Archbishop Stephen’s Sleepy Shepherd Book Reading

19/10/2022

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, will be at York Minster from 10.30am to midday on Saturday 17 December, to give a reading from his children’s book, The Sleepy Shepherd.   This is a free non-ticketed event and all are welcome.  

Archbishop Stephen said, "It is a great joy to invite children, parents and carers to come and listen to a Christmas story together.  I have always loved the act of sitting down with my children, and now my grandson, and have thoroughly enjoyed the wide-eyed extravagant wonder of a tall tale." 

The book reading will take place inside York Minster, at the Lady Chapel – please enter at the main entrance by the West Doors. The Lady Chapel will be adorned with Christmas trees decorated by local charities and organisations as part of York Minster’s second Christmas Tree Festival.  

Published by SPCK, The Sleepy Shepherd is an enchanting Christmas tale for children aged 5-7 that tells the story of Silas, who as a boy is so dozy that he completely misses the visit of the angels and the chance to greet the Christ-child in Bethlehem. But one crucial night, years later, he makes an important decision – to be a real shepherd to a man whose friends have all fallen asleep. 

Signed copies of The Sleepy Shepherd for those who wish to purchase a copy will be available at York Minster Shop (£7.99).    

Further Advent and Christmas resources for families are available on the Church of England’s website here

Front cover of a book - deep blue skies and purple hills with title, The Sleepy Shepherd
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