Das Lämmchen

A children’s tale written in the early 19th century. The story revolves around a compassionate little girl named Christine, who shows kindness and selflessness in her struggles to care for her sick mother, ultimately leading her to adopt a lost lamb that she finds in the woods. This tale emphasizes themes of morality, family, compassion, and the rewards of good deeds. The opening of the narrative introduces Christine as she gathers strawberries in the woods to provide for her ailing mother, Rosalie. Despite the heat and impending rain, she is determined to bring home the berries, hoping they will help her mother recover. During the storm, Christine discovers a trembling little lamb and decides to take it home, only to learn it likely belongs to a wealthy farmer. With a strong sense of morality, she ultimately chooses to return the lamb, driven by her belief in obeying God's will, even though it pains her to give up her newfound joy. The subsequent events highlight Christine's honesty and virtue, which lead to surprising kindness from others, laying the groundwork for the heartfelt connections and moral lessons that will unfold throughout the story.