Since firelight first illuminated gathered faces, people have told stories; their listeners

might laugh, be moved to tears, horror, delight, or new understanding. Stories create

community, share values and beliefs, sweeten wisdom with humor. Stories become part of

a family's inheritance. Shepherd Stories is a collection meant to be part of that

experience for children ages 4-10.

These stories were collected from two shepherds. The first shepherd loves and cares for a

flock of sheep. Each evening, he calls his lambs together and tells a story which responds

gently to the lambs' experiences that day. The second shepherd, the Good Shepherd, also

told stories. His stories have been compiled in a big book; each of the lamb's stories is

matched with a story from that book.

Shepherd Stories Volume 1 includes tales of a cricket who loves to sing but learns that

careful listening might save his life, a beaver family that builds a home where they aren't

wanted, and a girl who loves a pig and receives a surprising gift. Paired with each tale is a

Bible story that tells of a similar experience: Moses learns how to really listen to God, Peter

and John preach where they aren't wanted, and a man suffering from leprosy receives a

miraculous gift.

Each pair of stories includes discussion questions to guide "digging deeper" into meaning

and personal application. This is the perfect book to enjoy together at bedtime, quiet time,

or in a classroom.

Shepherd Stories Volume 1 is part of a five-volume set of engaging stories about badgers

and foxes, honeybees, pikes, crayfish and horses, sheep, dogs, a trustworthy bat, a

courageous mouse, and many more. Some stories are factual, some more fanciful.

Readers will also hear familiar (and less familiar) Bible stories. The abundant, carefully

drawn illustrations are richly detailed but left void of color, so young artists can personalize

their own copies of these lovely books.