Because I Love You [Hardcover]

Max Lucado (Author), Mitchell Heinze (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

A long time ago a wise man named Shaddai built a wonderful village for children to live in. He talked to them and sang for them and told them stories. He gave them everything they needed. And with his own hands Shaddai built a protective wall around their village, rock by rock.

He did all of this for just one reason—because he loved them.

One day Paladin, the village's most curious child, discovers something troubling about the wall. Something that makes him wonder about Shaddai's love. Could there be a mistake?

Young Paladin is about to discover the answer. And when he does, he will come to understand just how deeply he is loved.

And so will you.

Everything God does for your children, He does because of love. He protects them. He listens to their prayers. He provides for their needs. He even gives warnings and sets boundaries—for no other reason than love.

As an adult you already know this. Now your children can know it too through this captivating tale, which was first published in the award-winning children's bestseller Tell Me the Story.

Let this timeless story of a curious boy's choice and a caring man's sacrificial response help you make the infinite love of their Heavenly Father as real to your kids as your own love. Because they need to understand about Him what you have already learned—that everything God does throughout our lives, He does for one reason only, and for the best reason of all: "Because I Love You."

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Crossway Books; 1st edition (February 3, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0891079920
• ISBN-13: 978-0891079927
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 9.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #103,281 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

In just under two decades of writing, Max Lucado has accomplished more than most writers hope for in a lifetime. Most of his books have appeared on one or more best seller lists, including those published by the "New York Times," "USA Today," "Publishers Weekly," and the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA). Aside from hardcover books, Lucado's writings have also been published as children's books, videos, CD-ROMs, DVDs, music CDs, mass paperback booklets, apparel, giftware, bookmarks, calendars, study Bibles, workbooks, curricula, and plush products. In spring 2003, Hallmark/Dayspring Cards launched a new gift card line featuring excerpts from Lucado's writings--and has already sold more than one million cards.

All this success has drawn more than a little attention to a previously low-profile Texas author and minister. Lucado has been featured in a wide range of media, including "USA Today," "Larry King Live," and "NBC Nightly News." He has spoken at the National Prayer Breakfast before the President of the United States. He has traveled with internationally renowned musicians as a special speaker on their music tours, such as the highly successful "Come Together & Worship Tour" (sponsored by Chevrolet) with Grammy Award-winning artists Michael W. Smith and Third Day.

Journey to the Top
Lucado was born in 1955 in San Angelo, Texas, and raised in Andrews, Texas, the youngest of four children. His father was an Exxon oil field mechanic who, Lucado remembers, always smelled of grease cleaner. "It makes it easy for me to see a God who is loving and kind--because my dad was," he says. His mother was a nurse who grew up working in the cotton fields.

Lucado went through a period of rebellion against his parents' values and their God during his teens and into college. But it wasn't long before he found himself drawn back to his roots, back to God. He married, spent time serving as a missionary in Brazil, and returned to the States, where he began working as a church minister and writing on the side.

Secret to Success
From all accounts, Max Lucado is not a man consumed by sales, awards, and achievements. He often turns down media interviews since they impede on family and ministry commitments. He spends the bulk of his week serving as senior minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. And he is truly surprised by his own success--more impressed by his one-in-a-million wife and three amazing daughters than by his successful writing career.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

77 of 84 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must read" for children ages 4 to 104!, July 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Because I Love You (Hardcover)

This book sent chills up my spine! I read it to my children, gave it to my Godchild as a gift, passed it around my bible study class, and gave it to my 21-year-old brother. If you ever wonder how much God really loves you, just open this book for a great reminder. The book gently explains to children that God gives us the "choice". He knows every decision we make before we make it. And He is right there beside us, whether we make a good decision or bad decision. Everytime I read it I find something new. While the book is written for children, it's a must read for every adult. This book reminds us that God is just one prayer away, and all we have to do is ask, no matter how much trouble we get ourselves into. Absolutely incredible.

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My 4 year old gets it!, December 5, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Because I Love You (Hardcover)

This is a great book that speaks to young children about God's love, mankind's freewill and God's forgiveness. I have never seen my four year old so intent as when we read this book together; he actually had tears in his eyes. It is a simple story told in a way that kids can grasp. The illustrations are also wonderful, my child pointed out characters that resembled a number of his friends. This is a good book to help build the fundamentals of faith, and a good addition to a family library. I have also caught my pre-teen kids reading and enjoying it.

33 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FREE WILL, May 13, 2002

By 

Soaring Heart - See all my reviews

This review is from: Because I Love You (Hardcover)

Shaddai lived in a "wonderful village. It was more than any child could dream." (I'll leave the descriptions to Max--I can't say it any better.) But the thing that made it most special of all was the fact Shaddai was always near. The children listened to his terrific stories and songs and loved his smile and the way he made them laugh. But most of all the children loved the way he made them feel--understood, loved and accepted for who they were. "His giant heart had a hundred strings--each held by a different child. And Shaddai loved each one the same."

That's why he built the wall.

He warned the children that they weren't made for the the terrible land beyond the wall and to stay where they'd be safe and where they belonged--with him.

One child, Paladin was a very curious child. He questioned Shaddai about the wall and then told Shaddai that if he didn't fix it the children might leave. Shaddai replied, "I know, Paladin. But I want the children to stay because they WANT to, not because they HAVE to."

The ending is beautifully poignant. Please get this book for your child. It's a great start or reinforcement for helping them understand that God has chosen them but THEY have to choose whether or not they want God. God loves us enough to give us free will.