Author and illustrator Cramton has composed a lively, poetic tale based on wisdom from the Holy Bible, focusing on the image of the lost sheep and its dramatic rescue. The original tale, as told by Jesus, was “meant for light,” alerting his followers to the unfailing love of God that may require extreme efforts to keep and care for all. Cramton tells, in charming couplets, of a sheep, one of one hundred, straying from the Shepherd’s flock. At first, freedom delights, until certain incidents force the sheep to panic, desperate to hear the voice of the Shepherd. Meanwhile, the Shepherd realizes one of his flock is missing and rushes to find it. The wilderness is vast, but he will reunite with his precious charge, assuring him that he is forgiven, despite disobedience.

The colorful illustrations effectively support this straightforward story, keeping youngsters engaged at every turn. The white-bearded Shepherd’s face projects love and concern, and the little sheep, hiding, stumbling, and “caught in the devil’s snare,” displays terror and anguish, then gratitude as he curls in his master’s arms at last. Cramton is a gifted artist whose many vivid, colorful drawings will enchant his audience. The author introduces his faith-centered work with a prayerful account of his journey, conveyed through imagery and wordcraft, all overseen by God, which assures him that his efforts arise from heavenly inspiration. Powerful pictures, such as that of scales showing the Holy Bible as weightier than a bowl of gems, will allow teachers and parents to open young minds (and their own) to further, focused discussion of the book’s spiritual purpose. Cramton indicates that this story of the lost sheep is the first of three, with those concerning a lost coin and a lost son—all parables given by Jesus—to follow.

Return to USR Home