Description A Classic of Children's Literature Loved Around the World Elizabeth Shaw's masterpiece The Little Black Lamb has earned its place among the classics of children's literature and has been translated and published throughout Europe, the English-speaking world, and Japan. In Japan, it was selected as a recommended book for lower elementary school students at the 40th National Youth Book Report Contest and has even been performed as a children's puppet show. There are countless differences among people. But difference should never be a reason for discrimination or scorn. Set against the backdrop of a green meadow, this exciting story follows the worries and wandering of the little black lamb, who is left out of the flock of white sheep because of his appearance; his conflict with Polo, the sheepdog who demands blind obedience without regard for individuality; and the little black lamb's journey to discover his own worth. This short but precious story teaches children to see difference not as something to be judged, but as something special and worthy of respect. Before children compare themselves to their friends and shrink back, or blame their parents for not being the same as everyone else, we hope this book inspires them to find the courage to stand tall and proud in front of others. A Story of Harmony Born from Honest Thoughts About Self and Others Featuring an adorable lamb that children love, The Little Black Lamb speaks to the prejudice surrounding 'difference' that is so common in our society, and points the way toward harmony and the importance of living together as a community. For children aged 6-8, who are just taking their first steps into peer groups, kindergarten, and school society, it is essential to instill universal values and honest ways of thinking about others so that everyone can get along together. The story follows the little black lamb, an outcast from the flock, as he saves his fellow sheep and comes to realize his own worth and value. Meanwhile, the old shepherd's affection for the black lamb blossoms, and in the end, neither the lamb's 'black wool' nor anyone's individual traits are seen as a problem anymore — everyone lives happily together. This heartwarming ending will help children discover the hidden strengths within themselves and find the courage to stand proudly before others. First published in 1985, Elizabeth Shaw's beloved classic The Little Black Lamb continues to be cherished around the world — in the English-speaking world, Europe, and Japan alike — and takes the form of a gentle fable. Just as countless stars twinkle across the night sky, unseen to our eyes, this short story is filled with the author's heartfelt wish that every child who opens this book will shine exactly as they are, using the whole world as their night sky. The original artwork, celebrated for its simple yet distinctive line drawings, has been enhanced in this translated edition with bright, watercolor-style coloring, adding warmth and familiarity to what might otherwise feel like a somewhat heavy story, and further highlighting its central theme. The rhythmic, simple yet meaningful sentences work in harmony with the symbolic illustrations, while the contrast between the little black lamb and the sheepdog Polo opens up both visual enjoyment and deeper reflection. A Single Black Dot Among a Flock of Pure White Sheep! The little black lamb is troubled by his jet-black wool. No matter what he does — or even when he does nothing at all — in the eyes of the sheepdog Polo, he always seems like a useless sheep who doesn't fit in with the flock. He thinks that if he could just somehow hide his black wool, everything would be solved, so he tries all sorts of things and even asks the old shepherd for help, but nothing seems to work. Then, one day, a fierce snowstorm strikes. While the shepherd and Polo abandon the flock and rush home to escape the storm, the little black lamb steps up in their place to lead his fellow sheep to safety. And it is thanks to his once-troublesome black wool that the shepherd is able to spot him against the pure white snow, saving both his friends and himself. What happens between the sheepdog Polo and the little black lamb after that day? You'll have to read to find out!