Certain Poor Shepherds: A Christmas Tale

by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, Jonathan Bartlett (Illustrator)

A dog, a goat, and their flock follow the sight and scent of a star in a beautifully illustrated, keenly observed Nativity story.

Genres: Christmas, Animals, Fiction, Holiday, Dogs, Religion, Childrens

146 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1996

About the author

Elizabeth Marshall Thomas is the author of The Harmless People, a non fiction work about the Kung Bushmen of southwestern Africa, and of Reindeer Moon, a novel about the paleolithic hunter gatherers of Siberia, both of which were tremendous international successes. She lives in New Hampshire.

Reviews

[GoldGato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shepherds do not always come in human form. They may just be a goat named Ima and a dog named Lila, both tasked with watching a flock of young sheep. One night they espy a bright star and end up following it (along with their flock) to see what it is and why it’s there. They don’t know what will happen, but it’s an adventure all the way.

The two animals also look out for each other, but this isn’t some fantasy about pets talking to each other. Here, a goat is a goat, and a dog is a dog. Food is most important to them, and they also crave security, away from the wolves and the big eagles who ravage newly born lambs. Ima hasn’t seen another goat since she was taken from her own family as a kid. She accepts her lot in life and the sheep treat her as a mother, abiding by her knowledge of nature. There are plants that should not be eaten and sleeping areas that should be secured. Lila the dog also looks after the flock, specifically on her master’s orders. In return, she gets leftovers, but she’s always hungry. She has great herding skills, which leads to problems when Three Wise Kings see her in action and take her away with them.

The animals can also see the angels who have also arrived with the bright star. They are almost the same, angels and goat and sheep on the lookout for any fresh places to eat. When Ima helps one young angel, her future will turn out to be a path away from loneliness. This tale also features a snappy cheetah and a mongrel mutt, both of whom will play a part in the great adventure.

I enjoyed this story, mostly because humans are secondary. The descriptions of the environment and of life itself are taken from the POV of the animals. It’s all about odors and finely tuned senses. When Lila the dog sniffs a plant, she can also ascertain if another animal had been near and whether that animal had a family or bad health. I kept expecting the Christ Child to suddenly make a major entry, but that’s not what this story is about. It’s also a book that is appropriate for middle grade readers or even for parents to read to children at bedtime, although it is just perfect as an adult read. This is my Christmas read for 2021 and I’m glad I chanced into finding it. I must also call out the wonderful woodcuts by illustrator Andrew Davidson. They are interspersed throughout the book and are just gorgeous.

Book Season = Winter (scent flow of cedar)

[Shazza Maddog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not your normal Christmas story. The focus is not on the birth of Jesus, but of the reactions of a pair of animals, specifically, a large grey dog, Lila, and a female goat, Ima, to the birth of a being that they, in their animal senses, relate to a star.

Lila and Ima are the guardians of a flock of thirty sheep. They are both lonely without another of their own kind but have become more-or-less friends in their loneliness. Neither of them understand the man who set them up to watch these sheep. Lila doesn't understand why the man and his wife let her puppies drown. Ima doesn't understand why the man dragged her here, away from her herd, to watch a flock of sheep.

What they do know is something strange happens upon the sight of a new star in the sky, one that has a peculiar odor. And then the angels come, streaming overhead, chasing the star. And Lila and Ima decide to follow the angels, with the sheep following them.

What happens is a four-day journey, not without its own dangers, but the angels are kind in their own way to the animals. Upon reaching Bethlehem, Lila makes her way into the city, leaving Ima and the sheep behind, and encounters a male dog named Yom. She also makes her way into the stable where the star-smell is so strong.

Ima isn't left out of the story. She helps an angel who was sickened by eating poisonous food. And then, a cheetah, from one of the wise men's caravan, attacks and kills one of the sheep, setting the rest of the story in action.

If you are looking for a very religious story, this is probably not it. The animals are more concerned with their own lives than the birth of jesus. If you are looking for a heartwarming animal story, this may not be it. Both Ima and Lila have hard lives and the animal abuse is very true to the time period. If you're looking for a kind of a Christian fairy tale with animals, this could be the holiday book you want to read.

[Selina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this book as our annual Christmas read, but was very disapointed. This was not a book about Christmas, but about animals. In that respect it was very interesting, even heartbreaking at times. There were some religious aspects to the story, they were a bit conflicting with my own beliefs, but it was a learning experience to hear and feel anothers view. As Christmas tale, it failed miserably, but for an animal lover it would be a good read

[Joy Gerbode · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am still pondering this book a few days after actually finishing it. It IS the nativity story, told from the viewpoint of a dog. It is a little bit weird, but very intriguing, and really thought provoking. I know it is a must read again book!

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A dog, a goat, and their flock follow the sight and scent of a star in a beautifully illustrated, keenly observed Nativity story.

This is not the worst story involving the birth of Jesus, but it is far from the best. I just don't understand some of the actions of the animals or Angels.
I am still giving it two stars because it is thought provoking. The book is about the animal's thoughts and views on the events their masters(humans) were observing and following while doing the same.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started out well, but didn't come through in the end. It is an intersting concept, but...

[Brindi Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this, and yet I was so disappointed. not at all what I expected

[Tarissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

What I like about this story... that Lila the dog and Ima the sheep willingly choose to follow the Star. They sense a calling to do so.

I will say that you have to have a wide spiritual imagination to follow along. I tried as best as possible to keep an open mind, but still found things to disagree with, to an extent (as a Christian myself). To each their own though. I had personally never imagined angels "bouncing" to earth, then crouching upon the ground in search of sustenance in the form of olives, grain, and acorns, or even table scraps that the humans rejected. But now I have been introduced to this idea... and other things shown to me in this book.

Not exactly a heartwarming type of story. More of a serious animal/survival type of story -- with a strange and worldly spiritual sense. This is not a Christmas story exactly intended for Christians. While it may take place in Biblical times, and the first Nativity is playing out historically... that's only a small portion to the larger story of the animals' lives. Also, with its complex sentence structure and harder topics, it is intended for older children with mature reading skills.

[A Noble · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be a cute and maybe thought provoking story about the Christmas Story from the animals point of view. In parts it was interesting, seeing a journey from the animals perspective (1 star)but that is where my appreciation stopped. The rest just seemed to picture how terrible people are to animals. Yes it is true that some people are terrible to animals but how is this related to the Christmas Story? Also, if you are reading this to your children or giving it to your children, (spoiler alert) know ahead of time that the owners of the dog drown her puppies and the dog has nightmares of the loss and then mourns further when they later take and sell her puppies. It also describes fear in an animal that is going to be put down for food. Other than being a story about how mean people are, I'm not sure what the moral of the story is here. Not impressed and this is definitely NOT a Christmas story

[FRED GARTNER]

Perfect story for Christmas

If you are looking for a good feel story during the holidays, then you can count on this wonderfully written book. It is an inside look at the story of Christmas from the animals point of view. You will be thrilled at their adventures with the flock of sheep they have to protect while the star of Bethlehem hovers about and the Magi are on their journey to seethe new born king.
It was a delicious read for me with a satisfied feeling of joy for this Christmas season. I recommend this this book for all ages.
Elizabeth Marshall Thomas has given us a classic read for our enjoyment.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting twist on the nativity tale told from the point of view of the animals. The three kings and their entourage are portrayed in a less than kindly attitude toward the animals. The dog, Lila, is not even noticed as she slips into see the infant human asleep in the manger, sniffs, then leaves, seemingly unimpressed. The focus on the lives of Lila and the goat, Ima, deflects from the story of the nativity. I would consider this as more of an animal tale than a Christmas tale.

[Gabby · Rating 2 out of 5]

The synopsis says that this is "the Nativity story from the captivating point of the view of the animal kingdom." And, it's not really. The Nativity story barely plays any part. The "star" seems more important to the animals than anything, and then there are some animal adventures (and angels?), but ... I had thought we'd get a little more weaving in of the Nativity and what the animals thought and felt, so ... this was just okay for me.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

The shepherds are a dog and a goat who decide to follow the star that is shining so brightly in the sky.

I am not a big fan of stories told from animals’ perspectives. Someone who does may really enjoy it. It is well-written and engaging, but just not for me. Furthermore, it really was more about the animals than about baby Jesus.

[Shaina Fertig · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a Christmas tale this fails miserably. As an animal story it’s really very interesting and compelling (perhaps a 3.5)but nothing hardly to do with Christ’s birth. (Also found the bits about angels a strange twist, not bad, just different).

[Lacy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had so much potential, but was so hard to get into. I was so disappointed. The descriptions were over done and the plot was lost.

[MJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a novella and a lovely way of looking at "shepherds."

[Venita]

I decided to sit down, today and read this whole book all over again!!! Happy Reading, Everyone!!!

[Maggi Andersen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Depressing as heck. We stopped halfway through because my daughter read the end and said that was super-sad, too. So much for an uplifting Christmas story...

[Tamora McElreavy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read during the holidays with your kids, young or old!

[Dawn Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I re-read this usually every Christmas......I can't recommend it enough.

[Diane Whittaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Am interesting look at the night Jesus was born through the eyes of the animals. A quick read.

[Marissa Dobulis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this would be the story of a dog and a goat in the nativity story, and that was not it. Lots of dark themes.

[Patrick Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute story of a goat and dog that follow the Star of Bethlehem and encounter adventures along the way. A nice seasobal book.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straightforward ok story

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the treasure of this little book in my hometown library and the story has stuck with me even when I couldn't remember the name (that is the worst part about finding a good book for me). Fortunately I did re-find this book while my sister presented this book for me for Christmas so it is once more within my hands to enjoy and read to my heart's content.

I have seen a few comments where people have mentioned that this isn't "the Nativity story" or that parts of the book doesn't match "the Nativity story" but it wasn't meant to be "the Nativity story". In fact this gives another viewpoint of what may have been as well as giving an emotional side of a story circling around the more famous biblical time of the year.

The author does a beautiful job of portraying that animals even the docile sheep have feelings and are often affected by items in their environment that we may overlook. And within this story they are given a very deep emotional background such as when Lila the sheepdog compares the newborn Christ-child as being powerful and yet at the same time a precious innocent who needs protecting just as much as He needs to be worshipped.

This is definitely a good book for someone who likes animals and enjoys having a bit more details about what may have been.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn't bad. It's a good read for the right person. In contrast to the people who gave this one or two stars I think it deserves high marks for not focusing on the religious side of things. I was afraid it would be preachy and it absolutely was not. I liked that the angels were animal-like and the humans were "human". As an adult I'm familiar with the nativity story, so I think some plot aspects were filled in by my mind. I would be really curious to hear what a child who wasn't so familiar with the nativity story thought. Overall i think the dog pov was done really well. I fully intend to read this to my children when they are a little older. Great depiction of animal point of view on an old tale.

***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm am so disappointed. I was so excited to see a Christian Christmas junior fiction book for children. I know that a lot of families where I live would love to have a chapter book like this. I loved the illustrations and I can see this book being a read aloud, but it's very violent with animals being abused. I think that kids with softer hearts would have a hard time with this story. I also felt like the story was a little disjointed at times. I would not recommend this to younger children; I'm thinking fifth grade and up. That being said, I hope that I can recommend it to some of my patrons who are looking for something like this. I think I just thought it was going to be more about the birth of Jesus and not the lives of a dog and a goat.

[Ramona Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certain Poor Shepherds is the Christmas story seen through the eyes of animals, in particular Lila and Ima, a dog and goat who guard a flock of sheep near Bethlehem. Their story of pursuing the Star of Bethlehem is told in Thomas's clean, beautiful style. And she tell it without the usual sentimentality attached to animal stories, though we care much for the two animal heroes. Thomas, an anthropologist, also wrote The Hidden Life of Dogs, which was on the NYT best seller list for more than a year. Certain Poor Shepherds is for animal lovers everywhere and children of all ages, including the young at heart.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agree with the review that said this failed as a Christmas tale. I expected there to be more to the story than a goat and a dog interested in the "odor" of the new star. The angels were kind of creepy and the depiction of the timing of the wise men was not consistent with the bible version.
I am all for anthropomorphic tales but this one was lacking. When the goat departs with a mate, the dog simply says she never saw her again - the end. Why is the goat's side of the story suddenly gone? Not one that I would recommend or read again.

[Lynn Sweet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a charming book. But I am a dog lover. The focus was not what was happening in the stable on Bethlehem, really. But it was a sensitive portrayal of what might have been going on. The dog, and the goat, were in tune with the angels...and they all knew better than the humans what was going on. I liked it and would definitely recommend it...it's very short...only a couple of hours to read. If nothing else, it is Christ's birth from a different point of view. Treat yourself.