And you think you've had a bad hair day? Check out this sheep's journey back to the arms it trusts.

Beautifully illustrated, this sweet story modernizes the parable of the lost sheep with George, who definitely likes to do things his way. George realizes in the end that his shepherd is truly looking out for his best interests.

Thanks to @NetGalley for sharing this DRC with me for an honest review.

I actually think this would be a good story to help any children who are a bit defiant when it comes to having a hair cut. I loved that it was a cute little tale about a sheep, was a beautiful story with a lovely ending.

Hannah E. Harrison's The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep: A Story of God's Redemptive Love teaches children about God's unending love. During the first part of the book, the sheep get into all kinds of trouble. The mighty shepherd soon arrives to rescue and guide his sheep. One sheep runs away from the shepherd after deciding he doesn't want to be sheared. It doesn't take him long to realize that things aren't so good without his shepherd. He is threatened one night by a lone wolf while tangled in a bramble of thorns. In the face of an angry wolf, he is defenseless. When all seems lost, the sheep sees a bright light in the distance. His sheep cried for help, so the shepherd came to his rescue. In no time, the sheep understood that he was lost without the guidance and care of his shepherd. This story teaches children the importance of trusting and relying on God's guidance. It illustrates that even when they stray or make mistakes, they can always return to the loving embrace of the Father who want the best for them. The tale reinforces the idea that seeking help and trusting in a protector's wisdom leads to safety and happiness. The book is based on Psalm 23.

A stubborn sheep can get himself into all kinds of trouble very quickly, but the shepherd is always searching for the lost one, ready to help at just the right time. Sound familiar? As this lovely story shows, sheep are completely helpless to care for themselves (as are we), but they have a caring shepherd.
The artwork is gorgeous as well as humorously accurate. George is just adorable, and children will quickly relate to him and his story. The tie-in to Psalm 23 and other scripture gives the adult reader an easy way to teach children about the Lord, their Shepherd. This book would make a beautiful gift. Highly recommend!
“He’s a good Shepherd.
He’s MY Shepherd.
And I’ll follow him for all of my days.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of Zonderkidz through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep is an absolutely precious, fun, and appropriate way of communicating Psalm 23 to children in a very tangible way. The subtext among the sheep added an element of humor. The illustrations were cute and engaging, and the storytelling was perfect. However, I wish more parallel was pointed out regarding us as Christians/people as the sheep and the Lord as the Good Shepherd - even just a two-sentence paragraph near the end. The text of Psalm 23 and other scripture references on page 37 were appreciated.

I did note a few grammatical errors, but overall, this is a fantastic book for children, and I will be buying a hard copy to read to my grandchildren.

Thank you to NetGalley, Zonderkidz, and Hannah E. Harrison for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this cute story. I cannot wait to buy a copy for my nephews because they will love it too. Great message being taught. The illustrations we absolutely adorable and precious.

Go ahead admit it, you’ve been that stubborn sheep at least once in your life.

This lovely picture book will capture your heart as author Hannah E. Harrison upfolds the biblical message in the familiar passage of Psalm 23.

Meet George the sheep with frizzy hair, a poor sense of direction, no top teeth and he cannot even growl or roar. It’s wool shearing time and George runs off and hides, all because he doesn’t want a haircut. George thinks he knows what’s best but he’ll soon find out otherwise.

Things aren’t going so well for George and he realizes he should have listened to his shepherd, and now he’s facing down a wolf with only his cute little hooves and a quiet baaa as defense.

Of course we know the shepherd finds George and cradles the shivering lamb in his arms back to the safety of the fold.

Children will fall in love with George and become completely absorbed in this beautifully illustrated picture book.

The text and pictures aren’t frightening and one may even find them to be at times a bit humorous.

The hero is the shepherd embodying out Lord and Savior who is always there to help us. And boy don’t we all need Him!

I like how the shepherd knows his sheep by name and calls George by name, reminding us that our relationship with God is personal.

You can further the message by reading on the last page the text of Psalm 23.

For further reference, is a list of relatable biblical passages.

The end pages portray a knitted green background putting one in the mind of a knitted woolen scarf.

The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep: A Story of God’s Redemptive Love
by Hannah E. Harrison
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Series: None
Rated: 3
Obtain: Borrow
Back of the Book: “The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep is a humorous and heartwarming picture book about God's unconditional love. This story beautifully captures the essence of Psalm 23, showing the importance of trusting God, our Good Shepherd, with our lives. Meet George, a silly and sometimes stubborn sheep living happily under the care of a Good Shepherd. But when shearing time comes, George decides it’s time to make a run for it, and soon finds himself on a journey full of unexpected disappointment, discomfort, and danger. Ultimately, he finds rescue and learns why he really does need a shepherd. The Bible is full of references to sheep and shepherds, but what does it mean to be a good shepherd? And how are we like sheep? The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep uses an unforgettable character and riveting story to bring biblical truth to life for kids and illustrate the many comforting and loving attributes of God.”

Impressions: This entertaining, fun story shares why sheep need a shepherd. I was disappointed however that it didn’t make note of who the sheep and shepherd are in this metaphor. We are the sheep, and the Lord is our shepherd. Psalm 23 is shared on the last page but for little ones, the connection might not be made. This was a fun story to read but it was not intentional enough to put it on our bookshelf. I do love the illustrations and fun added blurbs.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

This is a marvelous insight into the perception of the 23rd Psalm told as a story of one loving shepherd and an unruly member of his flock. Who could easily be any one of us! Perfect!
The illustrations by the author are a lovely rendition of the characters, delightful, colorful, and fun!
Well suited for reading WITH someone of ANY age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school, parish, synagogue, or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions provided by Zonderkidz via NetGalley. Thank you! Avail Feb 04, 2025
#TheGoodShepherdAndTheStubbornSheep #NetGalley @Zonderkidz #Psalm23 #KidLit #PictureBooks

Such a unique, funny and insightful take on the story of the Lost Sheep from the sheep’s perspective! Absolutely stunning illustrations. Will definitely be adding to our library!

My only critique would be that Jesus/the Shepherd could be more culturally accurate. Still such a creative way to tell this story, though!

Thank you so much to Net Galley, Zonderkidz and the author for the eARC!

I thought that this book was superb - there is nothing I can fault here.

The story is one that is well known and this is an excellent retelling for children. The layout of the book was perfect, it made the story easy to read, it was nice and clear and the text size was perfect for younger readers.

The illustrations in the book are wonderful and they do a brilliant job of bringing the story to life and they definitely add to the story overall too.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, my daughter attends a Catholic Primary School and I have recommended that a copy of this is purchased by them when it is released as it was a pleasure to read - very highly recommended!

This is adorable - we learn all about George, who is self-described as an average grass-grazing sheep. The book is tongue-in-cheek and shows why the sheep need a caring shepherd to look after them. The images of lost sheep rushing about in groups are just beautiful. George decides to run away, and his coat grows so long that it covers his eyes, and he can't see very well. Poor old George gets very lost, can't find his way back and is scared by a snapping wolf. He even tries to swim and then remembers that sheep can't swim. George is, however, saved by the shepherd, and he goes happily back with him to have his coat snipped short.
The book ends with psalm 23 and whilst the book doesn't make the saving grace of God overt, it was a joy to talk around this when reading with my little one, The pictures are lovely and well coloured, and the book gives plenty of scope to talk about God and the need for comfort and that he will always come and find us and save us.

This is a book that captures the heart of the biblical message and is based on Psalm 23.

I love the teaching of Jesus in Luke where the traits of The Good Shepherd are shown in that famous account of the lost sheep. That parable in part is depicted here when George runs off and cannot immediately be found.

I think children will love George and as the pages turn will be completely absorbed in this story which is beautifully illustrated.

The text is humorous and memorable. Easy to follow and can be read along with you.

Like any good children’s book there is the element of danger included here, as the young sheep regrets leaving the safety of the flock and becomes lost in the dark night.

The hero is the shepherd who rescues George just in time. The scared sheep is comforted and made warm.

What struck me and brings a deeper message for me is that the shepherd calls George by name. This resonates with me and reminded me of my personal relationship with God.

So much to share with our little ones. This is not a ram it down your throats story. It isn’t a tract or religious piece, rather a wonderful story of love, hope and security.
There is universal appeal in Psalm 23 and this marvellous book, conveying a delightful story of George the sheep. This will bring the message of that beloved Psalm to a new audience and restore faith in many.

I appreciated the reproduction of Psalm 23, to be read at the end of the book. For further reference, a list of biblical passages that one can look up and read about this subject.