Sheep With Boots

Martigen Matter (author)

Jan Jutte (illus)

Bill Nagelkerke (translator)

Gecko Press, 2009: 40pp

ISBN: 9781877467424

Genres: allegory, picture book

Issues: stereotypes

Wolf is hungry and, having nothing in the house except a small bottle of wine, is obliged to ‘eat out' on a cold, snowy winter's night. At first startled by the arrival of a complete stranger, Sheep threatens to call Dog. Cunning Wolf offers Sheep a sled ride to Experience and naïve Sheep - oblivious to the danger he's really in - is delighted to accept.

As they journey through the chilly night, Sheep's innocent prattling and kindly nature begin to disturb Wolf's better nature. Will Sheep survive to make the return journey?

A very unusual illustrated short story, Sheep With Boots is a strangely appealing tale. While it can be seen as a straight narrative about a rather stupid Sheep and an indecisive but witty Wolf, Sheep With Boots can also be interpreted as a commentary on our own society. Wolves exist, as do Sheep - but if the Wolves begin to see the Sheep as individuals with lives and hopes of their own, rather than mere fuel for their greed, the world would be a different place.