Dart of Castle Hill is a New Zealand sheep dog working on a beautiful high country farm called Castle Hill. He has lost his sheep and needs to find them. His quest takes him on an exciting journey all around the farm stopping to visit other animals, climbing up mountains, looking in barns and even a quick look in an outhouse loo!
The sheep are hiding very well but Dart finally finds them – and when he does they are making him a big surprise.
I’m liking
This picture book is cleverly produced using a mixture of photography and illustration. The rhymes are fabulous and funny – my three year old has a number of favourite lines, but right up the top of her list would have to be – “Look out for the matagouri! Ouch! Thorny spikes! My backside! Yikes…mind that Cowpat! Splat”. Those lines are requested a number of times before we move on.
I really like the interactive nature of this story. There are little sheep to find hiding along the way, and lots of opportunities to learn about life on a farm.
It’s a great story full of fun and asked for every night at bedtime.
The conclusion
Love the book – I think its great for the 3-5 year age range.
