Maria Monescillo

Have you ever had "one of those days"? This can range from thoughts of total worthlessness to being just out of sorts but whatever the cause or severity, sometimes we just feel unloved. Remember the poster "God doesn't make junk"? Now expand it. Maria's illustrations are absolutely fabulous and pull you into the village. Max's insight and knowledge of just the right words make this a book you'll want to share with everyone.

There is a religious moral to this story but I've got to tell you that the book is just plain fun. I wish I had a youngster to read it to so I could share their reaction but I didn't think of it in time to borrow one.

Stilts are hard to walk on anyways but add the pressure of making them so important and having your first try be the performance? What were these people thinking? They don't walk on stilts all the time, just for a while at six o'clock everyday. The rest of the time, they seem to be sneaking around taking notes on who to give the privilege to the next time.

Now pick up a copy; then take the clock off the wall ;-)… (mer)

Much to my surprise, I received a beautiful children's book for review from Thomas Nelson Publishers that almost looked like a Leonardo De Vinci book! Stunning illustrations by Maria Monescillo are so alive with color plus many details for a child's eye to discover. Max Lucado, the author sets the writing tone with Dr.Seuss-inspired rhyme. The TALLEST of smalls is an inspirational, encouraging book for children as well as a parable for adults.

The story begins with a description of the community of Too Smalls that live in Stiltsville, a village where all of the important people got stilts and wore them around and looked down at the people without them. Later on we discover that the main character Ollie, who was the very smallest of smalls, had always desired to be with the classy folk and had hopes of being picked one day to walk tall with the others!

This scenario made me curious to find out what would ensue. Will Ollie enjoy his new perspective of being lifted up above those down in the rut? Once again Max Lucado reminds the reader of a gentle yet powerful life changing lesson for us all, "refuse to be stilted; choose low over high"... walk in God's love. It is my pleasure to recommend this book to you. It makes a wonderful gift, teaching us to accept one another's differences, loving one another and knowing that we are loved, too! 5+ stars.… (mer)