
In a sun‑scorched forest, young Christine gathers strawberries to ease her ailing mother’s hardship. When a sudden storm forces her to seek shelter, she hears a plaintive cry and discovers a trembling lamb, drenched and helpless. Moved by compassion, she scoops the fragile creature up and rushes home, hoping her find will bring a brief spark of joy to their modest life.
But the simple act of rescue quickly becomes a moral knot. Christine’s mother reminds her that the lamb belongs to a wealthy farmer, while a gruff mason lurking nearby suggests a far harsher fate for the animal. Determined to do what she believes is right, Christine decides to return the lamb, setting out through lingering rain toward the farmer’s estate. The tale captures the tender struggle between kindness, duty, and the harsh realities of poverty, inviting listeners to reflect on the choices we make when faced with vulnerability.
Language
de
Duration
~1 hours (106K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Jens Sadowski (based on a copy preserved by Kurt Linack and Katrin Walter)
Release date
2013-07-28
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1768–1854
A gentle priest, teacher, and storyteller, he became one of the best-known German writers for children in the 19th century. His tales were shaped by faith, kindness, and a gift for speaking to young readers without talking down to them.
View all books