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The Singing Shepherd
Whenever he was afraid, Jareb sang. Singing made him feel better.
But it made everyone else feel worse. Jareb's singing was dreadful.
With these words, Angela Hunt introduces her unlikely hero--a timid young shepherd who helps his brothers tend sheep on the hills near Bethlehem.
In this delightful story, Jareb discovers courage in an exchange encounter with the infant Jesus and begins to sing for a new reason.
But it made everyone else feel worse. Jareb's singing was dreadful.
With these words, Angela Hunt introduces her unlikely hero--a timid young shepherd who helps his brothers tend sheep on the hills near Bethlehem.
In this delightful story, Jareb discovers courage in an exchange encounter with the infant Jesus and begins to sing for a new reason.
27 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1992
40 people want to read
About the author
Angela Elwell Hunt
271 books1,981 followersChristy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 165 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 3, 2020
I am reading the latest edition. It's a 5 🌟 perfect read for me. It's so freaking cute!
February 16, 2022
This would be a great gift for the young child on your Christmas list. The illustrations have been updated since the original publication. It's cute and bright, and I would think a child would be delighted to hold and read it. And there is a good message in the story as well.
December 18, 2020
Jareb the Singing Shepherd sang when he was fearful watching the sheep with his brothers. This tender book adds to the reason for the season when Jareb discovers the savior. He also discovers that he doesn't have to be afraid when God uses him for his purpose.
Children will enjoy reading about Jareb and his fears. They may feel some of the same fears themselves. There is potential for great conversations with your children on fears and how to face those fears in faith.
A special thank you to Hunt Haven Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Children will enjoy reading about Jareb and his fears. They may feel some of the same fears themselves. There is potential for great conversations with your children on fears and how to face those fears in faith.
A special thank you to Hunt Haven Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
February 7, 2021
This book is religious.
We have a pastor who is afraid of many things and that is why he sings, only he sings very badly.
One day an angel appears saying that the savior was born. The brothers will see, but Jareb is afraid, and it will only be months later.
It is an interesting book with a different approach to the story of Jesus.
We have a pastor who is afraid of many things and that is why he sings, only he sings very badly.
One day an angel appears saying that the savior was born. The brothers will see, but Jareb is afraid, and it will only be months later.
It is an interesting book with a different approach to the story of Jesus.
December 11, 2017
One of my favorite Christmas books--probably because I can relate to the singing shepherd (who couldn't carry a tune to save himself--although it did have saving power.
April 6, 2021
The Singing Shepherd was originally published in 1992, but was republished in 2020 with updated illustrations. Jareb is a shepherd who is afraid of many things. When he watching the sheep and is afraid, he sings, although he sings poorly. This is a story about the birth of Jesus told with a twist. Jareb gets a message from an angel about the birth of the messiah, and when it happens, he sings to the babe. The illustrations are wonderful. They are a whimsical and a bit quirky, but show that the illustrator has biblical knowledge. When I read this with my grandchildren we talked about fears and what were some things we were afraid of. Then we talked about how we should take strength from God who is always with us and has a purpose for us. A wonderful Christmas story and one that I have added to our Christmas library.
November 20, 2020
The Singing Shepherd is a delightful Christmas story. The tale is enjoyable and the illustrations only add to the fun. Angela Hunt’s strong Biblical knowledge shines through in details such as pictures of Joseph and Mary – Joseph is much older than Mary, and in the Biblical facts of the story. What did I love most about The Singing Shepherd? I am a worship leader. When people tell me that they can’t sing, I tell them “All God’s People Got a Place in the Choir,” – song. Angela’s book carries the message of that song. You need to read this book to your children!
November 21, 2020
A delightful story ideal for the young reader to find under the Christmas tree or read throughout the Christmas season. The lesson the little singing shepherd learns is an important one. The illustrations, especially of the little lambs, are adorable. Do not miss this perfect Christmas gift for that someone special on your list. Any child would love it!
I received a copy from Net Galley. The opinions are my own.
I received a copy from Net Galley. The opinions are my own.
February 17, 2021
Perfect children’s book to be read in Sunday School at Christmas time. Teachers may need to read to beginning readers.
November 22, 2020
I received a complimentary eARC of The Singing Shepherd by Angela Hunt through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Singing Shepherd is the story of Jareb, a young shepherd with a terrible singing voice who sets off to visit the baby Jesus when the angels appear to tell him Jareb and his siblings the good news. Jareb meets all the usual "We Three Kings" characters along the way and then saves little Jesus and his parents by distracting some Roman guards with his terrible singing.
It's a cute story that puts a fun twist on a classic Bible story that will definitely infuse a little new interest into Sunday school lessons and Christian household bedtimes. With that said, the story meandered a bit, and when it started to get a little off track my three-year-old wandered off to let me finish the read-through by myself. I'm not sure if that means I wasn't reading it enthusiastically enough or it this is better suited to slightly older kids.
With the acknowledgement that I read an advanced reading copy and the pixelation on some pages tells me I didn't receive a high-resolution file (understandable), I found some blocks of text were too small and not well placed over the illustrations in terms of contrast, and I struggled to read them.
As for the illustrations (2020/2021 editions,) while they are cute and colourful and overall very fun to look at, I found the "rosy cheeks" on all of the characters (humans and animals alike) a little distracting. They extend up into the lower eyelids and look more like sickly undereye bags than healthy rosy cheeks. As a fellow illustrator, I really hate to be critical of what I know is a whole book's worth of finished illustrations in a particular style, but in this context I'm reviewing as an average reader, and that is the impression given.
All in all a cute Sunday school or bedtime story that hasn't been told before.
The Singing Shepherd is the story of Jareb, a young shepherd with a terrible singing voice who sets off to visit the baby Jesus when the angels appear to tell him Jareb and his siblings the good news. Jareb meets all the usual "We Three Kings" characters along the way and then saves little Jesus and his parents by distracting some Roman guards with his terrible singing.
It's a cute story that puts a fun twist on a classic Bible story that will definitely infuse a little new interest into Sunday school lessons and Christian household bedtimes. With that said, the story meandered a bit, and when it started to get a little off track my three-year-old wandered off to let me finish the read-through by myself. I'm not sure if that means I wasn't reading it enthusiastically enough or it this is better suited to slightly older kids.
With the acknowledgement that I read an advanced reading copy and the pixelation on some pages tells me I didn't receive a high-resolution file (understandable), I found some blocks of text were too small and not well placed over the illustrations in terms of contrast, and I struggled to read them.
As for the illustrations (2020/2021 editions,) while they are cute and colourful and overall very fun to look at, I found the "rosy cheeks" on all of the characters (humans and animals alike) a little distracting. They extend up into the lower eyelids and look more like sickly undereye bags than healthy rosy cheeks. As a fellow illustrator, I really hate to be critical of what I know is a whole book's worth of finished illustrations in a particular style, but in this context I'm reviewing as an average reader, and that is the impression given.
All in all a cute Sunday school or bedtime story that hasn't been told before.
November 30, 2020
Angela Hunt is known for her beautifully crafted stories with surprising twists. Her newest children’s book is an endearing tale about a shepherd boy named, Jareb. Jareb is afraid of everything. His way of compensating is to sing songs—loudly and offkey.
Jareb and his older brothers tend sheep on the hills of Bethlehem. One night an angel appears and heralds the birth of the Savior. What happens next is an interesting journey young Jareb embarks. Watch for those surprising twists!
I love the theme of God using our weaknesses and poor choices for His purpose. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and full of discussion prompts for the adult reader to encourage the little one to interact.
I highly recommend The Singing Shepherd for your child, grandchild, or a special little person in your life. A great new tradition for families to include in their holiday celebrations.
The publisher provided a free copy for an honest review.
#NetGalley
#TheSingingShepherd
Jareb and his older brothers tend sheep on the hills of Bethlehem. One night an angel appears and heralds the birth of the Savior. What happens next is an interesting journey young Jareb embarks. Watch for those surprising twists!
I love the theme of God using our weaknesses and poor choices for His purpose. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and full of discussion prompts for the adult reader to encourage the little one to interact.
I highly recommend The Singing Shepherd for your child, grandchild, or a special little person in your life. A great new tradition for families to include in their holiday celebrations.
The publisher provided a free copy for an honest review.
#NetGalley
#TheSingingShepherd
January 6, 2021
I have been a fan of Angela Hunt's The Tale of the Three Trees for many years so I was thrilled when this new title appeared for review on Netgalley. It's a retelling of the Nativity story from a very different point of view. Jareb is a timid shepherd who bursts into song every time he is scared. Sadly, his singing is out of tune but his family put up with it out of kindness. When the angels announce Jesus's birth to the shepherds on the hills, Jared is too scared to go to the manger with his brothers. He stays behind and misses seeing the new-born king. Until an opportunity arises that will propel Jareb into the heart of the nativity story, and he learns to sing for joy rather than to calm his nerves.
This is an amazing book with a wonderful message. Sandra Rodriguez's illustrations give it a lovely, folksy feel. Add it to your school library and enjoy for years to come.
This is an amazing book with a wonderful message. Sandra Rodriguez's illustrations give it a lovely, folksy feel. Add it to your school library and enjoy for years to come.
November 29, 2020
This story is about how Jareb, who loves singing to his sheep at night, sees the angels proclaiming the birth of Jesus the Savior. However, Jareb is too afraid to visit Baby Jesus. After a few months pass, he finally gets the courage to go in search of Baby Jesus -- and not only finds Him, but helps smuggle the baby out of the city, so that Mary and Joseph can escape without being hindered by the soldiers and guards.
The illustrations are very cute! The sheep are ALL darlings. My favorite picture is where Jareb's brothers are stuffing wool in their ears to block his horrid singing... simply hilarious!
A fun variation on the Nativity story.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in return for an honest opinion.
The illustrations are very cute! The sheep are ALL darlings. My favorite picture is where Jareb's brothers are stuffing wool in their ears to block his horrid singing... simply hilarious!
A fun variation on the Nativity story.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in return for an honest opinion.
November 22, 2020
The Singing Shepherd is a cute and unique story set after Jesus' Birth. It tells the story of a Shepherd Boy who sings off key and who deals with fear. The book gives kids and adults alike the message that God our worship no matter how it sounds and that God can use us in spite of our fear. This book would be a nice addition to read as a Family Devotional or in a classroom setting. Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book! (This review is also on GoodReads.)
November 23, 2020
Cute illustrations that kids are sure to love. Simple wording for kids to understand but strong truths for parents or reading adults to appreciate. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, even if others don’t appreciate the “gifts and talents” you offer. Despite our fears holding us back, God often gives second chances. Creative idea on Mary and Joseph’s escape. An enjoyable holiday read for young children but can be appreciated by all ages. I received a complimentary copy from the author and NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.
November 28, 2020
What a cute little children's book just in time for Christmas! Jareb is a shepherd who likes to sing. Though the sheep like his voice, no one else does. When the angels come to him and his brothers announcing Christ's birth, he's too afraid to go see the Savior. When he finally gathers the courage, he finds the child's parents fleeing to Egypt. I enjoyed how the author used this singing, frightened shepherd to teach a unique perspective of the Christmas story to children. So cute!
December 28, 2020
Personally, I did not finish this since I don't like this sort of Biblical fiction. I didn't expect it to be like it was but any family that reads Biblical fiction will find this to be a good children's story.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
December 8, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and Hunt Haven Press for a free digital copy for my review.
An adorable tale adjacent to the Christmas story. A story of finding your voice, bravery, and living out what God has called you to.
An adorable tale adjacent to the Christmas story. A story of finding your voice, bravery, and living out what God has called you to.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews