This is Russell.

Sometimes Russell is just a little bit out of step with the rest of the flock.

All the sheep are falling asleep — except Russell.

What's a sheep to do?

Russell tries everything ... until, at last, he falls asleep.

"Humans who have trouble falling asleep have been known to count sheep. But what do insomniacs of the woolly-coated variety do? Russell, a sheep longing for shuteye, is on the case in this sweet-natured picture book. When all is quiet except for Russell, the playfully stocking-capped critter tries everything to lull himself into slumber. Making things darker doesn't help: 'the really dark really scared him.' And searching for a new place to get cozy is a bust, too. ('He tried the hollow of a tree./ That was too creepy!') At long last he gives counting a go: his feet, the stars in the sky — and ultimately, sheep — to fine effect. British native Scotton's children's book debut blends silly and warm into the kind of package that appeals to a broad age range. His stylized sheep — all fleecy white fluff atop matchstick-thin legs, with ping-pong-ball eyes — are simultaneously endearing and comic against a dark night-sky background. The compositions vary in perspective, and Scotton uses spot illustrations to pick up the pace, and framed full-spread paintings when Russell takes a pause. This fresh-feeling bedtime story about one animal's restless ramblings should prove an entertaining send-off-to-the-Sandman for young readers. Ages 3-7." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Rob Scotton is the author and illustrator of the bestselling Russell the Sheep and Russell and the Lost Treasure. His work can also be found on greeting cards, ceramics, textiles, prints, stationery, and glassware. An honors graduate of Leicester Polytechnic, Rob now lives in Rutland, England, with his wife, Liz, who is also an artist.