Customer Reviews

Small Gifts in God's Hands

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This is one of the most gentle and beautiful books I have ever read. It is the story of the prophet Elijah, nephew of St. Peter and friend of Jesus.

The child Elijah and his widowed mother work hard to make ends meet. Elijah sells the bread his mother bakes and fishes for their supper. His cousin, whose father is St. Peter, talks about the Teacher/Rabbi, the man named Jesus who talks of love and fairness. Elijah is excited and begs his mother to let him hear the Rabbi Jesus speaks. Her usual response is that if Jesus is who He claims to be, no gift is too small. Before she lets him join his cousin to hear Jesus, he has to clean their home and help her with the household chores. Once he finishes his chores, he joins his cousin, his Uncle Peter and others to hear Jesus.

Saddened by the dearth of food and shelter to offer Jesus, Elijah asks his mother what they can give this gentle teacher. She tells him yet again that no gift is small to Jesus. Pondering this, Elijah offers Jesus the basket of fish he caught that morning. Jesus thanks him and says how lucky it was the boy caught them because the crowd had grown in number and the people were hungry. They just might like some fish.

Reaching into the basket, Jesus manages to feed the crowd a seemingly inexhaustible supply of fish. Elijah, Peter, and the others watch with amazed delight. That night, Elijah talks about Jesus in great length to his cousin and mother. Elijah's mother smiled and imparted her message yet again that no gift is small to Jesus.

This is such an outstanding book with first rate illustrations. It is an excellent teaching tool and a wonderful reminder of the message Elijah's mother imparted. Each time one gives to God, that gift is welcomed wholeheartedly and is never small to Him.

I really love this book.

It is not secret that Max Lucado is a story teller, and this book designed for children (and adults as well), he tells a few of the stories of Christ through the eyes of his character "Elijah" and his mother "Miriam." Cheri Bladholm, who did the artwork, is just phenomenal, and every pages is filled with her exquisite artwork. There are so many favorites, but one of mine is the scene where the woman is pouring oil on Christ's feet.

Get this book and read it over and over again to your children, and to yourself.

Such a wonderful children's book. It's a shame that it is so difficult to find. But well-worth the effort.

This is the most beautifully illustrated book that I have ever seen. The story is basic and an easy read, but the illustrations are what make the book. Cherie Bladholm has outdone herself in this book.

The words in this book express so well the meaning of the title. No matter how small or insignificant our resources are in OUR eyes, they can be, and will be, exactly what God needs in HIS eyes! Beautiful and simple words tell the story of a young boy who learned that he didn't have to "wish" for a bigger, better gift for Jesus - he was able to give what he had - a basket with 2 loaves of bread and a few fish. He watched, amazed, to see what Jesus did with his gift!
Another reason for this book being a favorite of mine is that the drawings are beautiful. There is one in particular which shows a different view of Christ. The desciple Peter is standing in his boat on the shore. Jesus is sitting on the edge of his boat. Peter is obviously telling a "fish story" (a true one) and gesturing with his arms to explain the miraculous catch! And, Jesus is shown smiling, almost laughing, really enjoying Peter's telling of the story. The young boy is also in the scene, taking in all in, his eyes meeting those of Jesus. It's all in one moment, and so artistically portrayed! It's a chance to see Jesus expressing joy!

This is a lovely story based on actual and possible events in the life of Jesus and a young boy. The reader learns that Jesus can do "big things with a small gift." The cover is beautiful, as are the illustrations throughout the book. I understand this book is now out of print, which is too bad. Our 3 and 5-year-old grandchildren love the story.