The story of the first Christmas has been told many times. In this fresh new look at this tale, children’s author, Cheryl C. Malandrinos provides young readers a glimpse into this miraculous event through the eyes of a five-year-old shepherd boy in the fields outside Bethlehem.
In Little Shepherd, young Obed has been entrusted with his first flock to guard. After the angel appears and announces the Savior’s birth, he is hesitant to follow the others to see the newborn king. What if the wolves rush in and steal his sheep?
After some wise words from his father, Obed decides to make the journey. His visit with the Holy Family, and what he finds upon his return to the fields, is a true night of miracles for this young shepherd.
“My goal is to give children a new way to look at the story of the first Christmas,” says Malandrinos. “As a Sunday school teacher, I’m always looking for a fresh way to share popular portions of Scripture.”
Little Shepherd has ranked among the Amazon bestsellers in the Large Print Children’s Books category four times since its release. When asked what it’s like to have your first book reach such heights, Malandrinos said, “I am truly blessed that readers are interested in Obed’s story.”
This renewed look at the Christmas story resonates with reviewers too. Award-winning children’s author Donna McDine had this to say about Little Shepherd: “Your first reaction may be, oh goodness another story on the birth of Christ. Toss those thoughts away and immerse yourself and your children into the magical arrival of Christ the Lord. Children’s author, Cheryl C. Malandrinos has reexplored and created a beautiful reenactment of Christ the Lord’s birth in a unique and awe-inspiring rendition, which surely will become classical reading in Christian religious school studies and home libraries.”
Malandrinos states that the inspiration to write this story came from the popular Christmas carol, “The Little Drummer Boy.” While singing it to her children, she would get the notion to write a story of a young shepherd who visits the newborn king on the night of his birth. “The angel could have announced the Savior’s birth to anyone: powerful kings, religious leaders, or businessmen of the time. Instead, those who learned first were the lowly shepherds, men who were looked down upon by people of their day. This is a story worth writing about.”
