Can't Sleep Without Sheep
By Susanna Leonard Hill
The Story
A sleepless girl counts sheep every night until her sheep get so exhausted they quit, sending chickens, cows, pigs, and hippos leaping over her fence to audition as replacements.
Why It's Special
For the kid who fights sleep every single night, this flips the tired bedtime script — here, it's the sheep who can't take it anymore.
- Big idea: Even our most reliable routines need a break sometimes, and finding what works can take some hilarious trial and error.
- Vibes: Silly, cozy, and a little chaotic — a bedtime book that pokes fun at bedtime itself.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy animals doing unexpected jobs
- like to picture barnyard animals jumping fences
- respond well to funny twists on familiar bedtime routines
- are working on settling down and falling asleep
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: Why do you think the sheep finally got too tired to keep jumping for Ava?
- Imagination: If you were picking an animal to jump over your fence, which one would you choose?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think the sheep felt after counting for Ava night after night?
- Real-life connection: What helps you fall asleep when you can't stop wiggling around?
