The Little Lamb

by Christoph von Schmid

A family torn asunder by war, an invalid mother, a missing child, and a lost lamb all have one common theme—the innocent sometimes suffer. But in Von Schmid’s unique approach to life and its mysteries, he teaches us all how suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope removes all shame. As the main characters move from the darkness of despair to a hope that is greater than their fears, they soon learn how God can take the most unlikely and innocent of all creatures, a lamb, to bring about the greatest of redemptions and reunions.

Genres: Fiction, Christian, Juvenile, Christian Fiction, Childrens, Classics

129 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1876

About the author

Don't confuse with Johann Christoph von Schmid (1756-1827).

Johann Nepomuk Christoph Friedrich von Schmid was a writer of children's stories, educator, and Roman Catholic priest. His stories were very popular and translated into many languages. His best-known work in the English-speaking world is The Basket of Flowers (Das Blumenkörbchen).

Reviews

[Luisa Knight]

Two more good stories from von Schmid!

Both of these tales follow children who decide to be honest and honorable and the merry recompense of those actions. While we are not always rewarded here on earth like these stories portray, they definitely show you the value and good of always doing what is right.

Ages: 5 - 12

Content Considerations: nothing to note.

**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!

If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.

I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!

[Hailey White]

A very special story, yet a bit repetitive in message, unlike most others Mark Hamby publishes. I was particularly dream to the letter of the abandoned son from his adoptive father, which is exactly what I would like for my children to hear from me when they go out into the world.

[Addy Smith]

A sweet little classic that I read for school. The message (and ending) was perfect. Would recommend!

[Hannah]

I read this years ago and have since been on a quest to find an original, unedited copy, as the editor left it choppy. The story is dear and heartwarming.

[Tirzah]

Christoph von Schmid writes edifying children's stories that delight young and old while teaching morals that may be new to the reader or a much needed refresher. The Little Lamb is no different. Mainly, its moral is Romans 8:28. Another short story, The Redbreast is also included in this edition. I recommend for family read alouds. It also makes a good gift for a child for any occasion.

[Matthew Gasperoni]

What a refreshing short read! It reads like a parable, lacking the villains, offering a wonderful portrayal of sacrificial giving, joy amidst trials and loss, love, hope, and a profound charge to our children as they begin their own journeys. Even a picture of what Christian community and living should look like. It's a simple yet profound book well worth your time. Approach it with innocence and an open heart, and you'll find yourself filled with hope, love, and conviction alike.

[Karen]

We gave this book to Ellie for Easter. Daddy is going to read this to her before bedtime.

Dad and Ellie have been taking a break from reading this book. Will start the book over during the summer and read with Jacob also..6/4/15

[Kay Adelin]

This book is pretty good! It was a little juvenile for my tastes, but it’s a children’s book, so I didn’t dock any stars for it. The two stories within the book have very good morals about honesty and how people are rewarded for it. The last story felt a little rushed, and some of the things that happened in both stories seemed a little too coincidental, but in all it was a good book that I would recommend for kids ages 7-12, or those who enjoy reading children’s stories.

[Melanie]

I just finished reading this book to my kids and it was an exceptional little book, however I had to take one star away for a little bit of over the top pietism. Thankfully my kids were not annoyed by some of the sermonizing because the story was quite adventurous and had enough twists and turns for all six boys.

[Stephanie Jarrett]

The sweetest little book showing how “all things work together for those who love God” (Romans 8:28). Will be reading this aloud to the kids.

[Chloe W]

What a sweet, encouraging story! This story was geared toward younger children but I still enjoyed the honest, wholesome characters and the simple well-told plot.

[Paula]

There are actually two stories within this one book. The first, The Little Lamb, is a wonderful story that teaches the importance of following God's laws even in the smallest of things. For even the smallest obedience or act can lead to the greatest rewards. And how every action, no matter how small, can have a great effect on others or even your own life.

The second story, much shorter, is The Redbreast. Through the honesty of a little boy, rewards are brought upon him and his grandfather.

Both stories are great to read to children and give them visual images to recall to help them follow after Godly principles.

[JQ]

It was a cute little book. Just rip out the last pages of the book when the preacher starts preaching, I'm sure you'll have the book figured out by then. There is a wonderful letter that the adopted father wrote to his son.

[Josie✨✨]

Not giving it any stars bc it was so wholesome that I would feel wrong not giving it 5 but at the same time I didn’t enjoy It THAT much. Super sweet and I nice break from romance and murder mystery but I’m running back to The Naturals series lol.

[Lacey]

This was a sweet book that taught about having faith and being rewarded.

[Rebecca Trelc]

it was sad but still a great book

[Libby]

A very sweet old fashioned book that upholds love for God, honesty, industriousness and unselfishness.

[Jessica]

3 ⭐️

[Patrick]

A good if a bit "preachy" story about the providence of God. Recommended.

[Ruthe Turner]

Written in 1848, this children’s story has an antique quality and sweetness about it. A little girl sacrificially – and yet joyfully - gives to another little girl something that means the world to her. One kindness leads to another and another, and all involved are blessed. In the volume from Lamplighter Publishing, a second story tells of a little boy and his pet robin. Circumstances cause him to sell his little pet, though the pet returns. As the stories unfold in both books, the reader will learn the benefits of unselfish love, generosity and honor. This little book is of great value when shared with another through reading it out loud together and discussing all the wonderful results that occur when people think of others and do the right thing.