Friday, November 11, 2011

Books Can Educate and Entertain By Cheryl C. Malandrinos, Author of Little Shepherd

It is my pleasure to host Cheryl Malandrinos, author of the children's book, Little Shepherd.  Welcome, Cheryl.  I know my readers will gain insight from your words.

Some children’s books entertain readers. There are silly stories meant to make readers laugh and those that celebrate the joys of being a kid. Most times there’s a conflict and resolution, but others, you get a zany story that doesn’t follow those guidelines. Who said childhood should be all about following rules anyway?

When I sat down to write Little Shepherd, I knew I wasn’t creating those types of stories. Little Shepherd introduces young readers to five-year-old, Obed, who is in the hills outside of Bethlehem tending his first flock, when an angel appears to announce the Savior’s birth.
After the angel leaves, the other shepherds wish to visit this Savior, but Obed isn’t so sure. He’s heard the wolves howling in the distance. After some wise words from his father, Obed decides to join the others. His anxiety, however, remains. More than that, Obed can’t understand why his father and the other shepherds aren’t equally as anxious about their sheep being left alone where anything could happen to them.

Little Shepherd is the kind of book that educates while it entertains. Young readers have the opportunity to learn several things:

  • The young were expected to assist the family and carried great responsibility.
  • Sheep were depended upon for clothing and food, so it was important to protect them.
  • Children can be confused by the actions of adults.
  • Sometimes we have to step out in faith and hope for the best, despite our anxiety.

That last point captures the essence of Obed’s story. We often make decisions that require us to have faith in someone other than ourselves. We might have to depend on an older person’s wisdom to help us make a decision. We might make a choice that challenges common sense. In the end, like Obed, when we step out in faith, we reap the rewards.

A love of reading and writing is important to our children’s success. The children’s market is filled with so many wonderful types of books that I hope you and your child discover a new one every day.

Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer, children’s author and editor. Her first children’s book, Little Shepherd, was released in August 2010 by Guardian Angel Publishing. She is also a member of the SCBWI.

Cheryl is a Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book, a book reviewer, and blogger. Ms. Malandrinos lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband and two children. She also has a son who is married.
Visit Cheryl at her newly redesigned website http://ccmalandrinos.com/ or visit the Little Shepherd book blog at http://littleshepherdchildrensbook.blogspot.com/

10 comments:

  1. Thanks for hosting me during my second VBT Nancy. It's great to be at your wonderful blog. I can't wait to read your new books.

    Wishing you and your readers the best,

    Cheryl

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  2. I've no children, but am constantly reading kid's books and learning. Books open the world to us.
    Aday

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  3. This book would make a great Christmas gift.

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  4. Hi ladies,

    How wonderful of you to stop by. Your reading shows, Jessica. You have such imaginative ideas. Janet, thanks for the compliment. I've got Secret Service Saint in my stash here. I hope to read it at the beginning of December.

    Wishing you the best,

    Cheryl

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  5. Cheryl, I live books that educate kids as they entertain so they don't even realize they're learning! A sneaky way to get it in! Your book kind of reminds me of The Little Drummer Boy - and I loved that!

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  6. Thanks to all of you have stopped by to read our terrific Cheryl's post. I love hosting you-never a disappointment!

    Best wishes to you all.

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  7. Thanks Margay. That's exactly the song that inspired it, so I'm glad my book reminds you of it.

    Thanks again for hosting me, Nancy. It's nice to stop by here.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Cheryl

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  8. Great interview Cheryl, tweeted and fb for you. Have fun on your book tour.

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  9. Great post...I firmly believe that if a book is both educational AND entertaining, the message tends to stick better in their brains. :-)

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  10. Thanks again to everyone who commented on Cheryl's great post. Much appreciated!

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