Full page illustrations depict a typical UK countryside. This provides interest for younger listeners while the storyline provides an entry into discussion of the hard facts surrounding today’s farming methods for older readers. The story explains how current animal husbandry affects the life cycle of sheep.

In depicting the harsh reality facing lambs it also echoes some of the fearful situations facing children, such as loneliness or bullying, when they are away from their families. Eventually Olly the lamb succeeds in his mission to find an animal-friendly farm showing how, with enough bounce and initiative, difficulties can be overcome.

The book provides an easy reader for the 7+ age range with the added benefit of illustrations to bridge the gap between picture books and text books. I hope it may influence some families to introduce vegetarian days into their mealtimes and to realise the health benefits of a plant based diet to humans and, of course, little lambs.