A shepherd's gift

A young shepherd in Bethlehem sets out to find his lost sheep and ends up in a stable, where he meets a couple and their newborn baby named Jesus. This tender Nativity story, featuring glowing illustrations by Raul Colon, teaches a special lesson on the meaning of generosity as the shepherd discovers where true gifts come from. Text copyright 2004 Lectorum Publications, Inc.

Author Notes

Mary Calhoun was born on August 3, 1926 in Keokuk, Iowa. She received a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from the University of Iowa. She worked at the Omaha World Herald before marrying fellow journalist Frank Calhoun. Her first book, Making the Mississippi Shout, was published in 1957. She wrote more than 50 children's books during her lifetime including the Katie John series, Julie's Tree, Henry the Sailor Cat, and Cross-Country Cat. She died on October 27, 2015 at the age of 89.

(Bowker Author Biography)

Reviews (2)

School Library Journal Review

Gr 1-3-When Matthew loses one of his ewes, her lamb leads the young shepherd to a small stable, where its mother is keeping watch over Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. Matthew is so overcome with love and reverence for the baby that he gives the family both the ewe and her lamb. Although both the text and the golden-hued scratchboard illustrations create a cozy and loving atmosphere, young readers may find the stillness and serenity somewhat dull. Matthew appears to be about 10 years old in some illustrations and a teenager in others, and many of the figures are rather stiff in both expression and pose. Not a first choice.-E. M. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publisher's Weekly Review

Young shepherd Matthew worries when one of his sheep goes astray, leaving her baby behind. But the hungry lamb, with Matthew on its trail, locates its mother in a warm and peaceful place the stable where Jesus lays. Matthew basks in the comfort he feels in Jesus' presence and offers the sheep and lamb as gifts to the holy family. Colon's (My Mama Had a Dancing Heart) signature luminous artwork conveys a reverence and intimacy that will quickly capture the imagination of youngsters. Ages 4-9. (Oct.) FYI: A Spanish-language edition, El regalo del pastor, trans. by Osvaldo Blanco ($15.95 ISBN 0-06-029785-9), is also available. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

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Reviews (2)

School Library Journal Review

Publisher's Weekly Review