode for readers. The tranquil yellow and brown tones, as well as textured pencil shadings, infuse this tale with warmth and depth.

While there is no shortage of picture books about counting sheep, this one offers an opportunity for inner reflection and humour, while its soothing neutral palette is perfect for tired eyes. Sleep, Sheep! will speak to reluctant sleepers – and aspiring sheep herders, too. –Nicole Abi-Najem