Book Review: You Are Special by Max Lucado
As a mom, I cherish those rare moments when bedtime isn’t a race against the clock. One evening, after a particularly chaotic day filled with toddler tantrums and baby giggles, I found myself curled up with my little ones—Lily, who’s five, and Max, who’s just two. With a warm mug of chamomile tea and a hefty stack of picture books, I blindly grabbed one that caught my eye: You Are Special by Max Lucado. Little did I know, it would turn into a cherished family tradition.
In the enchanting town of Wemmickville, where the residents—adorable wooden creatures—earn stickers for their talents and look, we meet Punchinello, who’s covered in gray dots, feeling anything but special. Through a heartfelt journey to visit Eli the woodcarver, Punchinello learns that his worth is intrinsic, not defined by the opinions of others. The powerful message that we are all special just as we are resonated within four little ears and hearts.
Lily was immediately drawn in by the delightful illustrations by Sergio Martinez. The colors popped off the pages, capturing those fleeting moments of childlike wonder. Max, on the other hand, was more interested in pointing out each Wemmick’s unique features, giggling at their quirky expressions. "Look, Mama! He has a big nose!" he exclaimed, and I couldn’t help but laugh along.
What I appreciate most about Lucado’s writing style is its gentle tone—perfect for reading aloud. I found myself immersing into the story, feeling the warmth of Eli’s wisdom with each line. The rhythm of the prose flowed beautifully, and before we knew it, we were both discussing the significance of encouragement and kindness. "I can be like Eli and make people feel better," Lily said confidently, a sweet reminder of the powerful impact books can have.
One of our favorite lines was when Punchinello realizes, “You’re special because I made you,” a mantra that reinforces our family’s values of self-love and acceptance. I saw the revelation wash over Lily’s face. “Does that mean I’m special, too, Mama?” she asked, and my heart melted. It opened a dialogue about why it’s essential to love each unique quirk about ourselves.
I can wholeheartedly recommend You Are Special to parents of preschoolers and early readers. It’s a timeless narrative, suitable for bedtime reflections or cozy afternoon story times. Whether your child tends to shy away from the spotlight or stands tall, this book will speak to them. It’s no wonder that countless parents—both young and old—find themselves drawn back to its pages, transcending generations.
As for my family, You Are Special has made its way into our regular reading rotation. The meaningful message, coupled with its beautiful presentation, ensures it will remain a treasured part of our storytime for years to come. Grab a cozy blanket, hold your little ones close, and let the warm words fill your heart—after all, we are all special in our unique way!
Discover the heartwarming tale of You Are Special, where every Wemmick learns their true worth! >>
