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Farmer Brown
Farmer Brown Shears His Sheep: A Yarn About Wool
Farmer Brown shears his sheep and has their wool made into yarn, but after they beg to have it back he knits the yarn into sweaters for them. By the author of The Thing That Bothered Farmer Brown.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 5, 2015
Farmer brown realizes that, by forgoing profits for one business cycle and instead re-investing into his business, he's able to greatly increase labor morale and productivity in the long run. Solid treatise on sheep management in cold climes.
December 2, 2008
Farmer Brown Shears his Sheep by Teri Sloat
A charming tale in rhyme set in the all familiar barnyard, complete with sweater wearing barnyard friends.
Ages 3-8
This upbeat rhyming story is filled with bright colors and humor sure to delight young readers. It tells the tale of a farmer and his shearing of his sheep and how the sheep are just not happy to be left cold. All is well though as the farmer finds a creative solution by making sweaters. Kids learn the process of turning wool into yarn and then into sweaters all while laughing uproariously at the antics of the cute little sheep.
A fun little book that is short and entertaining with cute colorful, full paged illustrations. This is a good book for sharing or as a read-aloud with the preschool or early elementary set. Plenty of nonsense and silliness to go around.
Children's Literature
Get ready for a story-hour tale that will tickle your funny bone and leave kids asking for more. Full of rhythmic rhyme, hilarious illustrations, and just plain fun, the story follows Farmer Brown through the wild and wooly process of making yarn from wool. There's only one problem. Sheared down to sheer fuzz, the sheep are left shivering. They want that wool baaaaack! They chase after Farmer Brown in shock as their wool is washed, combed, spun, and dyed beyond recognition. When one brave sheep shivering and shaking reaches through the window to get the yarn, Farmer Brown realizes the dilemma. He grabs the wool, his shivering sheep, and his knitting needles. In no time, he knits his chilly friends colorful wooly sweaters, which they wear proudly. Now, each time shearing season starts, the sheep are eagerly shaved. 2000, Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Ages 2 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Leslie Julian
This gives a good evaluation in the opening line followed by an accurate description of the plot. I agree with this reviewer.
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2-Bouncy verse takes readers right into a common rural scene: "Farmer Brown was shearing sheep,/Piling up a snowy heap/Of wool that filled his shed, knee-deep." Meanwhile, the silly illustrations hint at a story that is anything but ordinary: unshorn sheep are huddled together in wide-eyed dread, while those who have been buzzed are shivering. The cold creatures want their wool back and follow Farmer Brown as he takes it from place to place to have it washed, combed, carded, spun, and dyed until he finally takes pity on them and "Knit-purl, knit-purl,/The farmer's fingers looped and twirled" and he creates colorful sweaters for each one. "Now each year, come shearing time,/The sheep wait eagerly in line/To feel the clip and hear the buzz,/And wear bright sweaters over fuzz." The consistently cheerful and unstrained rhyme spins a great yarn, and at the same time pleasantly conveys facts about wool processing. Westcott's characteristically humorous watercolor cartoons will evoke a few giggles as the bare sheep peek in windows, chase the farmer, get tangled in the yarn, and finally warm up in their cozy sweaters. Pair this lighthearted romp with this creative team's Farmer Brown Goes Round and Round (DK Ink, 1999) and The Thing That Bothered Farmer Brown (Orchard, 1995).-Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
I love this review as it seems to capture the mayhem and silliness of this book.
Kirkus Reviews
It's baaaaad news for the sheep when Farmer Brown (The Thing That Bothered Farmer Brown, 1995) brings out the shears. ("Clip-clip, buzz-buzz, / He took their wool and left them fuzz.") Oblivious to the shorn and shivering flock trotting along behind, Farmer Brown cheerfully hauls away bags of fleece to be washed, carded, spun, and dyed. ("From fleece to yarn, it stretched and changed— / ‘Baaa!' they cried. ‘Our wool looks strange!' ") Only when the sheep nerve themselves to snatch the skeins does Farmer Brown become aware of their plight and, proving himself as adept with knitting needles as with those shears, he fashions brightly colored cardigans for all. (Picture the shivering sheep standing on the porch, serving as spool for the threads of yarn.) Like several books, from Tomie dePaola's Charlie Needs a Cloak (1973) to Robyn Eversole's Red Berry Wool (1999), this will give readers at least a sense of how wool gets from sheep to sweater. But with Sloat's frisky rhymed text and Westcott's sunny watercolor cartoons, it's even more clearly a breezy lesson in compassion. (Picture book. 5-7)
Frisky is a good word to choose for this book, and I liked that they gave a sample of the types of rhymes encountered in this book.
A charming tale in rhyme set in the all familiar barnyard, complete with sweater wearing barnyard friends.
Ages 3-8
This upbeat rhyming story is filled with bright colors and humor sure to delight young readers. It tells the tale of a farmer and his shearing of his sheep and how the sheep are just not happy to be left cold. All is well though as the farmer finds a creative solution by making sweaters. Kids learn the process of turning wool into yarn and then into sweaters all while laughing uproariously at the antics of the cute little sheep.
A fun little book that is short and entertaining with cute colorful, full paged illustrations. This is a good book for sharing or as a read-aloud with the preschool or early elementary set. Plenty of nonsense and silliness to go around.
Children's Literature
Get ready for a story-hour tale that will tickle your funny bone and leave kids asking for more. Full of rhythmic rhyme, hilarious illustrations, and just plain fun, the story follows Farmer Brown through the wild and wooly process of making yarn from wool. There's only one problem. Sheared down to sheer fuzz, the sheep are left shivering. They want that wool baaaaack! They chase after Farmer Brown in shock as their wool is washed, combed, spun, and dyed beyond recognition. When one brave sheep shivering and shaking reaches through the window to get the yarn, Farmer Brown realizes the dilemma. He grabs the wool, his shivering sheep, and his knitting needles. In no time, he knits his chilly friends colorful wooly sweaters, which they wear proudly. Now, each time shearing season starts, the sheep are eagerly shaved. 2000, Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Ages 2 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Leslie Julian
This gives a good evaluation in the opening line followed by an accurate description of the plot. I agree with this reviewer.
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2-Bouncy verse takes readers right into a common rural scene: "Farmer Brown was shearing sheep,/Piling up a snowy heap/Of wool that filled his shed, knee-deep." Meanwhile, the silly illustrations hint at a story that is anything but ordinary: unshorn sheep are huddled together in wide-eyed dread, while those who have been buzzed are shivering. The cold creatures want their wool back and follow Farmer Brown as he takes it from place to place to have it washed, combed, carded, spun, and dyed until he finally takes pity on them and "Knit-purl, knit-purl,/The farmer's fingers looped and twirled" and he creates colorful sweaters for each one. "Now each year, come shearing time,/The sheep wait eagerly in line/To feel the clip and hear the buzz,/And wear bright sweaters over fuzz." The consistently cheerful and unstrained rhyme spins a great yarn, and at the same time pleasantly conveys facts about wool processing. Westcott's characteristically humorous watercolor cartoons will evoke a few giggles as the bare sheep peek in windows, chase the farmer, get tangled in the yarn, and finally warm up in their cozy sweaters. Pair this lighthearted romp with this creative team's Farmer Brown Goes Round and Round (DK Ink, 1999) and The Thing That Bothered Farmer Brown (Orchard, 1995).-Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
I love this review as it seems to capture the mayhem and silliness of this book.
Kirkus Reviews
It's baaaaad news for the sheep when Farmer Brown (The Thing That Bothered Farmer Brown, 1995) brings out the shears. ("Clip-clip, buzz-buzz, / He took their wool and left them fuzz.") Oblivious to the shorn and shivering flock trotting along behind, Farmer Brown cheerfully hauls away bags of fleece to be washed, carded, spun, and dyed. ("From fleece to yarn, it stretched and changed— / ‘Baaa!' they cried. ‘Our wool looks strange!' ") Only when the sheep nerve themselves to snatch the skeins does Farmer Brown become aware of their plight and, proving himself as adept with knitting needles as with those shears, he fashions brightly colored cardigans for all. (Picture the shivering sheep standing on the porch, serving as spool for the threads of yarn.) Like several books, from Tomie dePaola's Charlie Needs a Cloak (1973) to Robyn Eversole's Red Berry Wool (1999), this will give readers at least a sense of how wool gets from sheep to sweater. But with Sloat's frisky rhymed text and Westcott's sunny watercolor cartoons, it's even more clearly a breezy lesson in compassion. (Picture book. 5-7)
Frisky is a good word to choose for this book, and I liked that they gave a sample of the types of rhymes encountered in this book.
March 28, 2013
A kindergarten teacher introduced me to this book today, as I prepared to teach a class on the many uses of wool. The illustrations were a perfect accompaniment to my curriculum.
January 25, 2021
Great rhymes. Details the entire process of shearing, cleaning, carding, spinning, dyeing, etc.
February 23, 2011
If I've read this book once this week I've read it a hundred times and its only Wednesday! Farmer Brown Shears His Sheep a lovely story about shearing time and what happens to the sheep's wool after they are sheared. This is a great educational book that shows children the process in a silly rhyming text. Everything was fine and dandy on the farm until the sun goes down and Farmer Brown's sheep get cold.... BAA!! They cried we want it back! I'm sure you can guess what Farmer Brown ended up doing. A great book to have for your little one if you are a spinner or knitter. T gives this two thumbs up!
January 12, 2009
This is my all time favorite kid's book. It takes you through all the steps wool goes through to become yarn. After they are sheared, the sheep follow Farmer Brown through the book, shivering all the way. Finally, after the wool has been spun, he notices them and makes things right. Sadly, this is out of print.
November 2, 2019
This is my all time favorite children's picture book. I love the poetry form used and the expression on the faces of the sheep. My son was inspired to do his own wool work after reading this book, and we crocheted a little sweater for a sheep with yarn that he made.
January 21, 2021
Fun rhyming text shows the process of making a sweater, from shearing, cleaning and carding, spinning, dyeing, and knitting. The "naked" sheep are pretty funny, and I love that men are shown carding, spinning, and knitting.
picture-books
January 17, 2025Date: 01.17.25
Attendees: 104
Theme: Yarn
Introduction and announcements: We clap and sing hello
Book one: Leave Me Alone by Vera Brosgol
Song/rhyme/game one: Wind the Bobbin Up
Book two: Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett
Song/rhyme/game two: Move! By Super Simple Songs
Book three: Farmer Brown Shears His Sheep: A Yarn About Wool by Teri Sloat
Song/ rhyme/ game three: I’ll Wave my Scarf
Activity: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com...
Attendees: 104
Theme: Yarn
Introduction and announcements: We clap and sing hello
Book one: Leave Me Alone by Vera Brosgol
Song/rhyme/game one: Wind the Bobbin Up
Book two: Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett
Song/rhyme/game two: Move! By Super Simple Songs
Book three: Farmer Brown Shears His Sheep: A Yarn About Wool by Teri Sloat
Song/ rhyme/ game three: I’ll Wave my Scarf
Activity: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com...
February 10, 2024
The sheep’s distress at having their wool taken from them definitely deserves a talk about story vs life and how we don’t take things without permission but how it’s healthy for sheep to be shorn in real life and/or how sometimes we’re so caught up in our own ideas we don’t realize we hurt someone else… but excellent description of how yarn is made and then a fine solution when Farmer Brown makes it better for the sheep!
June 29, 2019
This is a great example of the power of illustrations. A cute story about wool going from the sheep to yarn, but the illustrations bring it to life with Nadine Bernard Westcott showing the silly antics of the sheep. Delightful!
This would be a great read aloud to kick off a knitting camp or maker program, and for knitters everywhere, too!
This would be a great read aloud to kick off a knitting camp or maker program, and for knitters everywhere, too!
May 2, 2020
This book is good for reader who are just starting to read, though some of the pictures may be distracting. The pictures are fun to look at done very well but they can be to fun to look for younger children. There are some good rhyming words that make the book catchy.
September 13, 2025
One of those books that get asked for regularly and I don't get tired of reading it. The illustrations are charming and lively; the repetitive, rhyming text is easily echoed by the child (pre-reading skill developingment) and this grownup thinks it's fun to read. Baaa.
July 13, 2017
My grandson loves this book and brought it along for his sleepover. It was so much fun to read and very creative. Baaaa!
December 3, 2017
Great for storytime, cheerful rhymes help us discuss where yarn comes from.
February 15, 2018
A cheerfully rhyming book about how we get and use wool. My students were thrilled to see pink bare sheep bottoms, causing giggles every time we read it.
November 29, 2019
I did not know there could be such a thing as a clever children's book about turning raw wool fleece into finely spun yarn.
November 25, 2020
An accessible, albiet in a cartoon fashion, introduction to sheering and making yarn from wool.
July 18, 2023
This is a childhood favorite of mine. Very cute book with colorful, lively illustrations.
February 29, 2024
Very fun. Whimsical.
March 25, 2026
This was another favorite childhood book of mine, I would definitely recommend it to others!
April 30, 2026
This was cute but the kids didn’t quite understand why the farmer sheared them and thought he was being mean.
February 15, 2017
So cute!!!
March 3, 2010
I wouldn't say this is a fantabulous children's book. But boy does it make me smile--the concept, the rhymes, some of the illustrations. Sometimes I like a bit of fluff. (Ha ha ha ha!) Interestingly enough, though, it still teaches about where wool comes from. So I know I'm attached to this story. But I don't know how to fit it into a storytime. Not just yet. Maybe with experience I'll figure out how to work it in.
October 5, 2013
Oh my gawd! Sheep! Wearing sweaters! With rosy cheeks! This is a cute story told in rhymes and rhythms that will be perfect for story time. Minus one star because I only just like the pictures- don't love them. Also, all the human characters in the book are white. Bummer. The male farmer likes knitting, though, so that's something.
April 15, 2014
It's a great story (hence the 4 stars), but the writing is a little clumsy. A farmer shears his sheep and continues on with the process of having the wool cleaned, carded, spun and died into yarn. The sheep are now freezing without their wool...so he makes sweaters from the wool and gives them to the sheep!
January 28, 2015
Rating: 3.5
Cute book about the process of how a sheep's fur becomes a sweater. It's a bit tough to read out loud because the rhyming is stilted and ends in awkward places. But I liked the book overall, and so did the kiddos. It went well with my sewing/weaving storytime.
Decent for pre-k and K storytime.
Cute book about the process of how a sheep's fur becomes a sweater. It's a bit tough to read out loud because the rhyming is stilted and ends in awkward places. But I liked the book overall, and so did the kiddos. It went well with my sewing/weaving storytime.
Decent for pre-k and K storytime.
December 6, 2010
A good winter-time story. A farmer sheers his sheep, who want their wool back - they are cold! The tale follows the wool as it goes through the process of becoming yarn. Nice rhyme & rhythm, so a fun, fast-paced tale that will bring smiles.
June 27, 2013
We got this from the library a long time ago and my six-year-old just mentioned it today, so I guess it stuck in his memory! It is a delightful book that's also educational about the process of getting yarn and sweaters from sheep's wool.
June 16, 2015
This book put a smile on my face :) Fun illustrations (love the sheep's bare buns), enchanting rhyming scheme, and a cute story. Could use this book for teaching about sequencing and making predictions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews