Annabel's Dance

Annabel definitely does not fit in. In a flock of perfectly white sheep, she is the mud-puddle-coloured, fuzzy-haired sheep who is very good at avoiding shearing time. “Annabel’s Dance” is a beautiful story about a sheep with sensory sensitivities; the grass that prickles her tongue, the sound of the shears, the smell of the shed, the crowding of the mob. Her sensitivities give rise to certain behaviours which mean she is excluded and “labelled”. But things start to get out of hand when she avoids shearing time for too long, and something must be done. The farmer is the person we all wish we could be who adapts his own behaviour to Annabel’s needs to facilitate her inclusion. Parents and teachers of children with sensory integration difficulties and Autism will find their own children reflected in the story, and appreciate the ultimate message of acceptance. With beautiful illustrations (and stunning endsheets), it’s a worthy addition to an inclusive book collection.