A charming, Christ-centered Christmas tale that teaches children valuable spiritual lessons.
With breathtaking illustrations by Jess Mason and moving words by beloved spiritual writer Caryll Houselander, this stunning book will be a favorite Christmas story for families to enjoy again and again.
The Shepherd's Coat
Written by Caryll Houselander
Illustrated by Jess Mason
Word on Fire Votive | November 11, 2024
Hardcover | 36 Pages | 8” x 10”
Suggested Age Range: 5 - 11
Catholic Media Association 2025 Book Award for Design and Production: Children’s Book (Honorable Mention)
Retail Price: $24.95 $19.96
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About The Shepherd's Coat
Benji the shepherd boy’s dearest wish is to find the boy Jesus and give him his most prized possession: a sheepskin coat. What will he do when he discovers a lost little boy trembling in the cold? Should he give the coat away to someone who desperately needs it or keep it in case he finds the Christ Child? This story, beautifully told by beloved spiritual writer Caryll Houselander, reveals deep spiritual truths through an encounter with Jesus and a reminder that what we do for the least of these, we do for him. With breathtaking illustrations by Jess Mason, this stunning book will be a favorite Christmas story for families to enjoy again and again.
Here’s What People Are Saying...
“A tender story of a shepherd boy’s cherished desire to find and honor the Christ child, this gentle story will be a gift of a tale for families to savor at Christmas. Houselander’s imaginative narration and the sweet illustrations make this book a delight for children and a gift to treasure.”
– Sarah Clarkson, author of This Beautiful Truth
“This beautiful story gently conveys the pillars of Houselander’s spirituality: that we know Christ through his mother, that we meet him in one another, and that we are called to be his hands and feet in the world today. This lovingly illustrated edition makes these truths available to a new generation of children.”
– Dr. Julia Meszaros, (co-)editor of Caryll Houselander’s novel The Dry Wood
“Mason’s artwork has a timeless quality. The soft and alluring illustrations capture the rolling rural settings of biblical times and the characters express a real humanity. One can almost get lost in the pages; they evoke the peacefulness of God and complement Houselander’s simple text, which has a unique way of making children feel present and included in this warm story about a small boy with a big heart. A charming tale that makes our Savior’s words come to life: ‘What you did to the least of these you did to me.’”
– Tyler Blanski, author of An Immovable Feast: How I Gave Up Spirituality for a Life of Religious Abundance
About the Author
About the Author
Caryll Houselander was born in 1901 in Bath, England. She became Catholic when she was a little girl, and during her life she wrote many books, including the spiritual classic The Reed Of God. She also wrote beautiful stories for children that inspire her readers to find the Christ Child in every person they encounter.
About the Illustrator
About the Illustrator
Jess Mason is an illustrator, cat lover, and reader of books. She graduated from the University of Worcester with a First in Illustration in 2018. Since then, she has worked on a variety of middle grade books and picture books. She lives in Worcestershire, England, with her cat, Steve.
