Betsy Who Cried Wolf

Betsy is determined to be the best shepherd Bray Valley has ever knownand the Valley has known some lousy shepherds! Then Betsy faces Zimmo, a wolf with a plan and a growling stomach. Somehow she alone must protect her sheep from this very hungry fellow. But as it turns out, Zimmo longs for something more than just food &

Betsy Who Cried Wolf , by Newbery Honor-author Gail Carson Levine, retells the tale of The Boy Who Cried Wolf but with a determined young lady as its heroine and a crafty wolf as the villain. Known for her clever twists and her retellings of classic tales, Levine adds levity to this serious story. Children will cheer for Betsys bravery and sharp thinking.

Scott Nashs playful illustrations evoke a folktale feel without taking itself too seriously. Bright, inviting colors catch the eye and the talking sheep who dialogue in text balloons add a touch of whimsy.

This is a charming send-off of the classic story The Boy Who Cried Wolf. In this version, Betsy, a 8 year-old who has just graduated from Shepherd's School, has just started watching her flock of sheep.

She keeps a careful eye on them as they try to climb trees, fall in rivers, and make constant funny comments (perhaps my favorite part of the book are the little sheep thought bubbles).

But Zimmo the wolf is hungry and lonely and he has a plan. He gets Betsy to cry wolf twice and then hides so that the farmers send her back to Shepherd's School. After they let her back, Zimmo shows himself again and this time charges the sheep.

Betsy saves the day by giving Zimmo her lunch (rhubarb pie, which smells much better than the sheep) and soon Zimmo is helping her watch the flock. As one of the sheep say, there's a moral in here somewhere.

The illustrations are very cute and the text flows well. Great bedtime read for kids.