“Shepherd” Tends to Little Lambs with Love

At one time or another, even the most-cherished child may feel he or she isn’t worthy of being loved. Maybe a big brother has been unkind to a younger sibling and been reprimanded. Or, a kid gets angry at the playground and is given a time-out under Mom’s not-too-pleased eye. For a story that helps build self-esteem while pointing out that everyone deserves love no matter what difficulties have transpired, consider Dorothy and the Good Shepherd, the first title in the Lamplight series from Cane Creek Publishers.

Based on the Biblical parable of the Lost Lamb, (sometimes known as the parable of the Ninety and Nine), the story’s main character is Dorothy, a lamb born with a black spot on her wooly coat. She knows she’s different and because of this feels unworthy of love. After a trip up to a mountain pasture, Dorothy decides not to follow her shepherd back down to the safety of the fold and tries to find her own way home. This bad decision leads to numerous adventures, including a run-in with a wolf and a challenging tangle in a briar patch. In despair, Dorothy is on the verge of giving up when she is rescued by her shepherd who carefully carries her back to safety. At the end, Dorothy comes to understand that although she is different, she is eminently loveable.

The family-friendly book retells a familiar story in a new and engaging manner and ends on a happy, uplifting note. Written for children ages four to twelve, the story is simple enough for younger kids to grasp when read to, yet sufficiently engaging for older children to read on their own. The book has a full-color, laminated cover and includes a special Presentation Page that can be filled out with the giver’s name as a permanent keepsake.

Author Timothy Penland, an accomplished poet as well as prose writer, is very familiar with how young minds work as evidenced by his having been a featured speaker at the annual conference of the Virginia State Reader’s Association and a presenter at the International Conference of the Association of Christian Schools International where he has led workshops for teachers from over three hundred countries. Penland is also a regular speaker at schools throughout North Carolina where Cane Creek Publishers is headquartered. The twenty-six colorful illustrations that enlarge on the author’s text are the work of Mary Alice Ramsey, an established artist who has taught art in public schools for over thirty years.

Developed to be readily accessible to children of all cultures, Dorothy and the Good Shepherd’s author and illustrator solicited input from people who work with children in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Both the descriptions and artwork are carefully non-specific so that all children — urban and rural alike –– can relate to them. In addition, the narrative allows kids to put themselves into Dorothy’s place so they can understand what she sees and feels. The story helps youngsters grasp that life may bring setbacks and difficulties but that faith and love help overcome these problems.

For more information about adding this book series, contact www.canecreekpublishers.com