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.

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 2 includes tales of a two-headed monster who saves a flock of sheep, a blind cat who finds an unlikely friend, and a sad boy whose life is changed by a butterfly. Paired with each tale is a Bible story that tells of a similar experience: the greatest love leads one man to give the greatest of gifts, an anointed king waits years to be crowned, and faithful friends experience a miracle that can't be explained.

Shepherd Stories Volume 2 is part of a five-volume set of engaging stories about badgers and foxes, honeybees, sheep, pike, horses and crayfish, 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.