James closely observes the work of his father and the varied seasonal activities on the sheep farm, eagerly awaiting the day when he too can be a shepherd.

A boy tending sheep on a lonely mountainside thinks it a fine joke to cry "wolf" and watch the people come running, until the day a wolf is really there and no one answers his call. Includes a word puzzle and reading tips for parents.

"Nothing ever happens here," the shepherd thinks. But the bored boy knows what would be exciting: He cries that a wolf is after his sheep, and the town's people come running. How often can that trick work, though? B.G. Hennessy's retelling of this timeless fable is infused with fanciful whimsy through Boris Kulikov's hilarious and ingenious illustrations. This tale is sure to leave readers grinning sheepishly.

""A delightful and heart warming story about a boy named Thomas who lives in the town of Bethlehem. Thomas cleans the stable during the day, and in the evening is a shepherd boy. As the story unfolds, Thomas finds himself part of the wonderful and joyous first Christmas Night.""

A heart-warming and unique version of the Christmas story, perfect for young children

Welcome to a delightful Christmas story! Simon is a young shepherd in Bethlehem. His family is hosting the Zebedees, including Simon's favorite cousins, James and John. Word arrived that Mary and Joseph had come from Nazareth, and that Mary was going to have a baby! Young Simon had never seen a birth before, but wouldn't that night, either. He was sent out with his cousins and brother, Andrew, to watch the sheep - just so they would stay out of the way! What he did see, though, was an angel. And the angel's message was clear: He should return to Bethlehem so that he could see the new-born and hear Joseph's words of wisdom, well and kindly spoken.