A Classic: You Are Special

You Are Special
You Are Special (Max Lucado's Wemmicks)
Written By: Max Lucado and
Illustrated By: Sergio Martinez

Appropriate for ages Toddler-12 years old
(I have seen this book in board book form)

I can remember reading this timeless book to my brother growing up. It is the simple yet comforting story that I loved even when I was a "Big Sister" reading it to my brother who was seven years younger.

The "Wemmicks" in the story are busy judging others by their grand or not so grand characteristics. Some were pretty, could sing well, or jump high. They recieved golden stars from the other "Wemmicks". Others were clumsy, stumbled over thier words, or had chipped paint. These "Wemmicks" were given gray dots. Punchinello recieved lots of gray dots and did not feel special. After meeting Lucia an unusual Wemmick Punchinello goes to visit Eli, the woodcarver. Eli explains, " Who are they to give stars or dots? They're Wemmicks just like you. What they think doesn't matter, Puchinello. All that mattters is what I think." Punchinello is suprised by this response and the thought that he is special and valued by Eli. The woodcarver reiterates this later saying, "you are special because I made you. And I don't make mistakes.". As Punchinello leaves the workshop a gray dot falls off.

The message of unconditional love is something that I often forget as an adult. We must remember and teach our children that the judgements of this world mean nothing in the light of eternity. When we are fixing our eyes on our Creator and the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross we are able to see how truely special we are to him. Why else would God give up his Son? In turn we must give up our lives to serve Him despite what the world thinks. Many children/adults feel the way Punchinello did, I'm special if.....I have the best clothes or job or, if I am talented at school or athletics. God tells us that we are special in his eyes, period. We do not have to qualify or impress him in order to be loved by him.
He loves us unconditionally.
 I hope you are able to treasure this truth today and teach your children just how precious they are in His sight!