Wonderful reading for all ages

Last Christmas, while browsing in the Children’s Section of our local book store, I discovered several books by Max Lucado. I was unfamiliar with his work, but was always on the lookout for new, interesting stories that my children would enjoy. Grabbing several books, I retreated to the reading area to have a look.

Fifteen minutes later, I arrived at the checkout with five copies of “You Are Special.”

I was moved to tears by this amazing book which tells the story of small wooden people called Wemmicks. All day, every day, the Wemmicks give each other stars or dots. The pretty, talented Wemmicks always get stars. Other Wemmicks, those that are chipped or can't do anything special, are given the gray dots.

Punchinello, a small Wemmick, always tries to get a star. He tries to jump high or so something special. But he soon loses faith in himself and is covered by so many dots he doesn't want to go outside.

All the Wemmicks are created by a woodcarver named Eli, who lives high above their village. One day, Punchinello visits Eli and discovers the magic of his special gifts.

After reading this story, I wondered how many times I was guilty of passing out my own ‘gold stars’ or ‘gray dots.’ Often, we praise those who stand out while others, like Punchinello, are forgotten or labeled because they cannot do as well, or as much, as others.

Max Lucado is an award-winning author of many wonderful books, including ‘The Crippled Lamb”, “The Song of the King,” “Tell Me the Secrets” and “The Children of the King.” He is well-known as a Christian author and is a senior minister of Oak Hills Church of Christ in San Antonio, Texas.

In addition to the story, “You Are Special” features beautiful illustrations by Sergio Martinez. His work has appeared in such classic stories as “A Christmas Carol” and “Pinocchio.”

“You Are Special” does not use specific religious references. But it is easy to relate the acceptance and wisdom of Eli to how God sees His children and their individual, special gifts.


I highly recommend this book, both for a family library or as a special gift for readers of all ages.