Russell and the Lost Treasure (by Rob Scotton)

As a stand-alone story, a sheep's treasure-seeking adventure is amusing enough, but it's the pictures that really make this picture book shine. Author-illustrator Rob Scotton is one of Great Britain's most popular commercial artists; his images of round-eyed fluffy animals can be found on posters, mugs, and even salt & pepper shakers. In Scotton's second picture book, his humorous, larger-than-life characters jump, twist, and twirl their way against busy backgrounds with enough detail to keep kids' interest.

Scotton manages to pack a lot of plot into a fairly short book, making for an easy read that has a lot of bang for its buck. The ending is heartwarming without being preachy or maudlin, and the comforting final page makes this an appropriate bedtime book.