Arnold the Brave by Gundi Herget ill Nikolai Renger
Arnold is no ordinary member of the flock. While others fill their days grazing on the hillside, playing cards, and knitting, Arnold is in training. Push-ups, squats, pull-ups: this is a serious workout. Arnold aspires to be a strong and fearless hero, a Super Sheep. Look at that muscle, which he proudly sports on the cover of Arnold the Brave.
 No one in the meadow seems to take him seriously. He does have one fan, Milo the mole, who cheers for Arnold from an underground hole. Things change the day that a wolf is seen on the horizon and appears to be heading toward the flock. |  |
 This imposing canine has the sheep terrified. Whatever will they do? |  They decide that hiding from the wolf is their best recourse. |
 But not our fearless Super Sheep. He is ready to take on any foe. He has no fear and boldly approaches the wolf. Little does he realize that he has a secret accomplice: Milo bravely puts into action his own scheme to thwart Mr. Wolf. |  |
Reader who are attentive to the images will catch on and knowingly smile when they realize the secret to Arnold's moment of triumph. Herget's clever tongue-in-cheek narrative gently pokes fun at Arnold. Renger's illustrations are spot-on, lovingly spoofing the super hero while letting readers in on the inside joke.
Extension Activities
Ball of Yarn
| This is an excellent opportunity to teach the term unravel to those unfamiliar with knitted sweaters. Obtain an old sweater and demonstrate the process of unraveling. Then have some fun with a ball of yarn by playing the web game. Share something you have in common and pass the ball on, holding onto a piece of the string. Keep it going until you have created your group’s tangled web. At the conclusion, get out the scissors. Everyone gets a yarn bracelet. | |
School Heroes
Sometimes the heroes are the ones we don't notice. Milo is that type of hero: supporting his friend's efforts, cheering for him on, and recognizing his accomplishments. This might be an excellent opportunity to recognize the unsung heroes students encounter at school. Perhaps the honoring the school lunchroom staff and campus custodian would be a good place to start.
 | May 4, 2018 is School Lunch Hero Day. Visit this website for biographies of real life lunch staff members. Get downloadable flyers, cards, lesson plans, and other resources. |
Review, images, and text based on uncorrected copy.
Pub date: March 1, 2018 Publisher: Peter Pauper Press, Inc ISBN: 978-1441326508
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