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Mary Had a Little Lamb

Everyone knows the story of Mary and her little lamb with fleece as white as snow. But what happens one day when the lamb decides to go off alone?

Fans of Iza Trapani will delight as this adorable little lamb wanders across the farm, meeting an assortment of equally appealing characters. From a big brown horse to a tough old goose to a pen full of happy pigs, children will laugh out loud as Mary's little lamb stumbles from one mess to the next in this fun-filled rhyming adventure.

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1998

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Iza Trapani

49 books35 followers

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5 stars
53 (27%)
4 stars
55 (28%)
3 stars
69 (36%)
2 stars
11 (5%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Adrienne.
2,099 reviews16 followers
March 1, 2014
Mary's little lamb sets of on an adventure and winds up very dirty when it encounters other animals. This is a fun alternate version the classic nursery rhyme. The pictures are cute--especially the last one with the lamb all tucked in bed.
34 reviews
September 21, 2017
1. Awards the book has received: None

2. Appropriate grade level(s): This book is appropriate for preschool through first grade

3. Original 3-line summary: In this book, Mary had a little lamb that usually follows her around, but one day, went on a journey around the farm. It is a retelling of the classic nursery rhyme, but the author extended the story to have the lamb encounter many other animals on the farm. After stumbling all around and getting dirty, the lamb finds Mary again, who cleans it off and tucks it into bed.

4. Original 3-line review: I loved the retelling of this classic. I liked how the author made the short rhyme into a whole story that follows the lamb on a journey. This is great so the young readers can see all the different animals that live on a farm.

5. 2-3 possible in-class uses:
• Have the students turn and talk to their partner about the events that happened, and what animals the lamb met.
• Have the students draw their own depiction of a farm with the animals in the story.
26 reviews
May 9, 2019
-This book did not receive any awards.

-Pre-K-Kindergarten

-Mary Had a Little Lamb is a story based on the nursery rhyme of the same name. Mary's lamb decided to venture on its own while Mary is in school and it runs into trouble along the way. With words and pictures, it represents how the nursery rhyme is being told and shows the mischievous adventures Mary's lamb is going through on the farm while Mary is in school.

-This version of Mary Had a Little Lamb is a great read and really stands out from the original with its pictures and words. Not only that, but it will also show children the importance of nursery rhymes and see that they can both be songs and stories at the same time.

-Besides the song, there are activities that can be done with the story. One is to have the children create their own lamb by drawing its body and gluing cotton balls on it and can even name it whatever they want. Another is to have them create their own version of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and can have them sing it with the class.
26 reviews
April 29, 2018
1. None
2. PreK-K
3. This version of the classic nursery rhyme depicts the traditional tale, but with an added twist where Mary's little lamb wanders off alone to it's own adventure. The lamb meets a variety of funny characters that capture the attention of the reader.
4. I liked this spin-off tale because it takes an unexpected turn from the original, providing a new experience for those who are already familiar with the original narrative. It's imaginative and humorous, with likable characters and fun illustrations.
5. This book could be used for a writing lesson (either whole group or small group) where the student's could alter the ending and write their own adventure for the little lamb to embark on.
26 reviews
November 21, 2018
Appropriate Grade Level: PreKindergarten-Kindergarten
Summary: Mary is a little girl who has a lamb that follows her everywhere she goes. One day the lamb decides not to follow Mary and makes a visit to the farm. All the lamb wants to do is play with the other animals, but everything goes terribly wrong.
Review: I have never heard this version of "Mary Had a Little Lamb." It has a cute twist to the story, as the lamb decides to be free one day. Despite changing the traditional "Mary Had a Little Lamb," the author still does an excellent job with the rhyming throughout this version.
In Class Use: This nursery rhyme can be read/sang during transition times within the classroom. It can also be used as a strategy to regain the students' attention.
32 reviews
March 29, 2021
This book, based on the nursery rhyme, follows the story of the lamb and does not focus much on Mary. I really like the way that it does not follow the traditional nursery rhyme and instead tells a story about the lamb, but still uses rhyming.

The watercolor illustrations are very engaging and take up the entirety of every page. There is no white space on any of the pages, and I think children would really enjoy examining the detail of every illustration.

This book could definitely be used as a read aloud, as well as to supplement a lesson on rhyming. It is a very fun and engaging spin on the original nursery rhyme that every child is familiar with.
Profile Image for Briana Bencivenga.
26 reviews
April 26, 2019
1. Awards: n/a
2. Appropriate grade level: Preschool- 1st grade
3. Original Summary: Mary’s lamb left Mary to explore the farm they live on. The lamb meets other delightful animals, while getting into some messes.This is a rendition of the classic nursery rhyme with silly twists.
4. Original Review: I loved this book! The author included an interesting turn of events, which will likely engage readers. There are likable characters and engaging illustrations.
5. 2-3 in class uses: This book can be used for transitions if sung or while trying to gain attention.
42 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2017
-N/A
-Pre-K to 2nd grade

-SUMMARY:
The classical tale of a little girl Mary and her little white lamb. They go on an adventure and meet a whole bunch of animals. It is an entertaining story as Mary's little lamb stumbles around meeting their new friends.

-REVIEW:
An enjoyable book with friendly pictures and an engaging rhyming story line. It has a simple layout that will be useful for new readers.

-IN-CLASS USES:
1. transition
2. can be used for shared reading
Profile Image for Natalie Guido.
26 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2018
Awards the book has received (if any): None
Appropriate grade level(s): Preschool through Kindergarten
Original summary: Mary had a Little Lamb is a classic song of Mary and her lamb who followed her to school.
Original review: This is a classic song whos repetitive nature makes it easy for children to catch on and follow along.
1-2 possible in-class uses: This could be used as part of a unit about farms. This could also be sued to teach about rhymes.
Profile Image for Heather Jo.
1,879 reviews9 followers
August 23, 2018
lily summer reading 2018, rhyme, classic,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Audrey Rogers.
170 reviews
April 21, 2026
It followed her to work one day.
Work one day.
Work one day.
It
Followed
Her
To Work
One
Day!
And Mary lost her job.
Profile Image for Patricia Teskera.
39 reviews
February 27, 2017
1. No awards
2. Preschool to 2nd grade
3. This is the classic story of a little lamb who decided to go off and adventure for the day besides sticking by Mary's side as usual. Everything goes wrong from letting the horse out, to getting soaked in milk, to the hens running around like crazy and so on. Mary finds the lamb all muddy and washes her off and they both go to sleep together.
4. I liked that the message of the story is that wanting to be free and independent is okay and that you can always return home. It was fun and easy to read because it was rhyming and had great illustrations.
5. Rhyming, teach them about independency, teach them about animals
39 reviews
October 12, 2016
This book would most likely be enjoyed by ages 3-7. Its most appropriate uses would be in a pre-K or kindergarten classroom because of its simplicity and whimsy. Students would gain insight to word patterns since the book follows an ABAC rhyme scheme, so the children can easily notice which words rhyme and which do not. Also, I could ask them to think about how the lamb felt on each page and do an analysis page by page that they work on in groups and then share with the whole class.
The book starts off with the original "Mary had a little lamb. . ." verse, but then follows the lamb as he goes through the farm. The author keeps the same rhythm from the original verse throughout the story. The lamb is met with disdain from the other animals, mainly because he gets them wet, scares them, or causes some kind of discomfort. After the long, hard day, Mary washes the lamb and puts him to bed, returning to normalcy. I enjoyed this book because it is the only one of Trapani's that has an original spin to it. Sure, the others carried some creativity, but only in this book does Trapani take the expected perfect little lamb, and cause trouble for him. It is an interesting twist on the story, and would be a good introduction to point of view since it tells a different story than what the children are used to. However, I found in this book, and all of Trapani's, that the pictures did a better job at conveying the elements of the story in place of the words. But, this aspect can be used to teach about inference in a story, or having the children explain what is happening on the pages since the words do not always encapsulate the entire meaning.
6 reviews
November 22, 2011
THIS IS THE BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BESTBEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST book i have ever read.
52 reviews
October 22, 2016
SONG
1. No award
2. Preschool - Kindergarten
3. Mary's lamb decided to venture off on the farm instead of hanging around Mary for a day. When the lamb took off, it was very clumsy and did make any new friends. The lamb decided to go back to Mary where it was safe and welcoming every time.
4. This was a cute song book to read along to with the friendly illustrations. I was not a fan of how all the barn animals were mean and bullying the poor lamb; it was very sad. This is a simple text to read and it had a constant repetition of four lines on every two pages.
5. This book would be used in a classroom to go over different common songs for children and that every other line ends with a rhyming word. Also kids could imagine other places the lamb may go.
29 reviews
April 29, 2015

“Mary had a little lamb is a story about Mary’s little lamb wandering across the farm. The lamb during its wandering meets other characters. Some of the characters are other farm animals and children. This silly rhyming book is actually historical fiction. The book is recommended for age’s three to five and many children will enjoy reading it. The words are simple and rhyme. The illustrations are full of farm life and are easy for children to learn all their farm animals. I give this book three stars for being a fun book to own.
Profile Image for Tricia.
2,669 reviews
March 30, 2008
storybook of well known song. mary's lamb goes on adventures but is happy to get back home to mary.
Profile Image for Tasha.
166 reviews2 followers
November 25, 2009
I love the pictures and the imagination it stirs.
Profile Image for Joy.
292 reviews
March 3, 2012
After the lamb gets picked on, she returns to Mary. Mary takes care of her and loves her despite the bullying in the farmyard.
39 reviews
September 21, 2017
“Mary had a Little Lamb” by Iza Trapani; published by Whispering Coyote Press; Texas; copyright 1998.
1. Awards the book has received: This book has not received an award.
2. Appropriate grade level(s): This book is appropriate for children from Pre-Kindergarten to Kindergarten.
3. Summary: This is a story of a little lamb who gets into some trouble with many different farm animals when he decides to wander free from his friends Mary. The little lamb encounters many animals and gets very messy. Finally the lamb finds his way back to Mary and she cleans him off and they are back together where they belong.
4. Review: This book is very cute and a good read for young children. They should all know the nursery rhyme of “Mary had a Little Lamb” but this extends the story a little more. The illustrations are very funny and enjoyable. They demonstrate the actions of the story very well.

5. Uses in the classroom:
• Can be used to introduce different far, animals and their role or what they do.
• Students can order the sequence of events in the story.
• The students can sing along to a song of the nursery rhyme to better follow the story.
• The series of words on the pages can help the students learn rhyming, letter sounds and other phonological awareness skills.
• The students can work on pairing words that match with one another from the story.
21 reviews
October 5, 2017
1). Awards the book has received: None
2). Appropriate Grade levels: Preschool-2nd grade
3). Original 3-line summary: This classic nursery rhyme follows a young girl and her little lamb. The girl and her lamb do everything together, but one day the little white lamb decides to venture off and explore the farm on his own. The little lamb encounters many other farm animals such as, a big brown horse, a pen full of pigs, and a silly goose.
4). Original review: I enjoyed reading this nursery rhyme because it was easy to read and understand. The author incorporated friendly and engaging pictures that young readers can enjoy. Young readers can also learn about simple farm animals by reading this classic nursery rhyme.
5). 2-3 possible in-class uses: Teachers can teach students about farm animals. Teachers can have students draw pictures of some animals that live on a farm. Another in-class use is teaching them about friendship. The girl and the lamb were great friends, and teachers can use this book as a clear example of friendship.
36 reviews
Read
December 1, 2017

"Mary Had A Little Lamb" by Iza Trapani; published by Scholastic, Inc.; New York New Yor;, copyright 1998
1. Awards this book has recieved: This book has not recieved any awards.
2. Appropriate grade level(s): This book is appropriate for grades pre-k through first grade.
3. Summary: This book is a sing along to the famous children's song "Mary Had a Little Lamb," with a slight twist. In this story, the little lamb wanders into the barn to try and play with the farm animals. The lamb causes quite a raucous, and ends up muddy brown in the end.
Review: This book is good for young children who know the song, because they can sing along to the tune while also reading a different rendition to the story. It strays away from the original, which is good practice for young readers. It also includes the words to the song in the back so the teacher could play before reading and again after.
4. Uses in the classroom:
-Have children sing along
-Use a Big Book to do a read aloud with children, pointing and having them follow along to the different version
-Have children draw pictures to go along with the story
26 reviews
Read
December 1, 2018
1) Awards: none

2) Age Range: 3-6

3) Summary: While wandering across the farm, a little lamb meets many different animals. It ends its day by being tucked into bed by Mary

4) Review: I've never seen "Mary had a Little Lamb" done as a book. I like that it was given more of a storyline

5) In Class Use: I would read this story to the class and then have them sing the song
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews