The past year was definitely challenging, with school shut-downs, hybrid models, and many kids stuck in front of screens. It feels like school just ended – but honestly, before you know it, the rush to buy supplies for the new year will be upon us. And books about the first day of school will be much needed…which is why I’m so thrilled to sing a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Dawn Young’s newest picture book:
Here’s a short synopsis from Amazon:
The sheep won’t let Bo sleep in this hilarious tale of what can go wrong when the sheep you count run amok the night before the first day of school.
Anxious for the first day of school, Bo just wants to fall asleep so he’ll be ready for the day. But when he tries counting sheep, the sheep get bored and scatter, and chaos ensues: “Sheep 5 snags a lunch bag and makes a strange creature. 6 swallows the apple Bo picked for his teacher. Sheep 7 grips scissors, and piece after piece, she snips and she clips, and she trims the flock’s fleece.” Children can count along with Bo as he finds the 10 mischievous sheep misbehaving throughout the house. With a house full of sheep and a mess to clean, will Bo get enough sleep before his big day?
With 10 out-of-control sheep and the beleaguered Bo, this action-packed story will provide comic relief for anyone who might be a little nervous about the first day of school.
A fabulous read-aloud filled with counting and rhymes – kids are going to love this book!
Happily, the lovely Dawn Young stopped by to chat with me and she shared a bit about how this book came to be:
DAWN: Since this book is third in The Night Baafore series, I had to find new mischief for the sheep to get into, and I wanted to make much of it school-related. From making puppets and paper airplanes to painting, drawing and coloring, I tried to include as many school-related activities as possible.
This book is dedicated to all readers and teachers and students everywhere.
PUPPETS? Did someone say PUPPETS? How about an easy paper bag puppet-making activity for the kiddos!
For detailed directions on how to make this adorable paper bag puppet: https://dltk-kids.com/animals/mbaglamb.htm
If you’d like to be in the running for the giveaway copy that author Dawn Young is providing, please leave a comment below – maybe you can share a challenging first day of school in your life. Please share the post on your social media to spread the word about this engaging new book. And remember, the best way to thank an author for a book you love is to buy the book, review the book, tell friends about the book, and ask your library to purchase copies for their collection.
Make sure you come back at the end of the week for a super Perfect Picture Book Friday post for Annette Schottenfeld’s new book, OBI’S MUD BATH.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
That looks a fun read for kids. Loved the puppet making activity.
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Thank you Diane and kids can also make the “creature” puppet the sheep make.
I did and it was fun!
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This story sounds adorable. How many times I have actually tried counting sheep to help me fall asleep. I wish I could say it worked. I am anxious to learn if Bo ever manages to fall asleep.
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Thank you! Bo keeps trying to count them, but those sheep just want to have fun and this time they want to go to school!
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Thanks Vivian. This sounds like a great addition to the series!
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Thank you! They sheep are baa-ck for more fun!
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I love this story!! Such a great expression of mischief. It’s so fun to bring out the magic. Kids love and live in the world of magic and excitement. What happens next? Then giggles begin and sweet little words of more more more! Phenomenal
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Thank you for your kind words! I love the “sweet little words of more more more!” that’s a writer’s dream.
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What a fab book with wonderful art. Wishing Dawn and Pablo continued success.
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Thank you! Every time I look at these illustrations, I am in awe of Pablo’s work.
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This is an adorable concept! After the year we just had, this book will bring much needed humor to anxious children returning to the classroom. Best of luck Dawn!
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Thank you! And yes, what a year
Hoping this book gets kids excited for the first day of school. The sheep are certainly excited!
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This books sounds adorable. What a great idea for a series! Congratulations, Dawn!
On my first day of school, the teacher didn’t know which bus I should ride to get home. Plus, we had to transfer at the high school (graduating classes of 400!). She rode with us to the high school and asked kids if anyone knew me or my cousin. Thankfully, someone claimed us. Very traumatic!
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Thank you! The first day of school can be exciting and/or scary. So sorry your day was traumatic. Hoping this book gets kids excited and…funny you mention the bus. The bus is a big part of this book.
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I do remember my first day of private kindergarten! I was scared and I cried — the WHOLE day. My teacher was the old-school, authoritarian type. The more I cried, the more frustrated she was. The more frustrated she got, the more scared I was and . . . the more I cried. I lasted an entire week and everyone concerned decided I wasn’t ready for kindergarten.
I’m looking forward to reading Dawn Young and Pablo Pino’s, Night BaaFore the First Day of School. Hope Bo’s first day ends up better than his night before. Oh, and I love rhyme!
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Thank you! And I’m so glad you enjoy the rhyme. Sorry to hear about your first day. Hoping this book gets kids excited so they have a fab-ewe-lous first day!
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Oh! Kathryn,
I remember, yikes! I cried the entire kindergarten year. My teacher was so sweet she placed me on her lap every day and played the piano during music time…I think it worked. I passed kindergarten😊👏
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I cannot wait to read this to my grandkids! I’ve been a fan of Bo and his sheep since the first book! And of course, I’m a fan of Dawn and Pablo too! Thanks for sharing!
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Aww thanks Ellen! Hope your grandkids enjoy it. I’m a fan of you too!
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I can’t wait to read this book! It will make excellent mentor text for me too. My most challenging first day of school was my first day at a new school as a first grader. I sat down in the middle of a fourth grade classroom and was terrified when my name wasn’t called during attendance. I shared on tumblr: https://yesreaderwriterpoetmusician.tumblr.com/post/654699412136787968/via-happy-book-birthday-the-night-baafore-the
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Thank you! Oh no. So sorry you had such a scary experience. I hope your day got better by the end. Thank you for sharing.
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What a fun concept for a picture book about preparing for Kindergarten! I wish I’d had this book to read to my Kindergarteners when I taught them. It certainly would have helped calm those nervous jitters on that very first day.
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Thank you. Hopefully those crazy sheep will calm those jitters and get kids looking forward to a first day and year filled with fun!
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Happy book baaathday!
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Thank you! lol
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I love the “Sheep 9 wets his wool” line. Such a fun — and funny– series!
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Thank you! Poor sheep 9. Glad he got a hug 🙂
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What a fun book. Love the expressive illustrations. Think my niece would enjoy this book! Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you! Pablo’s illustrations are amazing – so much to look at and laugh at! Hope your niece enjoys it!
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This book looks like so much fun. Good luck with it, Dawn.
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Thank you so much! The sheep sure had fun!
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Fabulous! What a unique take on the first day os school!!
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Thank you! Who knew sheep would want to go to school? lol
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Yes, before we know it, school will start! EEK! This book will be perfect for reading in August. 🙂 Congratulations!
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Thank you! Here in Arizona, school starts in early August and those sheep can’t wait! lol
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DAWN, BO, AND SHEEP!: What a creative take on “counting sheep to go to sleep”–I LOVE IT!!! And the illustrations are DARLING!!! I SURE could have used this book to get me ready for school as a nervous kid. I know it will help SO MANY in a SUPER FUN way!!!
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Thank you! I love your enthusiasm! Appreciate the kind words. Pablo’s work is amazing 🙂
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Having survived a super-challenging year as a teacher, I look forward to laughing and reading this funny book with my new students at the start of the upcoming year. Thanks Dawn and Pablo for another wonderful book!
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Thank you so much Kristen! It’s dedicated to teachers, students and readers everywhere!
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I’m so looking forward to this next book in this fun series! I love how Dawn combines a back-to-school story with counting, rhyme, and lots of action.
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Thank you so much. Those crazy sheep sure keep Bo on his toes with lots of action!
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