Very cute story and great artwork. This would make a great gift for the littles in your life! Highly recommended!

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.

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.

This was a cute book. The little shepherd boy can't sing well, but it doesn't stop him from singing anyway.
My three year old enjoyed it and I thought it was a good message about giving it your all.

This book would be great for religious children. The message is that God gives courage. It was not a book for me.

A cute story about a singing Shepard who would sing when he was scared. Set during the period Jesus was born. Lovely illustrations to capture young eyes.

A seasonal book that will delight children and adults alike. I loved the illustrations, they are a great accompaniment to the story and bring it to life.

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.

THE SINGING SHEPHERD by Angela Hunt is a delightful retelling of the birth of Jesus from the perspective of a shepherd boy, Jereb. This boy has appealing flaws that will endear him to young children. He can not sing but instead of not singing he sings more. The humor helps mask his real life fears of most everything. The theme of bravery and courage is apparent and will inspire children to emulate Jereb. The detailed illustrations provide a richness to this story which is the perfect addition to your Christmas book collection or for an introduction of the birth of Jesus to your children.

I was provided a free advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review from Net Galley. The opinions shared in this review are my own.

A sweet story about a singing shepherd boy, set during the time of the birth of Jesus. It has a lovely message for children about being courageous and embracing in ourselves what others may consider as flaws because they can serve a purpose. The illustrations are bright, fun and clear - young children can definitely enjoy following the story whilst having it read to them. As a side note: If I was reading this to a child I make sure to stress to them afterwards that this story is based on the biblical account of Jesus' birth and that Jareb the singing shepherd and his brothers do not actually feature in the bible in the way this book depicts.

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.

Not my favorite book, but my son still enjoyed it. It was a cute little story and a reminder to be brave.

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.

Such a cute Christmas picture book. I loved the story about a shepherd boy helping the Holy family but I also loved the pictures that went along with the story. I think this is a perfect book for sharing at Christmas time.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

An adorable tale adjacent to the Christmas story. A story of finding your voice, bravery, and living out what God has called you to.

I like this edition better than the older one. This one is so, so much better in terms fo the artwork and the character presentation. The whole content is a gift for the Christmas this year!

I love everything about this one.

Just try flipping the pages and tell this story to a kid. Just feel the joy.


Thank you publisher and the author for the book.

The character expressions made the illustrations feel a little disjointed from the story. The writing felt like it had a decent flow.

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

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!

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!