Just
the Way You Are
By: Max Lucado
Illustrated by: Sergio Martinez
Review by: Robin
Hatfield
The title, Just the Way You Are, is a
phrase every child needs to hear. Max Lucado has retold a beloved story
to capture young hearts. Children need
to be assured that they are loved, just as they are. The story begins as
a king learns of a family of orphans. He makes an announcement that he
would
come for them and become their father. This was such exciting news. Even
more anxious than the children were their fellow villagers. They wasted
no time telling the children that they would have to impress the king
because only those with great gifts to give would be allowed to live in
the castle. The comments worried the children, so they set out to
prepare their gifts. One of the boys could carve, one of the girls was a
talented painter, another girl chose music as her gift and the older boy
would impress the king with his knowledge. The last child, the youngest,
could not carve, paint, sing or read well. She was saddened to think she
had no gift. The young girl spent her days at the city gates, caring for
travelers' animals and speaking kind words to the villagers and
strangers alike. She had a good hears. Many days later, a man in
travelers' clothes came to the gates and the girl agreed to feed his
donkey. She looked closely at the traveler, just as she did every time
she met someone. His eyes were deep and his skin was leathery from the
sun. She asked if he needed rest, and he sat on a bench and fell asleep.
The girl sat down and watched him as he slept. Moments later, she was
watching his face when he awoke. He asked what she wanted and she
replied, "Nothing, it is good to be near you". Then he told
her he must be on his way and they would talk more when he returned. He
was searching for some people. It wasn't long before the man returned
and the girl asked
if he found those he was seeking. He told her that he had, but they were
too busy for him. He began describing the busy people: a wood smith, an
artist, a musician and a scholar who had left for a school in the city.
The girl knew at once who this man was-he was the king! He explained
that he liked to be among his people in plain clothes sometimes. People
were always trying to act a certain way around him or were always asking
for things. Suddenly the girl was ashamed for not having a gift for
him-the king told her that she had given him the best gift of all, her
heart, her kindness and love. This is a timeless story and can be shared
time and time again. It is a wonderful way to reinforce to your child
just how special he or she is! I highly recommend this Max Lucado book.
Buy
Now
