WoW! I received this book yesterday and already the kids had their first reading from it. My oldest son, who is 8 years old, sat down with the book first thing this morning and read through it. He enjoyed it very much. Why? I asked him. Here's his answer: "I like that Jesus is in the book. Also, Ollie realized that he is loved by Jesus for who he is and not for what others think of him. He doesn't need the stilts to become the Tallest of talls!". Then after breakfast, I read it to my 5 year old while our almost 4 and 2 years olds listened. The book is a hit in our household. The younger ones loves the colorful images.
When I first saw the book, I thought it was pretty thin. The box from which it arrived was pretty big - let me tell you that! Anyhow, I started flipping through it last night and really enjoyed the images myself. Colorful, bright and very attractive. I had a good feeling about this book. So I wasn't surprised when the kids enjoyed it so much this morning. Besides the lesson in it is so real. It is always good to be reminded of the importance of what God thinks of us and not others - no matter the age you are… *grin*
This book is also perfect as a gift for a dedication, a birthday or even Christmas.

This rhyming picture book by well-loved author, Max Lucado, deals with the subject of self-esteem in children. How can kids know that they are special and significant when their peers may be telling them otherwise?

In the town of Stiltsville, those who are deemed worthy receive the opportunity to wear stilts. A poor, ordinary boy named Ollie, has never been chosen for this honor, though he longs for it with all his heart. At last the day comes when, by some miracle, Ollie's name is called. He is thrilled, until he comes crashing down. Only Jesus is able to make him understand that his true significance is not dependent on the assessment of others, but on what God thinks of him.

While this is a valuable concept for anyone to appreciate, I don't know that this story will convince children. The story seems contrived and the problem too easily resolved. The author also fails to maintain perfect rhyme, which makes it awkward to read in places. The illustrations are cartoonish and colorful, but somehow old-fashioned.

I am left with the same feeling I get from reading some Robert Munsch books: once you've made a name for yourself in the publishing world, anything you write - good or bad - will be put into print.

(This book was supplied as part of Thomas Nelson's book review blog program: http://brb.thomasnelson.com)