The Sheep That No One Could Find - a book review

Quote of the Day:   "The Scholar only knows how dear these silent, yet eloquent companions of pure thoughts and innocent hours become in the season of adversity.  When all that is worldly turns to dross around us, these only retain their steady value."
                                                     ~Washington Irving

Title:  The Sheep That No One Could Find
Author:  Anthony DeStefano
Illustrator:  Richard Cowdrey
Ages:  3+

                   This adorable, sweet book is based on Scripture.  "Luke 15:3-7" and "John 10:11."




We are all familiar with the nursery rhyme ," Little Bo-Peep has lost her sheep,
                                                                       And can't tell where to find them;
                                                                       Leave them alone, and they'll come home
                                                                       Wagging their tales behind them."

The message conveyed in this familiar children's rhyme is the exact opposite of the message you take away from the book , "The Sheep That No One Could Find."  Bo-Peep gave up her search and went home leaving her sheep perhaps in peril and hoping that they would find their way home all by themselves.  In this book, the good Shepherd leaves his other 99 sheep and goes off on a search and rescue mission, not resting until that little missing lamb is safely recovered and brought back snuggled around his neck and resting solidly on his shoulders.

That one little lost lamb previously decides to run away from his protective Shepherd and his flock. He comes face to face with life-threatening dangers in that unfamiliar and sometimes hostile world.  He encounters a very hungry wolf who is delighted to dine on him for dinner.  An angry lion, filled with pride, scares him badly and chases him off his mountaintop.  He happens upon a lying, deceptive snake, who tries to convince him that the good Shepherd is anything but good, and will not accept him back because of his disobedience and silliness.  The little lamb is heartlessly pursued by these ferocious predators and literally runs to survive.  He ends up tumbling into a deep, dark pit, lost, frightened and all alone - questioning what he has done.  Then he hears a voice that is music to his ears.  He looks up and peering down at him through the darkness is the good Shepherd himself, calling for him in a  caring, loving voice.  His dear protective friend leaves the other ninety-nine sheep in his fold and wouldn't give up until he finds his naughty, disobedient little lamb (that he loves with all of his heart).  He retrieves the little lamb from his pit of despair and tenderly hoists him up onto his shoulders.  He carries him "home" to the rest of the flock who are waiting anxiously for the little lamb's return.

This is a beautiful story of repentance, forgiveness and unconditional love.  The illustrations are colourful, playful and cartoonish.  I love the expressions emitted from the characters. You fall in love immediately with the little renegade lamb and the look of kindness that is portrayed on the good Shepherd's face.  This book is a perfect bedtime story.

We never know if Bo-Peep's sheep made it home safely do we?  But In the book "The Sheep That No One Could Find", we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the good Shepherd saw value in this little lamb and was more than willing to leave the flock behind, search relentlessly for him and bring him home safe and sound calling him his very his own.

About the Author:

Anthony DeStefano

Anthony DeStefano is the bestselling author of the adult Christian books A Travel Guide to Heaven, Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To, Angels All Around Us, as well as the gift book I Just Can't Take It Anymore! and the children’s books This Little Prayer of Mine and The Donkey That No One Could Ride. He has received prestigious awards from religious organizations worldwide for his efforts to advance Christian beliefs in modern culture.


About the Illustrator:

Richard Cowdrey is the talented and well-known illustrator of numerous children’s books, including Bad Dog, Marley! and Marley Goes to School. He has worked with such distinguished clients as Bantam Books, National Football League, and World Wildlife Federation. Desiring to honor God with his work and with his life, Richard lives in Ohio with his wife and children.

                                                     Book Review Rating:   8  (Fantastic!)

Read on and read always!

*Thanks to NetGalley for review ebook.  The ideas and thoughts are my own.