Just in Case You Ever Wonder

by Max Lucado, Toni Goffe (Illustrator)

There are certain words that every child longs to hear . . . words of unconditional love, promises of support, prayers of encouragement. No child ever grows tired of hearing a parent's powerful reassurance to always be there for them . . . just in case they ever wonder. Just in Case You Ever Wonder wraps your children in its tender message of love, comfort, and protection, showing them that as they grow and change, you'll always be there for them-whether it's "monsters in the closet" or times when other kids are mean. Beloved author, Max Lucado, helps you express unconditional love for your child, simply, powerfully, and forever.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Christian, Family, Religion, Fiction, Christian Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 20, 1992

About the author

With more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.

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Reviews

[Laysee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just In Case You Ever Wonder is a beautifully written and illustrated children’s book about the love between a parent and a child.

What can be more precious to a child than the assurance of a parent’s love and protection? “Remember I am here for you” in dark nights and hard days. Perhaps, even more precious is the parent directing the child to the love of a heavenly father.

In place of human figures are tender drawings of a father bear with his cub. This works better than earlier editions in which the use of human figures could potentially limit its reach to certain populations. Most of all, the bear figures are so adorable one warms naturally to the message.

A handful of reviews have expressed concern that a book about unconditional parental love may be alienating to children who are unloved. We live in an imperfect world and love imperfectly. The story in this book nonetheless comes from a big heart and has no intention to exclude any child.

For me, a good children’s book is one I have difficulty giving away when it is intended as a gift for a special child. This is one such book.

[Mark · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I agree with the principles taught, it seems heavily skewed to WASP-y, middle-class, nuclear family life. 'Because God loves you, he sent you to a home with parents that take care of you.' But people born with birth defects, into dysfunctional homes, into poverty, God didn't care about them so much, I guess? And the whole thing seems like an admonition to not wonder. This is true, don't ever question it, because I said so. My concept of faith is, this is what I believe, don't take my word for it, please explore this and find out for yourself.

[Etienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5. I have mixed feelings with this one. I love the unconditional love from a parent to his child that this book present. I also like the illustrations very much. God is a bit too often mention for my own taste but that was alright. The ending is a bit weird, bringing Heaven and death in the last page seem a bit dark and unnecessary I guess. It was good but had some clumsiness at some time.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This is a beautifully illustrated book that has been re-illustrated and is being re-released this year.
The illustrations are so adorable and touching and the story is very encouraging for a child who has worries about death or loss or feelings of being alone. The only part I was unsure of was the ending as I felt as though it ended pretty abruptly and it felt like the parent was possibly going to die, but that may just be my interpretation of the ending.
My daughter has recently been asking about death and heaven so I will definitely be sharing this book with her.

[Leeya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated book with a beautiful and profound message. A book about love, about family, and about God.

This book manages to cover very deep topics without being pretentious. It is a story about a parent bear explaining to the baby bear how unique and special it is, and how much it is loved since the day it was born. The language is simple yet beautiful. It is easily understood and still manages to put into words the unique love a parent has for their child. It sounds like your average mommy-and-daddy-love-you-book but it’s not. I personally could relate to it so much.



The book also mentions where God fits into all this and that he loves and cares for the child with the heart of a parent. It also talks about heaven and what it will be like there in child appropriate language.

And if all this still doesn’t convince you, I'm sure the amazing illustrations will win you over.

Thank you NetGalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Picture source: Amazon

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special thanks to author Max Lucado, illustrator Eve Tharlet, and Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book, which allowed me to write the following unbiased review.

JUST IN CASE YOU EVER WONDER by Max Lucado and illustrated by Eve Tharlet is a newly released edition of this well loved children's story. The pictures are beautiful and the words tell of a parent's great and everlasting love for a child. The story also tells about a loving God always being near.
This book about a little bear and parent bear is perfect to read to children aged 3 to 7 years old.
It would make a great gift for a grandchild, niece, or nephew and a welcome addition to home libraries, church libraries, Sunday school and junior church libraries. I highly recommend this children's book.
5 beautiful stars ⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️

Posted on Goodreads August 26, 2019
NetGalley August 26, 2019
Savvy Reader August 26, 2019

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about a father bear and his relationship with his daughter. He describes how much he loves her, how unique and special she is and how her heavenly father created and loves her as well. He explains that he will always love her and protect her, again like her heavenly father. The ending shares the belief of heaven and how any sorrow and pain experienced on earth will be gone. This is a great way to explain heaven and God in a child-friendly way. There are gorgeous illustrations that add to the text showing the special relationship between the father and his child. Earlier editions of this book have the characters as human. When I read this to my grandson, he immediately asked about grandpa and told me he was in heaven. This was a happy/sad moment for me, but I loved that he understood and accepted the story's explanation. A wonderful book for a family library, church, Sunday school or Christian school library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

JUST IN CASE YOU EVER WONDER is a much loved children's book by acclaimed author Max Lucado. I was given a copy by my grandmother of the first printing when my oldest son was a baby and it was a much loved and often read book to both my sons and my oldest daughter (then it got lost in a move).



This new version of JUST IN CASE YOU EVER WONDER features adorable bears and not at all scary artwork, plus a valuable message for children and adults alike. It reminds children of a parents or grandparents love and reminds an adult of God's love.



Make sure you grab a copy of JUST IN CASE YOU EVER WONDER for your favorite child or as a baby shower gift. Recommended.



I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

[Ursula · Rating 5 out of 5]

 
So very sweet. A daddy is a special person, indeed, and when he teaches you about the Lord and His greatness, he is an absoLUTE wonderful daddy! Share this with your children and ENJOY! :D
 

[Linda Galella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comforting, lush illustrations that tell the story and foster conversations for reading thru the years. The glorious artwork of Eve Tharlet is really something extraordinary. Apparently, enough people made a fuss over it because there’s a built in zoom function that can be deployed to view details on facial expressions and other things readers requested.

While I’m mentioning the technology, this is a book that needs to be read in landscape mode and it’s coded to do so. It will work in portrait position but the experience is not great. This holds true for both smartphones and tablets. I tested Apple versions for both.

The story is one of assurance. From creation thru heaven, God is in control. He made you, unique in every way, chose your parent(s), who will always be available for, (a bunch of nurturing things), and so forth. It’s a feel good book that is easily used for natural and adopted children.

Strong religious themes and parent child relationship with stunning illustrations📚

[Natalie Alston · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE! This is a book that every family needs.

[Teresa Grabs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a fan of Max Lucado's works but this picture book has created very mixed feelings for me. On the one hand, it is a very beautiful story about family, love, caring, and belonging told through equally beautiful illustrations. On the other hand, there are certain areas that just don't sit right. Yes, the characters are bears and not humans, but humans are the ones reading the book. If this book were in an emergency family shelter, hospitals, or many classrooms where children from different households than the story's characters, the words used would be like twisting daggers in an open wound. Part of me thinks that picture books, above all other books, should be able to be enjoyed by all readers and I just don't see that with this book. It speaks of a perfect, loving, relationship between mother and child in a way that is lovely but exclusionary. It's a great book for some, but I can see it causing pain to others.

[Jo Linsdell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although Just in case you ever wonder is available in various formats I'm reviewing the ePub version. This is a nice little picture book that tells of the love of a parent for their child. It includes illustrations by Tony Goffe.

Children need to feel protected, they need to know you love them and that you will always be there for them. That's what this book is all about. It shows them that they are special and unique and that as they grow and change you will always be there for them.

It takes you from the parents thoughts on seeing the baby for the first time through to when the child has grown up.

A heart warming book ideal for bonding with your child. I personally recommend it for smaller children though (max 5 years old).

[Regina Chari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be my most favorite children's book of all time. Max Lucado has summed up one of the most important message a parent can instill in the heart of a child here, that no matter what you are there and love them.

This is and will continue to be my go to book for every new baby. It should be on the bookshelf of every child and the message should be safely and permanently imprinted on the heart of every person.

Buy a case of these books and include it with every baby shower gift from now until the end of time.

A copy of this book was made available to me by the publisher through netgalley. This is my honest
review.

[Gladimore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had heard of this book before, while I'm not a huge fan of Max Lucado, I thought this book was cute. I always hated the illustrations in the first editions, full of picturesque stereotypical view of a family. I would rather see these illustrations of animals and different animals at that. I would always want my kid to know that he has a mother and father so love him and will always be there for him. However, not all families are mothers and fathers; there are MANY different kinds of families and none is lesser than the other. Probably the only Max Lucado I will read but good.
#Netgalley

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and emotional. Maybe it's just me right now with my kids but I had to choke back tears while I was reading this with my littles. This is a message that I try to tell them all the time--how special they are to me and to God. So to read a book that tells them this too was beautiful. Although the last few pages talking about heaven took a different turn that didn't feel very cohesive, it was still beautiful overall. Also, the illustrations are gorgeous.

[Bethany]

I read this to my preschool group this morning and should have had a box of tissues by my side. Two of the children were my own which made the tears flow even more freely. This book has a beautiful message of love and belonging. It is a message that should be imprinted in every child's heart. Thank you for this book. I will definitely be adding it to my personal library.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This hardboard book for children will reassure them of their parents’ love. The illustrations and script will also let them know how much God really cares for them.

I purchased this book for a little loved one, thus a review was not required. I recommend this book to parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to read to their little ones so they can hear of your love and God’s greatness for them.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still cry when I read this book. It is everything a little girl needs to hear from her Dad.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful gift for any christian child who has father and mother in their life

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful text, OK illustrations.

[Alison McMahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deals with heaven and loss

Great way to explain heaven and God in kid-friendly terms. It is a Beautifully written account of Gods role in our life.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 2yo kept asking "me?" Through the story and when I would say "yes!" She would get the biggest smile on her face. Such a sweet story.

[Forging Faith Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Remarkable Story About God’s Love, Parental Love, and Responsibility

Just in Case You Ever Wonder is a heartwarming tale that takes readers on a journey from a child’s birth to their early school years, with promises that extend far beyond.

Max Lucado begins his story with the biblical idea that God decided “long, long ago” to create each and every one of us, a message that beautifully parallels the sentiments in Ephesians 1:4–5. He then mentions that God who made the stars, canyons, trees, and the sun and moon also made us, connecting the child to the wonder of creation itself.

To further capture imaginations, the author then incorporates references to facial features, emotions, and the sense of security God provides by giving children a safe and loving home. However, as we know, security and safety for children isn’t always the case, making it the only flaw within the story. As the story progresses, it shifts to the parents’ assurances of unconditional love; that no matter what happens, they will always be there. This includes moments of difficulty or fear, where the child is reminded they can turn to their parents for comfort and guidance.

Lucado emphasizes the vital role of parents in teaching their children about God, saying, “Most of all, I’ll be here to teach you about God.” The book then reassures the child of God’s unwavering love and protection, noting that His angels watch over them as well. Finally, the author paints a benevolent and beautiful picture of Heaven, leaving readers with a sense of hope and eternal belonging.

This book is a captivating short read that offers comfort and warmth to children about their creator while gently reminding parents of their responsibility to guide their children in faith. The stunning illustrations by Eve Tharlet perfectly complement the story, and the simple language is well suited for the target audience of children aged 0–4.



Note: Although the author (Max Lucado) may support or associate with individuals whose teachings are considered biblically false and/or questionable, none of these concerns are evident in this children’s story.



The Final Forge: With its heartfelt story, gentle lessons on responsibility, and breathtaking visuals, this book is a must-have for your child’s library!

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a re-publish of a book but with new illustrations and since I haven't read the actual original copy with its original illustrations there isn't much I can say about that first book.

The story itself is a double meaning story as it first focuses on the love of a parent to their child from birth and to slowly growing up into an independent child. At the same time the parent encourages the child to continue to be open with them and so if they should ever need them for troubles their parent is there for them just like God is.

The illustrations are what really capture the spirit of the book for they are brightly colored and beautiful. Furthermore the book captures the spirit of each child being different by showcasing different species of bears. And it is the adorably cute and emotionally showing cub that really captures the heart since you just want to curl up with it.

But even though the book was a decent read I did have a few complaints with the book itself although I know the message itself was well-intentioned. The first was the fact that it stated no child is the same nor has the same attributes but there are identical children who even though they have some differences share just as much alike. So for those who have identical twins it would be hard to explain that part to the children.

And then the second part that was difficult for me was the fact where the book's parent announced that due to their love they would provide a loving home that would help the child to grow up and learn. Not everyone has that type of home growing up so for a young reader who is coming from that scenario so again it may cause even more emotional issues to an an already tense situation.

All in all it is a decent book but one that the adult may have to read for themselves and judge whether the child they are raising or reading it to may be affected by parts of the message. And if so then it may be a lot more wise to figure out a way to explain those troublesome parts to children who are struggling to understand why bad things happen to them.

***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***

[Melissa Swistek · Rating 2 out of 5]

IMHO this took a dark turn at the end.

[Scott Seney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for all ages!!

[Abby Ambrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexile: 520L
DRA: 20
Another great Max Lucado book. This book is wonderful for connecting parents and children. I'm not sure how effective it would be in the classroom, but it will remain in my personal library for sure.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful picture book about the love between a parent and a child, and ultimately the love that God has for all of His children. I read the original edition years ago, and really enjoyed it then as well. The updated pictures may appeal more to some children. And the use of bears negates any preference of race that may have been inferred from the Caucasian humans depicted in the older edition.

I would recommend this to anyone from baby to elderly. God loves all of us.

[Heather Bergeron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the new and improved version. It’s a sweet story and I think the new illustrations are fun. This would make a nice baby