Violet's been sheared and she's very embarrassed. Everyone can see her bellybutton! Being an extremely creative sheep, Violet comes up with hilarious and imaginative ways to solve her dilemma. Violet's antics will enthral children as she dons cotton candy, chicken feathers, balloons and finally ends up back in her own wool. You'll also learn to make a sheep (instructions included). Also check out Susan's other book Say Please to the Honeybees.

The Great Bellybutton Cover-up can be enjoyed by children and parents alike, whether your little one loves to show off their bellybutton, prefers to keep it hidden, or is still trying to locate it. The large, bold print is easy to follow along with and fun to listen to, as the story reads rhythmically with occasional rhyme. Vibrantly colored ink and watercolor pictures fill each page opposite the print. See Violet the sheep try on all sorts of silly things to replace her fluffy wool after she is sheared.  Although Violet thinks she is "pretty in pink" (cotton candy, that is), "fabulous in [chicken] feathers", and "beautiful in balloons", she ultimately learns that she is most wonderful in her own wool.

Violet's story offers many different morals and will lead to thoughtful discussions with your child. To begin with, Violet is quite embarrassed to have her bellybutton show after she is sheared, leading to her frantic search to cover up with just about anything. This can begin a discussion with your child about body parts or body image. The author makes a point to note that Violet is not using her manners. She is in such a hurry to cover her bellybutton back up that she barges into the cotton candy stand and the hen house, and snatches the clown's balloons without every saying "excuse me" or "pardon me". In the end, Violet is on the receiving end of the same rude behavior and experiences the negative feelings it causes. Manners are always a popular topic for you and your child.

Susan Ross grew up in Toronto, Ontario and now lives in London (nope, not England; still in Ontario). She have a B.A. in psychology and a B.Ed. with a specialty in primary education. Her background in education and her quirky sense of humour are the perfect tools for writing childrens books.

She started her writing career later in life (from her perspective) and she loves it! Susan loves using her imagination, creativity and humour to create books that both delight and educate children. She loves teaching so Susan takes great pleasure in guiding children through the process of publishing a children's books during her author presentations.

As a craft enthusiast, Susan enjoys devising crafts for each of her books so children have an activity that relates to the story. She finds it so rewarding to read her books to children and watch their expressive little faces as they sit mesmerized by the story and pictures.