A Literary Hub Most Anticipated Children's Book of 2026

"Barnett’s text begs to be read to large groups, thanks to Tom Nancy’s outsize personality; this delightful read-aloud will elicit true gasps of surprise at the climax. Attend the tale of a nefarious woolly con artist, and prepare for laughs galore." —STARRED REVIEW, Kirkus Reviews

"There’s no woolgathering in this wickedly funny farm fable . . . . It’s a comeuppance tale with bite to spare, and an ending ewe won’t see coming." —STARRED REVIEW, Publishers Weekly

"The rather dark conclusion, with all the air of a classic fairy tale, will shock and delight young readers. A sure-fire crowd-pleaser." —STARRED REVIEW, Booklist

"Talents Barnett and Fang come together to create a hilarious work that should be shared widely in classrooms, ­libraries and homes; their synergy is sardonic, mischievous and a romping good time. . . . Don’t be sheepish, just buy it and read it with as many kids as you can."—School Library Journal

"The rather dark conclusion, with all the air of a classic fairy tale, will shock and delight young readers. A sure-fire crowd-pleaser." —Booklist

"So good. It’s one of those rare books where the author and the illustrator really seem to be egging each other on in regards to who can be more funny." —K-Fai Steele, author and illustrator of A Normal Pig and All Eyes on Ozzy!