Betty Saves the Mob
Betty Saves the Mob is a lushly illustrated, high-tension picture book.
In Kira Brettschneider’s dark and unique picture book Betty Saves the Mob, Betty is a brave sheep. The farmers rarely check on her mob, as they have abundance of food. When a storm strikes, Betty must take the lead in guiding her mob to safety.
Guided by beautiful, detailed illustrations, the story employs visual writing to capture the power of nature. Mother Nature is personified as antagonistic and is illustrated wreaking havoc against the sheep. There is no explanation for her callousness; she simply seems keen on causing Betty and the other sheep harm.
Betty a is fierce, strong, and smart lead character—all attributes that are inspiring. She trusts her nerves and tail to save her and the other sheep, though her decisions and reasoning are not explained.
Betty is the only sheep with unique traits. Anne, one of Betty’s friends, speaks for the mob; she is the only other named character, and her sole purpose seems to be to bolster Betty’s character and showcase her leadership qualities.
The story has a lot of action and warrants strong emotions. Despite the expectation of a happily ever after, twists and turns, high tension, and higher stakes run throughout. The ending is rushed and comes without closure; the consequences of the storm are barely explored.
A lot of information is offered to young readers in the course of the tale—including that a large group of sheep is known as a mob, that mobs often include a large number of females, and information about the nature and landscape of farmlands. There is no clear moral to the story, though.
Betty Saves the Mob is a lushly illustrated, high-tension picture book.
Reviewed by
Tia Smith
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book and paid a small fee to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. Foreword Reviews and Clarion Reviews make no guarantee that the publisher will receive a positive review. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
