- a young boy journeys with an old shepherd, learning many skills and much wisdom
- a mostly gentle story with a few interruptions to the tranquility (rattlesnake, sand storm, lack of water, wolves)
- convo: one sad scene in which a beloved pet dies (chapter 10)
- wine is mentioned a few times, but always as something ashamed of (drinking it in excess)
- language: x10 stupid (always referring to unintelligent sheep), x1 b*tch (female dog)
Type: chapter book
Ages: 8-12
Author: Jack Schaefer
Illustrator: Harold West
The boy absolutely loves learning from books, so his father sends him out with a trustworthy and faithful shepherd to learn things books cannot teach.
It’s set in the Mojave Desert and would be particularly neat for those interested in Arizona, New Mexico or Southern California. Or even for nature lovers, as the descriptions make the setting practically palpable.
Though not a long book, it leaves plenty of moments and wisdom nuggets to think on. And it certainly makes clear that not all knowledge can be learned from books! I hope you like it.