Animal perspectives always make for a interesting sort of tale. The viewpoint that was presented was different and unique in a charming, animal way. Despite being a dog and a goat, the author did a wonderful job of introducing and developing the characters in the story.
One confusing part in the story was when the author introduced angels who seemed to have come from a long journey. They arrived and played with and fed the animals. Angels frequently fill the story, and only the animals can see them. The tale also failed to come across as a nativity story. The only time the nativity story is mentioned is when one of the animals is in the stable, looking down on baby Jesus.
A surprising part in the story, which I enjoyed, was toward the end when Ima and Lila are captured. At the camp, Lila demonstrates friendship and love to another dog by sharing her meals. Lila’s backstory, although sad, is interesting and gives the readers something to ponder.
Geared towards younger readers and those with a love for animals, Certain Poor Shepherds is a book partly about the nativity story but mostly about the character’s relationship presented from an animal’s point of view.
