The Crippled Lamb [Hardcover]

Max Lucado (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 30, 2011 | Age Range: 3 - 7 years

The inspiring story that has encouraged thousands of children who have felt left out or who have special needs.

In this timeless bestseller, readers experience the tender love God has for those who feel alone and different. Joshua was a lamb with a crippled leg who felt left out because he couldn’t run and play like the other lambs. But God had a very special plan for Joshua’s life, as He does for all who feel alone. Readers can expect a gentle tug on their hearts as the little lamb’s prayers are answered in an amazing way. Original oil-painting illustrations by Liz Bonham brilliantly capture the beauty and warmth of this endearing story.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

More than 100 million readers have found comfort in the writings of Max Lucado. He ministers at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and a sweet but misbehaving mutt, Andy.

Product Details

• Age Range: 3 - 7 years
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Reprint edition (August 30, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400318076
• ISBN-13: 978-1400318070
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.5 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (100 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #86,185 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #89 in Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Celebrations > Christmas

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 56 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars We all need to be reminded: God has a special place for us. August 6, 1997

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful! They capture my children's attention and even I can't turn the page without looking at the artwork.

They story is equally as beautiful. It is about a small lamb who doesn't feel he belongs because he is not as "perfect" as the other lambs. He has a tremendous friend, named Abigail, who always reminds him that "God has a special place for those who don't belong."

I cannot count the times this book as been read to teach my children how to be a friend to someone "different" or how to stand the trials of being the one who is not like everyone else.

It is a touching story that no matter how many times you read, will choke you up and bring tears to your eyes.

Abigale and Joshua will remind you of how special God creates each of us and how important we each are in "life".

This is a must read book

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An awe-inspiring, humbling message for all ages February 14, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

I am an author and I collect children's books, thus I feel my taste in children's books is very discerning. This is one of the most beautiful books - in pictures, content, and spirit - that I have ever seen. This is one 'Christmas' book that does not get packed away for 11 months of the year - it stays on my bookshelf the year through. My husband and I have read it each Christmas Eve, and I now read it to my 4-month old daughter a few times a month. This book would be a wonderful gift to children in families who may not have a personal relationship with Jesus. I gain blessings and appreciation anew each time I read this story.

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must-read" for children of all ages! December 30, 1997

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

Max Lucado is a "master illustrator." He artistically paints pictures with words and "The Crippled Lamb" is no disappointment!

Little Joshua, a lamb, feels so different from others. He bears spots while others don't. He doesn't have a mom or dad. He can't run, jump and play like the others, for he has a bad leg. Often feeling down on himself, he finds encouragement in a friend named Abigail, an aging cow.

Then one unexpected night, Joshua finds that there is a specialness about his differences. There is a unique role only he can fill.

Get the tissues ready! This is a book sure to move even the hardest heart. How vividly it portrays the love of a Father Who loves us inspite of our blemishes and sees each one of His children as special, with purpose!

Beautifully illustrated by Liz Bonham, this is a work you should not miss. This one is a "keeper" you'll wish to pass on from generation to generation.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This book has become a family Christmas reading must have August 20, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

After reading this book, my 10-year old daughter asked to start a family tradition of reading this book and the like on Christmas Eve to remind us why we come together on this holiday. Two years later, we now have children (of all ages) who want to participate in the reading marathon on Christmas Eve. This is a great book to add to your collection.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Christmas Classic November 23, 2001

By crazy4canines

Format:Hardcover

This book has become a part of my family's Christmas traditions
each year. It's a wonderful story of the birth of Christ as seen
through the eyes of Joshua, a lamb that has been crippled since
birth. Not only does the author focus upon the true meaning of
Christmas. It teaches a simple and very important lesson about life. Everyone can make a contribution to life, even if they are
handicapped. Through this story, children can be taught the
significance of being thankful for having a strong body and mind,
and of being kind to people who are less fortunate. The message is a simple one, and my daughter readily understood it the first
time we read the story. She was four years old then. Both of us
cry as we share the book together and are reminded that there
truly are some things that money can't buy! You will love this book!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, Beautiful Book... July 15, 2005

By Shari Worden

Format:Hardcover

And I totally disagree with what "Advocate" says about the use of the word "Crippled" in the title.

If this book had been talking about human children, I would be inclined to agree with him or her, however, on millions of farms in North America (and in the U.K.) "crippled" is a perfectly acceptable descriptive term for certain features of livestock. "Lame", "blighted", and "poor stock" are also used. So what? We cannot endlessly restructure our language and reassign meanings and words in order to try to sugarcoat and "brush away" the harsh reality of a disability and I, as a disabled person (deaf) deeply resent attempts to do so. When you cry "foul" at each possible non-politically-correct word and phrase, you drag the disabled out of their longed-for anonymity and showcase us as poor pitiful people who have to be coddled and protected from the strong and powerful in our world. Enough.

I agree that certain words have a strong, negative picture associated with them and might be reconsidered for use as applied to human beings (but I couldn't care less if someone called my three-legged dog crippled. She is!). However, I would also like to suggest for your consideration that perhaps an early introduction to such words within a considerate and safe environment such as story time with Mom and Dad, is a good thing from this point of view: the first time one hears these words, is it better for there to be an explanation of good words and not so nice words at hand, or is it better for their first exposure to a harsh word be in a playground, while they are alone and feeling attacked?

I vote for my child to be in my lap at the time so I could explain it to him. And I vote for teaching children that words only have the power that we give to them.