Review of Little Shepherd, by Cheryl G. Malandrinos


I love reviewing Christmas children's books during this time of year, and it is my great pleasure to showcase Little Shepherd on my blog today.

My review

On a cold night outside of Bethlehem, a little shepherd named Obed watches over his sheep. Now five, Obed has his own flock to guard. He's proud that his father has entrusted him with such responsibility. After all, his family depends on the sheep for food and clothing. But little Obed is also worried about the wolves and so he keeps a sharp eye on his flock.

Then one night, a bright light shimmers in the star-filled night. Angels come with a message, a message of good things to come for everyone on earth.

“Do not be afraid,” the angel said, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Obed's father decides they must go to Bethlehem to find this newborn babe. Obed, however, is terrified. How can they even consider leaving the flock alone at the mercy of the starving wolves? His father tells him not to be afraid, but Obed is doubtful. Will his flock be safe in his absence? That will require a miracle!

The Little Shepherd is a 'cozy' picture book to read by the fire with the family this holiday season, especially on Christmas night. The author's prose flows beautifully, with just the right balance of narration, description and dialogue. It is a sweet tale about the power of faith and the good things that come with it. The story has a quiet, magical, slightly suspenseful tone and looks at the birth of Jesus from a different angle. I also enjoyed the colorful illustrations by Eugene E. Ruble. They do have a distinctive style and add a splash of color on the pages and help transport the reader to a different time and place. In short, Little Shepherd will make a lovely gift to any child this Christmas. It will also be a worthy addition to any library or classroom shelf. I look forward to this talented author's next book.


Little Shepherd is available from:
Barnes and Noble
Guardian Angel Publishing
Indiebound.org


About the author

Little Shepherd is Cheryl Malandrino’s first children’s book. In addition to being an author, she's also a publicist, freelance writer, founding member of Musing Our Children, Editor in Chief of the group’s quarterly newsletter, Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book, and book reviewer. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband and two young daughters.

Connect with the author via Twitter and Facebook.

About the illustrator

Eugene E. Ruble’s 40 years of art encompasses: graphic art and design, freelance illustration, and cartooning, working with publishers, corporations and individual clients. Ruble teaches caricature art, cartooning, painting and basic drawing classes at St. Louis community centers, public schools, YMCAs and colleges. He also illustrates children’s books. Look for his books at Guardian Angel Publishing. Eugene is a 30-year Distinguished Member of the St. Louis Artists’ Guild.

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Comments

Cheryl said…
Thanks for the lovely review of Little Shepherd, Mayra. You have written so many wonderful books for children that your words fill my heart my joy.

Anyone who leaves a comment on this review (ncluding email address so I can contact you if you win) will be entered in a giveaway for a lovely basket of Christmas themed gifts retailing for $65. This giveaway is international.

Thanks again for your wonderful review.

Blessings to all,

Cheryl
Cheryl said…
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
What mama wouldn't love a 'cozy' read with her children? Sounds so lovely and inviting.
Looks like a great book to remind us all what the holiday season is really about!
This sounds like a creative retelling of the familiar story in a way kids can identify with.
We always buy a new Christmas storybook every year. This sounds like a great one!

dallenco[at]gmail[dot]com
Lovely book Cheryl. Your promo campaign is going full swing!! I added Mayra's review etc to my Facebook page. Huge congrats mate. As ever, Mayra did you proud!!

Books for Kids - manuscript Critiques
http://www.margotfinke.com
Unknown said…
I couldn't agree more! I love the Holiday Season and reviewing Children's literature! This sounds like a book that I should feature on my cozy blog! Thanks for reviewing it!

(and for the giveaway)
http://acozyreaderscorner.blogspot.com
schlarmette[at]gmail[dot]com
Emy said…
This seems like a great book for any family!

alwaysaroundboys@gmail.com
Anonymous said…
This is a great book, a story for all, my children have loved tyhe book, and even their Jewish mother was swayed by the story and the pictures
Cheryl said…
Wow! You leave for a few hours and you come back to comments galore. Thanks everyone. Your kind words are greatly appreciated.

Thanks for adding the review to your FB page, Margot. Can't wait to stop by your blog tomorrow. Barry, my friend, glad to hear your kids have enjoyed it.

Blessings to all,

Cheryl
Mayra Calvani said…
It's a pleasure hosting you on my blog today, Cheryl!

Little Shepherd is a darling book.

Thank you all for your kind comments and for visiting my blog!
Deb said…
This sounds adorable :) what a great stocking stuffer.

deborah150 at hotmail.com
Nicole weaver said…
Hi Cheryl,

What a wonderful book! Mayra, awesome review. You ladies rock!
Nicole Weaver
http://marieandherfriendtheseaturtle.blogspot.com
Anonymous said…
Cheryl,
I love Christmas. You've inspired me to write a fantasy fiction Xmas story.
Blessings,
J. Aday Kennedy
The Differently-Abled Writer & Speaker
A great review, Mayra.

A lovely story, Cheryl.
Rebecca said…
This is such a nice book for children of all ages.
Sounds like a great book to add to the Christmas reading list. Gotta remind the kids what all this celebrating and presents is all about! :)
Unknown said…
Thanks for the review Mayra! Cheryl, congratulations -- I can't wait to get your book!


~Carla (yes_carla@yahoo.com)
www.jollyjansen.blogspot.com
http://HoustonParentsMagazine.com
Hi, Mayra,

Books like this one are a wonderful way for parents and kids to spend a little time together at the end of a busy day during the holidays and wind down before bedtime.

Happy holidays!
Fran said…
This looks like a very sweet book !
A Christmas keeper ! My favorite Christmas stories always seem to
include animals....must be the
unconditional love.
We always enjoy adding new books to our Christmas reading. I think most of the ones we have now are just about memorized by the kiddos! :) Looks like a GREAT book! Thanks for the review (and for the chance at the giveaway)!

Blessings!
~ Sweet Mummy
newest follower from MBC
It's OK to be WEIRD!
e-mail: itsoktobeweird at gmail dot com
NancyCL said…
Mayra, this is a great review for a delightful book.
Linda A Kinsman said…
Hi there. Wow! I could stay here and visit all day. Esp. since I have 2 girls who are avid readers, like their Mom. :-) I'm following you from MBC follow me club. I would love to win this book too.
Have a great day!
Kit said…
nice review, sounds very interesting
Kit Grady
natalee said…
i am loving your blog!!!!!!!! im a follower now.

Natalee