In the land of Stiltsville, all the Too Smalls clamored for a pair of stilts each day when they were handed out at 6pm. They were handed out to those that were "cool" or "special" and not those who were different.
Ollie, a young boy with a patch on his pants, desperately wanted some stilts. After being turned down again and again, his day finally came! He received a pair of tall stilts!
However, maneuvering in the stilts prove to be a little difficult, especially when a flock of birds take residence on him and the wooden sticks. Ollie goes tumbling to the ground, embarrassed and no one runs to help him.
In the shame of the moment, a hand touches his shoulder. It's Jesus and He reminds him that it doesn't matter what others think, Ollie needs to "keep his feet on the ground" and remember that he is precious and belongs to Him.
What I Thought:
What a great story! Lucado wrote this book as a parable from his book Fearless. It has a most wonderful and important message that is relevant for all of us.
Throughout the story, I was reminded of a few different stories: You are Special by Mad Lucado, Oliver (I guess because of the main character's name--Ollie), and Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I thought the rhyme and rhythm of the book was very reminiscent to Seuss and the illustrations made me think of WhoVille.
This would be a wonderful read aloud (where appropriate) and a lovely gift to anyone who needs to be reminded that though the world may want to dictate who we are and what we desire, Jesus is the only one who matters.
Recommended.
Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: The Tallest of Smalls by Max Lucado, illustrated by Maria Monescillo.
Reviewed from a copy provided by the Thomas Nelson Publisher Book Review Bloggers program. This book will be donated to my local public library.
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