Customer Reviews

Just the Way You Are

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What can I say? Max Lucado is a master of words. His latest children's book, "Just the Way You Are," is incredible. It is the story of 5 children trying to impress the King (in this case the analogy points to God) by their many talents and skills. One girl doesn't think that she has any talents or skills, but she does have a good heart. In the end, that is what counts the most to the King (God). If you like analogies, than you will absolutely love this book!

JUST THE WAY YOU ARE is a wonderful story that any child will enjoy because we all want to impress people--it's human nature. It is about orphans finding out they are going to be adopted by the king. They are very excited and don't know what to do. The townspeople tell them they need to prepare fine gifts to "impress him when he arrives," so each one begins working fervently preparing his/her gift. One of the orphans can't think of a skill/gift she has and goes to each of the other orphans asking for help. Each one is abrupt, sending her off saying they are in a hurry and don't have time to help her. The girl feels she has nothing to give and is very sad.

The king comes dressed in common clothes and the orphan who has no gift greets him and feeds and grooms his donkey. She sees that this man is very tired and offers him a place to rest. When he wakes up he then goes out to find his orphans and later returns to the girl caring for his donkey, disappointed because everyone was too busy to see him.

The king tells the orphan girl she gave the best gift of all...

There is so much beauty in this book. A valuable story for children to hear, understand and apply to their lives. I give JUST THE WAY YOU ARE a very high recommendation.

Soaring Heart

I found this book to be a wonderful addition to any parents library. The story of a child that feels she must be something other than herself to please someone, and learns she can be "just the way she is" to be loved is a perfect message for children today. Every child needs to be loved unconditionally and just the way they were made. I highly recommend it.

I had to respond after reading the post of another user. If they had read any of Max Lucado's books on the Wemmicks (you are special, you are mine and just the way you are) she would know that Max Lucado and the people working for Mr. Lucado do take cultural diversity under consideration.

This book is a phenomenal tale of the Love our King is waiting for us to show him. We do not have to be busy about all kinds of tasks to please him, but just give Him our heart! Yes perhaps there was not the proper percentage of races represented in this book, but the theme of the story is much more important than the illustrations.

Fantastic book, pictures or not. Read it to your children, and show them how much the King of the universe loves them as well.

I read this little story to my daughter tonight. She is 5. It prompter her to ask all kinds of questions that led to us having a great conversation about the meaning of this book. It also helped me put some things in perspective, too. I think we are better people because of it.

Max Lucado is one of my favorite authors. This is such a sweet story. His analogies are so good. The illustrations are very nice. This is an awesome book to teach your children, and is short enough, it can also be a bedtime story book. I loved it and I can't wait for my children to read it. Also, check out "You are Special" by the same author. Brilliant!

Wow! What can I say? He's done it again. Max Lucado's children's books are without a doubt, the best. Just the Way You Are is an awesome story that illustrates the simpleness of entering into the kingdom of heaven. A MUST for children AND adults alike!

This is a wonderful children's book! You can choose to read it simply as a story about how having a loving heart is more important than the possession of any worldly "talent", and how a child finds unconditional love. Or you can explain to your child the book's deeper allegorical meaning, about God's love for all His children - a very welcome theme for parents who are looking for books with a strong, uplifting moral message! It is a touching and beautiful story. The illustrations are also fantastic - they are somehow reminiscent of Dutch golden age art. In response to the review about the book "lacking cultural diversity": I think this is simply due to the European setting of the paintings. I do not think the fact that the characters look a certain way will take away from the applicability of the message to any child. A very special book!!

This simple book gives us a deep, moving message that it doesn't take our efforts, talents, or performance to please God or make Him love us more. Like the song says, nothing can make Him love us more or close the door on us. He loves us just the way we are... I love this book!

If you are too concerned about doing things for God, rather than just sitting at the foot of God and loving Him, this book is for you. Also for anyone (like me) who is sometimes wondering, "Am I worth God's love?" this book will be an unforgettable message to your soul. Highly recommended for all Christians who love the Father!

I ordered it for my class and it arrived the very day I needed it. It arrived in great condition and in a timely manner. Thanks and Have a Merry Christmas