Synopsis

The Crippled Lamb by popular Christian author Max Lucado and artist and illustrator Liz Bonham is one Christian picture book that truly shines on its own merits as a superbly-told story. Popular Texas pastor and writer Max Lucado tells an interesting, poignant, and personable story about a a little lamb named Joshua who is born with a birth defect. Joshua (also called Josh in the story), with his lame leg, is the crippled lamb, and is unable to run and jump and play with the other sheep in the flock.

Joshua feels "left out and sad," but he has the friendship of a brown cow named Abigail, who keeps him company and tells him stories about the stars. On the hillside, Abigail tells him "Don't be sad, little Josh, God has a special place for those who feel left out." When the sheep are moved to another pasture, Joshua feels more left out than ever, because even the shepherds tell him he isn't fit to make the journey. Dejectedly, Josh goes to wait for the shepherds in the stable. That night, he is joined by Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her newborn Babe. Josh warms the baby with his wool, and finds his rightful place at Jesus' side, where he stands in awe of the Christ child.