LadyD Books is invited to join The Little Shepherd Virtual Book Tour. Congratulations to Cheryl Malandrinos on her first children's book... LOVED it!
Title: Little Shepherd
Written by: Cheryl C. Malandrinos
Illustrated by: Eugene Ruble
Ages: 4 – 8
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
PRINT ISBN: 978-1-61633-085-9; 1616330856
eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-086-6; 1616330864
Published: August 2010
Guardian Angel Publishing books are rated for children of all ages (0-12)
Synopsis:
In the hills outside Bethlehem, Obed guards his first flock of sheep. When the angels appear to tell of the Savior’s birth, he is hesitant to follow the others to see the new King. When Obed returns to his sheep, he realizes it is a night of miracles.
Book Trailer:
My Review:
Can you imagine living with your family outside Bethlehem during Bible times and having the responsibility given to you by your father with instructions to guard a flock of sheep from dangerous wolves that might try to harm the sheep when you were only five?
Now probably that was a common thing back then for the youngest to be told, “Now go out and watch the sheep.” So here is where we meet the main character Obed from the author, Cheryl Malandrinos’ first picture book, Little Shepherd.
This sweet message of faith is written with beautiful prose and descriptive dialogue that draws the reader right to that special time of the birth of Jesus in the stable surrounded by Mary and Joseph where Obed witnesses a tender moment of loving parents guarding their new born baby just like Obed watches over his sheep.
Great colorful illustrations by Eugene E. Ruble invite us into the fields of long ago with starlit skies filled with brilliant light announcing the good news “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.”
If you have ever left your house to go on a trip and wondered to yourself if everything was safe back at home, then you will want to read this great book to find out how Obed felt, from a child’s perspective, leaving his flock behind to go on a journey and discovering what it means to trust, to not be afraid and experience a miracle when he returns home.
Cheryl’s writing is refreshing and inspiring. I look forward to reading more from this beautiful, talented author. I love this book. 5 stars.
Little Shepherd is a great gift-giving book, especially for Christmas and a great addition to any home and Sunday School library. I enjoyed reading this tender story to my grandson and I thank Cheryl for the opportunity to provide this review.
Little Shepherd
About the Author:
Cheryl is a Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book, a book reviewer, and blogger.
Little Shepherd is her first children’s book. Cheryl Malandrinos lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband and two young daughters. She also has a son who is married.Visit Cheryl online at http://ccmalandrinos.com
Stop by the following blogs:
The Book Connection
Book Tours and More
The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection
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.
Cheryl Malandrinos Giveaways:
Giveaway #1 is for those readers who comment on Cheryl’s blog stops during the tour. One comment per person, per blog, through the length of the tour. Giveaway #2 is for those who purchase a copy of Little Shepherd between its release date of August 21, 2010 and the end of the virtual book tour on December 17, 2010. Proof of purchase must be submitted to Cheryl via email at cg20pm00(at)gmail(dot)com. Please substitute the appropriate symbols for the (at) and (dot). Those are zeroes in the address, not Os. If you prefer to mail or fax a copy of your proof of purchase, please contact Cheryl via email for that information.
Additional rules and guidelines can be found at the end of this post.
GIVEAWAY #1 (for people who comment during the VBT)
An autographed copy of Little ShepherdAngel figurine printed with the Serenity Prayer
A Little Shepherd sticky note pad
Little Drummer Boy 2010 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament
Gift of Peace 2003 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament
Retail value of Giveaway #1 is $65 (rounded to nearest dollar)
GIVEAWAY #2 (for those who purchase a copy of Little Shepherd between August 21, 2010 and December 17, 2010)
A ”Sparkling Angel” scented jar candle from Yankee CandleAn angel gold and silver lid topper for the candle
An angel tea light holder from Yankee Candle
A Little Shepherd sticky note pad
A Jim Shore Nativity Star hanging ornament
A Jim Shore Holy Family hanging ornament
A $25 Amazon.com gift card
Retail Value of Giveaway #2 is $97 (rounded to the nearest dollar)
Here are the rules and guidelines for these giveaways:
1) For Giveaway #1 you must leave a comment on the hosting blog with a working email address for the author to contact you if you win.
2) For Giveaway #1 only the first comment with your working email address is used to determine eligibility (one comment, per blog).
3) You are eligible to win Giveaway #2 if you purchase a copy of Little Shepherd between August 21, 2010 and December 17, 2010 and provide the author with proof of purchase via email, mail, or fax prior to December 19, 2010. Little Shepherd is available at the Guardian Angel Publishing website, Amazon, Barnesandnoble.com, and at indiebound.org.
4) All giveaway winners will be selected using Random.org.
5) Prizes will be shipped via USPS with appropriate insurance. The author cannot guarantee receipt before December 25, 2010.
6) Author, blog hosts, and Pump Up Your Book are not responsible for lost or damaged goods.
7) The same person cannot win both giveaways.
Although it is not a requirement for eligibility, Cheryl asks that you consider following the blogs who host her during her tour and also the Little Shepherd blog.
Good luck to all who enter!
Best,
-- LadyD
“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis
My Family from WiddlyTinks.com
Wow! What do you say after a review like that? I am almost speechless (ask the hubby, it doesn't happen often).
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this lovely review. I'm glad you enjoyed Little Shepherd. Eugene did a superb job on the illustrations. They truly make the words better.
It was common for the young or the elderly to watch over the sheep, as they could not handle the more physical labor; though there are days when I wonder if it would have been better to make Obed 8 or 9.
Thanks again for your wonderful review. It has touched my heart.
Blessings to you and your readers,
Cheryl