""So why aren't you still with the baby?"
the sheep asks.
"Sweetfleece, I need a break too." The
donkey casually clamps a stalk between
its teeth. "I'm the one who lugged the
heavily pregnant mother all the way."
"No one should make a long journey
when they're about to give birth,"
the sheep points out."
I'm sorry this is late ... or, it could be really early for next year at Christmas! It would make for a wonderful family read in the days leading up to it. First, you would want the kids to know the original Christmas story. Or, they would have difficulty understanding the humor, and endless turns the story takes. The comical telling features constant chronological errors that will have astute listeners and readers guffawing at the author's words.
Seven sheep are frantic when they realize their shepherds have disappeared. As they seek information about what might have happened to their caregivers, they encounter a variety of willing informants. The flock itself is a motley crew: one sheep has its leg in a cast; one has a stuffy nose; one has a retainer housed in a red case tied around its neck; one has a bobble hat; one has an eye-patch; one has its wool parted to one side. They are inexperienced travellers, to boot.
The sheep learn that the shepherds left after hearing angels singing of good tidings. They choose to follow the brightest star in the sky. The sheep, after hearing from a goat about the birth of a baby, decide they want to know more about this child. Adversity ensues, much of it unaccountably funny. As they travel, they meet up with other animals willing to offer news of the goings-on. Arriving at their destination, they discover that the baby and family have moved on from the manger. To say they are distraught is an understatement; they had finally settled on the perfect gift ... a new song. As they sing the opening words ... si-i-lent niiiight ... they are sure it will be forever remembered at this time of year.
What an accomplishment! This is a story sure to be loved for its creativity, humor, moments of delight and comfort. Written in German and translated to English, with accompanying artwork that clearly respects the perspective of the sheep who were left behind when their shepherds decided to set out on a journey of their own, it is quite the book. The messages are subtle, the humor welcome, It's a terrific read!
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