The Crippled Lamb

by Max Lucado, Jenna Lucado Bishop, Sara Lucado

Because Joshua the Lamb was different, he often felt left out-like on the wintry night when he was left behind in a Bethlehem stable. This touching tale helps kids see that even if they're different, God has a unique plan for their lives.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Christian, Holiday, Fiction, Christian Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 14, 1994

About the author

With more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.

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Reviews

[Brian Yahn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Crippled Lamb has a nice message: Just because you're different (especially disabled) doesn't mean you won't do something special one day.

It's 100% a Christian story, which may or may not be your thing. Basically a king is born, and a outcast sheep gets the opportunity to keep the baby king warm.

Religious overtones aside, The Crippled Lamb is a bit lengthy for how little excitement there is. Most of the story is actually depressing.

[Allison Tebo · Rating 5 out of 5]

As we turn the beautifully illustrated pages of this book, it's clear where we're going - a beautiful journey of confirmation that God loves us and has crafted our story with a pure and perfect love.

I don't usually get misty over books, but I. confess I did a bit with this one - because it's so full of the Truth of God's Grace and His perfect plan.

For anyone that's ever felt looked over, abandoned or crippled - this book is for you.

[Loretta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Truly a children's book in every sense of the word. Reminded me a lot of the story "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer". Definitely a book to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has Max Lucado ever written a stinker? If so, this isn't it. A sweet little story about a lamb who cannot keep up with the rest of the flock but learns that God has something special for all of us, whatever our limitations. In fact, it is what we do not have, our emptiness which gives Him space to fill us up with His Love. Perfect Christmas story in every respect!

[Kellie O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

" Don't feel sad, little Joshua, God has a special place for those who feel left out." -- Abigail

Such a tender and sweet story of love between a disabled little lamb named Joshua and his best friend, Abigail. Abigail is a beautiful cow who watches over Joshua because the other lambs don't like him and make fun of his limp. She is always reminding him that God has a special place for him. Joshua just wants to belong to the flock and fit in. Joshua's prayers are answered in an amazing way on a special Christmas Day!! 💜

Perfect for ages 3 -7. The book has amazing original oil painted pictures which are just beautiful!! Enjoy this story of encouragement and hope anytime of the year. I very highly recommend this gorgeous story!!

Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨🐑🐄

[Cori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I forgot about this book. My mom used to read it to me when I was younger, and I would look through it even as I got older. The artwork is stunning and the story is heart-warming.

[Julie Durnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read to my granddaughter and we both loved it!

[Amanda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about a crippled lamb who is often sad because he cannot do the things the other lambs can do. His friend, Abigail, who is a cow, keeps reminding him that "God has a special place for those who feel left out". One day the lambs move into a new pasture but Joshua, the crippled lamb, stays behind beside it is too far of a journey. However, that night in the stable, Jesus is born and Joshua uses his wool to keep Jesus warm. Joshua is reminded of why Abigail has said and finally believes he is right where he belongs.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to read going into the Christmas season!

[Sharon Weinschreider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joshua is a crippled lamb who can’t keep up with the others, but he learns that “God has a special place for those who feel left out.” A sweet, comforting Christmas story, beautifully illustrated by Liz Bonham.

[Beth Brekke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute enough but seems like a reworking of Rudolph.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is a bit too sweet for me. I appreciate the message and if I had younger children I would share it with them as part of our Christmas advent but it is not something that our family is really gonna appreciate.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am shocked by the positive reviews of this book. First off, the use of the word crippled is so awful it is like a punch in the gut every time I see it written. Secondly, the "crippled" lamb is left out by all the other lambs because he is too slow. How is this teaching a good lesson? My daughter is limb different and if some kids told her to go sit in the classroom instead of play at recess, I would be outraged and most definitely would not ask if she found a way to help the teacher! Please don't buy this book for kids who have differences, it just highlights how often they can be left out, and it does not teach a good lesson to kids about inclusion.

[Jessica reads stories · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very sweet book i wish to buy when I have my own children. This teaches that God has something special for us in store. We are loved in his image. Highly recommend this for those with little ones.

[Brooklyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just because you dont think you have it good, doesnt mean Heavenly Father doesnt have something special waiting just for you.

[Tikka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just bought this for my daughter. Such a great message about being different.

[Kim Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful Christmas story that is good for any age. It made me cry!

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful little story.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have really mixed feelings after reading this: working in healthcare (well, and just existing in the modern world really), we have to be so careful of the words we use to label things. Crippled means “anything that causes one to be unable to walk or move properly”. So, yes, the lamb is crippled, and this is a disability, and I think that disabilities should be recognized. However, the extreme exclusion of Joshua literally had me in tears. The ultimate message that one can feel like and outsider and have a disability and yet still accomplish great things is a good message. However, as someone who is “crippled” by shyness and extreme low self esteem, the way that the lamb is treated and excluded is just awful and I really found myself sympathizing with him. On the plus side, the illustrations are soft and lovely. But this book was written in the mid 1990s, and needs an update to be appropriate for kids in 2020.....

[Gail Welborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

***a roundup of ten delightful Christmas children's books to consider***


Christmas Book Roundup II, for Children Ages 3-9 & 9-12, by Gail Welborn

These attractive and imaginative books include a comic book Bible, a devotional, a storybook Bible/ CD combo, the true story of a sharecropper’s son and more for children ages 3-9 and 9-12, noted in title headlines.

Story themes include forgiveness, compassion, God’s creation, Old and New Testament stories, and other adventures, even a zany tour of the Holy Land with four children in search of their missing archaeologist father. Any of them would make a memorable children’s gift with some destined to become treasured Christmas traditions.

From a comic book Bible to Lucado’s touching story of an unforgettable pair of mice to the tale of a mysterious gift, youngsters realize Jesus is the reason for the season, something easily forgotten in the hustle and bustle of Christmas….
Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/christma...

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to my junior high students to remind them that what they perceive as imperfections in themselves may actually be God's blessings in disguise. Love this book!

[Allyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you do not cry when you read this story do you even have a heart? I love this story! People with disabilities are put on this earth because they do have a purpose in life!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my top-ten favorites!

Simple and beautifully written and illustrated. A timeless truth to share with all children. I highly recommend this and other Max Lucado's books.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always sobbing by the end of this book. It's message is very important: "God has a special place for those who feel left out."

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story and its message. It is especially special to me because when my daughter was 3 years old she played Joshua, the little lamb, in our church's yearly children's Christmas concert. <3

[Dhanaraj Rajan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little story.

God has plans for everyone including for the little ones, the marginalized ones. And His plan is the best. So do not give up. Be happy that you are in the plan of God.

Loved the story.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story!

[Emily Bygott · Rating 5 out of 5]

My CI just gave me this book as a gift for finishing my rotation. It is so sweet, and she told me to share it with my own children and the ones I treat one day, and I absolutely plan to do that ❤️

[Tasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Forced to read this against my will with the children at church 😪

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a bit predictable, but for something written very obviously from a Christian perspective and with a Christian message, it's not too heavy-handed. Kids who are familiar with the context and struggle to fit in will definitely find something to relate to here.