Little Lost Lamb facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Margaret Wise Brown writing as Golden MacDonald |
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| Illustrator | Leonard Weisgard |
| Publisher | Doubleday |
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Publication date
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1945 |
| Pages | unpaged |
| Awards | Caldecott Honor |
Little Lost Lamb is a heartwarming picture book from 1945. It was written by Margaret Wise Brown, who sometimes used the pen name Golden MacDonald, and beautifully illustrated by Leonard Weisgard. The story follows a kind shepherd who searches for one of his missing lambs. This book was recognized with a 1946 Caldecott Honor because of its amazing illustrations.
Contents
Discovering Little Lost Lamb
Little Lost Lamb tells a simple yet powerful story that has touched readers for generations. It's a classic example of a picture book, where the pictures are just as important as the words in telling the tale. The book explores themes of care, persistence, and the joy of finding something precious that was lost.
The Story of the Lost Lamb
The story begins with a shepherd who loves his flock of sheep very much. He counts them every night to make sure they are all safe. One night, he discovers that one little lamb is missing! Even though a big storm is brewing, the shepherd bravely sets out to find his lost lamb. He searches through the dark and stormy night, calling out for the lamb. Finally, he finds the small, frightened lamb and gently carries it back home to safety. The story shows how much the shepherd cares for each and every one of his animals.
Meet the Author: Margaret Wise Brown
Margaret Wise Brown (1910–1952) was an American writer who became famous for her many children's books. She had a special talent for writing stories that understood how children think and feel. Brown believed that books for young readers should be about things they know and love, like animals, nature, and the comfort of home.
Brown's Writing Style
Margaret Wise Brown often used simple, rhythmic language in her books. This made them enjoyable to read aloud and easy for children to follow. She wrote over 100 books during her career. Some of her most famous works include Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny. For Little Lost Lamb, she used the pen name Golden MacDonald. A pen name is a fake name an author uses instead of their real name.
Meet the Illustrator: Leonard Weisgard
Leonard Weisgard (1916–2000) was an American illustrator and author. He was known for his beautiful and imaginative artwork in children's books. Weisgard worked with many famous authors, but his partnership with Margaret Wise Brown was especially successful. Their books together often won awards and became very popular.
Weisgard's Artistic Contributions
Weisgard's illustrations for Little Lost Lamb are a big part of why the book is so special. His pictures capture the feeling of the stormy night and the warmth of the shepherd's care. The illustrations helped readers feel the emotions of the story, from the worry of the lost lamb to the relief of being found. His artwork helped bring Margaret Wise Brown's words to life.
The Caldecott Honor Award
The Caldecott Medal is a very important award given each year to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. An "Honor" means the book was one of the top runners-up for the main award.
Recognizing Artistic Excellence
Little Lost Lamb received a Caldecott Honor in 1946. This award recognized Leonard Weisgard's outstanding illustrations. It showed that his artwork was considered some of the best in children's books that year. Winning a Caldecott Honor helps a book become well-known and loved by many readers. It also means the book is considered a high-quality example of children's literature.
