Iconic sheep with the world's heaviest fleece features in new National Museum book
Inspired by the true story of a merino ram who was lost for five years in the bush near Canberra and set the record for the world's heaviest fleece, A Woolly Tale is a delightful new fictional tale for children launched by the National Museum of Australia.
Written by author Jackie Hosking, A Woolly Tale follows the life and adventures of Chris, the world's woolliest sheep, whose fleece is on display at the National Museum in Canberra.
The children's book is a creative retelling of Chris' adventures brought to life with striking illustrations by Paul Lalo of Soymilk Studio, which feature a distinctive 3D collage style.
The book is the third in a series of books produced by the Museum and inspired by the stories in its Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre.
National Museum director Katherine McMahon said Chris the sheep is a beloved Canberra character who has enchanted visitors since his 41.1-kilogram fleece was acquired by the Museum in 2016.
'Chris became an international media story after his fleece was recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's 'heaviest sheep fleece', breaking records previously set in New Zealand by a whopping 12 kilograms.
'It's wonderful to bring this touching fictional story to life for a new generation of children,' Ms McMahon said.
Author Jackie Hosking said she imagined what Chris the Sheep might have got up to during his 'missing years'.
'Originally, I thought I might have him do something out of this world, like travelling to space but then opted for a more plausible story. I researched merino sheep and learned that they do not shed their wool and that they are foragers and eat a variety of plants, not just grass. These facts helped shape the story: one, that of course his fleece would keep growing and two, he'd be able to survive away from the sheep station.
'While I try to avoid writing stories that are didactic, I hope that children might see Chris as a courageous sheep, nervous at first but strong and determined in the end. And although he does run away in the beginning, he uses that time away to get to know himself until he feels brave enough to face his fears,' Ms Hosking said.
Illustrator Paul Lalo said he was thrilled to once again collaborate with the Museum on this third book, bringing Chris the Sheep to life on the page.
'For this book, it was another wonderful experience working with the Museum team. A lot of effort went into making Chris's wool feel real and central to the story. My goal was for readers to feel like they could almost reach out and touch his fleece. I hope readers enjoy the story and illustrations as much as I enjoyed illustrating this delightful tale,' Mr Lalo said.
In the new book, Chris the merino sheep, nervous about his first shearing, escapes into the bush. At first Chris enjoys his new life among the gum trees, but as the years go by, his fleece grows heavier and heavier. Chris's journey into the unknown takes a turn when he encounters a wiry dingo. Is the dingo here to help Chris overcome his fears? Can Chris find his way back to the farm? Will he become the world's woolliest sheep?
Other titles in the series include The Bunyip and the Stars by Biripi man Adam Duncan, part First Nations creation story and part adventure tale, and How Mother Kangaroo Got her Pouch, a First Nations story about the rewards of kindness by Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi woman Rebecca Beetson.
The characters and animals found in all three books feature in the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre.
About Chris the sheep
- Modern domesticated sheep raised for wool have been bred not to lose their fleece, as wild sheep do.
- Based on the length of Chris's wool, it is estimated he had gone without shearing for at least five years.
- Veterinarians recommended that Chris have his fleece removed as soon as possible. He was sedated, and then shorn by Australian champion shearer Ian Elkins.
- After recovering at the RSPCA, Chris was adopted and lived on a farm in New South Wales until he died in October 2019.
About the author
- Jackie Hosking is a Nigerian-born, Cornish Australian who came to Australia from Cornwall with her family in 1976 when she was 10 years old.
- She started writing for children when her youngest son (now aged 24) was two.
- Jackie writes poetry and picture books for children and most of the time they rhyme – but A Woolly Tale is written in prose.
- When Jackie isn't writing or editing, she works as a Nanny looking after preschoolers – a perfect match.
About the illustrator
- Paul Lalo was born in France and arrived in Australia in 2004 to study animation at the Queensland College of Art.
- He has worked as a director, animator and motion designer for TV commercials, music videos and documentaries.
- He is co-founder of Melbourne-based animation boutique Soymilk Studio, which specialises in stop-motion and motion design.
About the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre
- The National Museum of Australia's Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre is a fun, immersive play and learn space for children of all abilities from birth to six years.
- It tells five stories from Australian history, each one encouraging different types of play.
- Bookings are essential and costs apply.
