Shepherding Sam

by Melinda Johnson

Sam’s Aunt Eva says he’s like a tornado—he causes a ruckus everywhere he goes. But Aunt Eva won’t give up on Sam, and neither will Saucer, the monastery’s corgi puppy. Saucer lives at the monastery, but he dreams of herding sheep. With no sheep in his life, Saucer tries to herd everyone else—farm animals, nuns, and especially Sam. Sam doesn’t want to follow anyone, not even a funny puppy. But Saucer knows that if he just keeps trying, he can bring this lonely boy back to the flock.

112 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2016

About the author

Melinda Johnson began life in a small town in upstate New York. Her literary imagination evolved from this point through an introspective childhood, a master's in English literature, and a confirmed habit of observing her fellow human beings. She is the author of two novels, Letters to Saint Lydia (CP 2010) and The Other Side of the Bonfire (LSP 2012), the Sam and Saucer series (middle-grade chapter books), and several board books. She currently works as Marketing Director for Ancient Faith Ministries.

Reviews

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done story about the bond between a boy, more than likely on the spectrum, and a corgi who lives at the local monastery. Sweet and a quick read, I look forward to giving it as a gift. In the interest of full disclosure, I am blessed to know the fabulous author.

[Jane G Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet glimpse into two lives--that of Saucer, a young corgi who desperately wants to be a herding dog, and Sam, a young boy who isn't quite sure what he's looking for. When they find each other, good things--interesting things--(even exciting things!)--happen for them both...

A wonderful story for young Orthodox readers who are looking to find themselves in a book. Set at the monastery where Saucer lives, lots of good adventure happens, and the book is free of moralizing and the typical telling-kids-what-they-should-believe that can happen in a book that is faith-based...

And the design of the book is first class--from the choice of paper, to the interior and cover artwork, to the choice of font...

[Bev Cooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saucer is a Corgi, and anyone who know anything about Corgis knows that they're herders. They've been helping herd flocks for almost as long as there have been flocks and herds. And Saucer knows it. So when he arrives at the monastery, the first thing he does is look for a herd to care for. There isn't one, the nuns try to tell him, but Saucer isn't convinced. Then Sam arrives, and Saucer realizes he's found his calling.

Melinda Johnson's engaging story of the relationship that grows up between Saucer, the Corgi without a herd, and Sam, a boy who doesn't seem to fit anywhere is intended for children who are ready to move beyond picture books. Only seven chapters long, the book is just long enough to feel like a “real” book, but not daunting enough to intimidate someone who isn't ready for a full-size novel quite yet. The story is simple, straight-forward and easy to follow for little people who are still mastering the art of reading, but it's complex enough to engage older readers as well. Melinda doesn't talk down to her readers either. Some of the kids may have a challenge with some of the vocabulary, but they're sure to get meaning from context, if they run into a word they're not familiar with.

The book has a gentle, relaxed feel to it, and even though for an adult, it's a quick read, it doesn't feel as though it's short. It pulls both adult and child into its world and we can follow the path of the story as it winds, like the path at the monastery, through Saucer's arrival, and his early searches for his herd and his quest to do the job God made him for. It may seem, like the nun's path, to wind and wander, but in reality, it's got a destination, and it gets us there without ever really branching or splitting off. And like the places the monastery path goes, every new vista along the way contributes to the path's destination.

The story is told from Saucer's point of view, so we never do find out why Sam is so out of step with everyone around him, and that doesn't matter. The point isn't that Sam's out of step, the point is that because he is, Saucer needs to bring him back to the herd. By being what God made him to be, Saucer not only solves both his and Sam's problems, but manages to turn himself into a hero while he's at it. The story beautifully and subtly illustrates Christ's parables about finding and bringing back lost lambs to the fold, as well as showing children how our talents and gifts come from God for a reason, even if we don't seem to know why.

Kids will enjoy the lively descriptions and the realistic behaviour of the characters in the story – from Areo, the border collie and his friend, Butterscotch the Guard Chicken to Macrina, Elias and Matthew, Sam's very human and engaging cousins. Their antics and exchanges, as well as their completely age-appropriate dialogue will have kids recognizing their own friends (both animal and human) and relatives in the story and laughing out loud.

There are no interior illustrations, as this is a chapter book, and a real novel, but each chapter heading includes the silhouette of a Corgi around the chapter number.

It's definitely a book that will engage and entertain a child, and it would be an ideal Christmas or birthday present.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shepherding Sam by Melinda Johnson

Full disclosure: I love corgi's! I once owned a sweet corgi many years ago and have always wanted to own another one. They are wonderful dogs and really great with families.

A lovely story about a dog and a boy and a monastery. Sam is an active boy that struggles with church and spending time at the monastery. Saucer is a dog who only wants to herd- sheep, nuns, animals, maybe even Sam.

I loved this book! I loved that the main character reminded me of my own children- not always super excited to go to church, somewhat distracted by everything that is going on around them. I love that this story shows the struggle that Sam goes through to be at the monastery. Sometimes our church stories skip over that struggle. To have a character experiencing apprehension about visiting the monastery and figuring out his place is refreshing especially for those readers who feel the same way as Sam.

The other great thing about this book is it includes dragons, animals, swords, and a dog and boy who are trying to figure out their own purpose in all of this.

This book would be a great read aloud with younger children and older children can easily read it on their own. I am very excited that this is now the first book in a series and look forward to reading book two- The Barn and the Book by the same author.

I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shepherding Sam is a cute book that introduces us to Sam, Saucer and an Orthodox Monastery for nuns. Sam is described by his aunt as “a tornado—he causes a ruckus everywhere he goes”, we don’t really see that - instead we see a young boy that does not really want to be at the monastery (possibly because it’s never really explained why they go to the monastery). We love that the book has things in it that Orthodox children will recognize and will not often see in other children’s fiction books, which in some ways is a con too because it could have been developed more so that non-Orthodox kids could maybe picture it and to seem more developed for the readers that do understand). Saucer, the Corgi, is a puppy that has joined the monastery farm animals (donkey, dog, ducks, etc.) and is trying to find his herd and meets Sam. Both Sam & Saucer are trying to figure out what they are to do at the monastery and are drawn to each other time and again. Shepherding Sam is a quick read, we read it in 2 evenings. This book is recommended for ages 7-12, younger kids would enjoy listening in as well. I read this with my kids (11, 9 & 7). We are really looking forward to reading the sequel, The Barn & The Book. We were given a copy of this book, by Ancient Faith Publishing, in exchange for our honest opinions :)

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son (age 7) and I both loved this book. He's in second grade and gobbling up chapter books. Melinda paints her characters as well as the plot with a great sense of humor (laugh out loud!), but it also has a thoughtful undertone that can spark conversations with kids about God and feeling like one doesn't quite fit in. I love its gentle tone and the fact that it is set at a monastery. Many kids (Orthodox or otherwise) never have the chance to visit a monastery, so it's nice to have a peek into one. I love that the animals are important characters in this book - a fun way to pull kids in. It's also a nice read for busy moms who don't have time to read full-length adult fiction. I also appreciate that this is a funny book but doesn't resort to sassiness or demeaning other kids/adults as so many chapter books unfortunately do. My son could read it without me worrying that I'd have to preview it before or try to explain why we shouldn't behave like some of the characters do in other kids chapter books.

After reading it and The Book and the Barn (the next in the series), he immediately asked if there was a third one. He's eager to read it if one comes out! (As am I.) Thank you, Melinda!

[Charla Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

My whole family really enjoyed this book in audiobook form. It’s a delightful story of a saucy dog named Saucer, who is displaced from the sheep farm where generations before him have faithfully herded, and brought to a monastery, where his purpose isn’t as certain. It’s a lovely tale of how God always knows what is in our future and sets a path before us, even when we can’t see it. The relationship between Saucer and his new friend, Sam, highlights the special connection between animals and children, especially those with special needs. My children and I agree this is a connection established by God.

The animal characters in this story are adorable and have the funniest names that kept my children laughing through the THREE times in a row we listened to this story. It’s one hour in length, perfect to listen to all at one time, or to break up into two or three sessions, but nicely wrapped up quickly for those times when you don’t want to commit to a story for weeks.

The author, Melinda Johnson, is the narrator and we loved her…you could hear the characters come alive in her voice, and her animal sounds were just perfect.

I, along with my 10 year old and 8 year old, highly recommend Shepherding Sam!

[Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with my children ages 3, 6 and 9 and they all enjoyed it. They identified a lot with the monastery setting, and the book is a great introduction to the characters in the "Sam and Saucer" series. My two boys wanted more firefighter action in the end, but nonetheless enjoyed the story and the characters, especially Saucer the corgi! It also makes a wonderful gift and can be read independently by children ages 7 and up.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this sweet book, and posted a review on my blog -- https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/raisin...

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful children’s book about finding your place. Written for young readers, this will appeal to 10 and younger I believe.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sweet children's book. As I read the book, I envisioned two Orthodox monasteries I have visited with my child & a group of children.