Families who loved Once a Shepherd by Glenda Millard often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when a child is asking big questions about a grandfather they never met, or when a family is navigating the complex emotions of a long term separation or permanent loss. Through the story of Tom, a young shepherd who leaves his hillside home to serve in the Great War, this book provides a lyrical and gentle framework for discussing how love continues even when a person is no longer physically present. It is a profound choice for families wanting to bridge the gap between history and heart. The narrative uses beautiful, rhythmic language to soften the impact of its heavy themes, making it appropriate for children in the early elementary years. It focuses on the legacy of love and the cycle of life, as Tom's wife and eventually his son carry on his work in the hills. Parents will appreciate how it honors the sacrifice of service while keeping the emotional focus on the enduring bond of family and the healing power of nature.