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Just the Way You Are
One of the greatest gifts parents can give their children is the assurance that Mom and Dad love them just as they are, apart from anything that they do. But telling them once won't make it sink in. Kids need to be reminded of it over and over, until those words get inside their hearts. In the same way, children need to hear again and again that their Heavenly Father loves them and wants to spend time with them—even if they're not wonderfully talented or extremely smart or exceptionally popular. That message of God's unconditional acceptance and deep desire to enjoy a friendship with His children is at the heart of this book. Just the Way You Are , originally published by Crossway Books as Children of the King, has been newly illustrated to enchant a whole new generation of youngsters. At the same time, it gives parents and grandparents fresh opportunities to write God's never-changing desire on tender souls. Combining the warm narrative of best-selling author Max Lucado and the classic illustrations of award-winning artist Sergio Martinez, Just the Way You Are will entertain young readers as it teaches them a truth that can open their hearts to Christ. That truth—the assurance of God's delight in them—is a blessing that has eternal impact for all children of the King everywhere.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1999
7 people are currently reading
715 people want to read
About the author
Max Lucado
1,201 books5,438 followersWith 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 8, 2024
Another nice Lucado book. This one is about knowing it's ok to be yourself and not trying to be like everyone else to be accepted. It is a little more complex of a story than the simple wemmicks "you are special" storyline, but just as meaningful....more for four year olds and older than a two year old.
March 20, 2024
Falls short, like so many other evangelical analogies.
I realize this is supposed to be a short, sweet, and uplifting biblical analogy, and so we shouldn’t look too far into it, but it’s in those attempts that many bad and misleading doctrines can be smuggled in, laying a seed of doubt and spiritual fatigue that would bloom even years later.
The story is of a group of orphans that receive a letter informing them that the king, the story’s God figure, has decided to adopt them and is coming to the village to visit. The entire village becomes occupied with preparing to impress the king with practicing their skills and talents. One little girl feels as if she has no talent and is sitting by a water trough when a stranger visits on a donkey. She may not have a special talent, but she is nice and hospitable to the stranger. He goes to visit everyone in the village but they have no time for the stranger due to their practicing their talents for the king. He returns to the little girl and reveals himself as the king to her. She then becomes a child of the king because she gave him her heart, while the others were too busy to notice him.
The issues are a confusing works based doctrine lurking beneath the words and pictures. The children practicing their talents are too focused on their talents, from art to academia, for God, but they are expressed as practicing for the king. A more appropriate analogy would be if they were doing it for themselves but this isn’t what’s presented. Then there is the issue with the girl being adopted, along with the others, but it wasn’t until she gave her heart that she becomes His child. This is a problematic cart-before-the-horse theological issue. Actual Biblical analogies show God actively changing hearts, actively rescuing, actively taking His children, actively giving us the gift of faith- not wandering around, hiding His presence, waiting for His children to possibly notice Him so that they can make the adoption secure and realized.
Like other Lucado children’s books, the art is excellent, it is just unfortunate that the subtle messaging isn’t as good.
I realize this is supposed to be a short, sweet, and uplifting biblical analogy, and so we shouldn’t look too far into it, but it’s in those attempts that many bad and misleading doctrines can be smuggled in, laying a seed of doubt and spiritual fatigue that would bloom even years later.
The story is of a group of orphans that receive a letter informing them that the king, the story’s God figure, has decided to adopt them and is coming to the village to visit. The entire village becomes occupied with preparing to impress the king with practicing their skills and talents. One little girl feels as if she has no talent and is sitting by a water trough when a stranger visits on a donkey. She may not have a special talent, but she is nice and hospitable to the stranger. He goes to visit everyone in the village but they have no time for the stranger due to their practicing their talents for the king. He returns to the little girl and reveals himself as the king to her. She then becomes a child of the king because she gave him her heart, while the others were too busy to notice him.
The issues are a confusing works based doctrine lurking beneath the words and pictures. The children practicing their talents are too focused on their talents, from art to academia, for God, but they are expressed as practicing for the king. A more appropriate analogy would be if they were doing it for themselves but this isn’t what’s presented. Then there is the issue with the girl being adopted, along with the others, but it wasn’t until she gave her heart that she becomes His child. This is a problematic cart-before-the-horse theological issue. Actual Biblical analogies show God actively changing hearts, actively rescuing, actively taking His children, actively giving us the gift of faith- not wandering around, hiding His presence, waiting for His children to possibly notice Him so that they can make the adoption secure and realized.
Like other Lucado children’s books, the art is excellent, it is just unfortunate that the subtle messaging isn’t as good.
March 27, 2010
Max Lucado's books for children are exceptional, every child deserves to have them read out loud to them and every parent deserves to experience their message.
May 7, 2014
read 5/6/14
February 26, 2021
I love the art, the story, and the message. It's a simple story, but one that reminds us of what is truly important. While the message is spelled out, it's not preachy.
March 23, 2019
Don’t make me cry, your highness!
January 1, 2023
Sweet story with a great message and beautiful illustrations!
August 18, 2024
Weer een prachtig boek van Max Lucado. Mooie prenten dus uiterst geschikt om voor te lezen voor kinderen. Erg bijzonder hoe Lucado in zijn meeslepende verhaaltjes zulke sterke moralen weet te verwerken. Een verrijking voor ieder 'kind' van God!
February 9, 2017
This is another children’s book from Max Lucado that contains a powerful message. In a more primitive time, five orphans live in a village. For mutual support and protection, the five siblings had banded together. The village was in a kingdom and when the king learned of their plight, he announced that he would adopt them and would be coming to take them away.
That announcement was met with great excitement and the children all decided to work very hard at honing their skills in order to impress the king. One of the boys was an accomplished woodcarver, so he set out to create an astounding item of wood art. One of his sisters was a painter, so she began developing what she planned to be a masterpiece. Another one of the girls was a musician and she sat down and relentlessly practiced on her violin and mandolin. A brother was a scholar, so he buried himself in studying all areas in depth.
That left one girl that had neither of those skills. She was clumsy and no other recognizable skills. However, she was very sociable and spent a great deal of time greeting new arrivals to the village, asking questions about their travels. She made no distinction between the rich and poor, she talked to everyone.
One day, a rather nondescript man arrived at the village. He was alone and he wore standard clothing and was riding a basic donkey, The girl was very kind to him, giving him what assistance she could, sitting with him while he rested for a few minutes. The man then left to visit some people and he found them too busy to talk with him. He then returned to the girl and revealed that he was in fact the king. He told the girl that she was very special, for she had a kind and sympathetic heart.
The message is of course that even if it seems that you have nothing else to offer, expressing a kind and generous heart is something that nearly all people appreciate. It is a great story that will touch the hearts of people of all ages.
That announcement was met with great excitement and the children all decided to work very hard at honing their skills in order to impress the king. One of the boys was an accomplished woodcarver, so he set out to create an astounding item of wood art. One of his sisters was a painter, so she began developing what she planned to be a masterpiece. Another one of the girls was a musician and she sat down and relentlessly practiced on her violin and mandolin. A brother was a scholar, so he buried himself in studying all areas in depth.
That left one girl that had neither of those skills. She was clumsy and no other recognizable skills. However, she was very sociable and spent a great deal of time greeting new arrivals to the village, asking questions about their travels. She made no distinction between the rich and poor, she talked to everyone.
One day, a rather nondescript man arrived at the village. He was alone and he wore standard clothing and was riding a basic donkey, The girl was very kind to him, giving him what assistance she could, sitting with him while he rested for a few minutes. The man then left to visit some people and he found them too busy to talk with him. He then returned to the girl and revealed that he was in fact the king. He told the girl that she was very special, for she had a kind and sympathetic heart.
The message is of course that even if it seems that you have nothing else to offer, expressing a kind and generous heart is something that nearly all people appreciate. It is a great story that will touch the hearts of people of all ages.
April 14, 2016
I thought it was a great book about five orphans who find that the king was to try to adopt them and will return soon. Four of them who have talents worked hard on their talents so they have something to offer the king when does return after the villagers say "you need to impress the king." The fifth has no talents, but has a big heart. She thinks she can't give the king 'her heart,' so tries to ask her siblings if one of them can teach her his/her talent. However, when all of them decline saying, "They are too busy trying to finishing their gift for the king. The little girl starts to become hard on myself.
The king comes and ask the little girl if she can groom his donkey, she replies yes. And goes and sit and talk with this man who she doesn't reliezed is the king. When the king returns to adopt the five orphans -the first four said, "They are too busy trying to finishing their gift for the king. But the one with no talents but with a big heart, she is only one that ends up getting adopted.
The reason that I like this book is that teaches the king who represents Heavenly Father loves us for us. He knows that a big heart is the greatest gift you can someone.
The king comes and ask the little girl if she can groom his donkey, she replies yes. And goes and sit and talk with this man who she doesn't reliezed is the king. When the king returns to adopt the five orphans -the first four said, "They are too busy trying to finishing their gift for the king. But the one with no talents but with a big heart, she is only one that ends up getting adopted.
The reason that I like this book is that teaches the king who represents Heavenly Father loves us for us. He knows that a big heart is the greatest gift you can someone.
June 29, 2011
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 (NIV)
Many find it hard to believe that the God who created the earth could love them. Surely they must be worthy of His attention and love before He offers it willingly, they think. However, the Scripture found in Romans, chapter 5, verse 8 clearly says that God loves even the unlovable, those filled with sin and with nothing of worth to offer. "Just the Way You Are" written by Max Lucado and illustrated by Sergio Martinez (previously published as The Children of the King) tells the story of just such a father.
Continue reading on Examiner.com God loves you "Just the Way You Are." The review of a book by Max Lucado - San Francisco Christian fiction | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/christian-fic...
July 6, 2008
Five orphans are overjoyed when they hear that the King wants to adopt them. The villagers tell them they need talents or things to impress the King so that when he comes he won't be disappointed, so they set to perfecting their talents, all except the youngest sister, who isn't quite sure that she has a talent.
This is a sweet, sweet little book. I read it and had tears in my eyes, the message was so simple and yet so profound. Max Lucado really has a way with expressing the gospel in terms that everybody can understand. This is a lovely book, everyone should read it at least once.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2008...
This is a sweet, sweet little book. I read it and had tears in my eyes, the message was so simple and yet so profound. Max Lucado really has a way with expressing the gospel in terms that everybody can understand. This is a lovely book, everyone should read it at least once.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2008...
March 27, 2014
This is a sweet and inspiring book. I read it and I really think we can get a simple and yet so profound message. Max Lucado really has a way with expressing the gospel in terms that everybody can understand. This is a lovely book, everyone should read it at least once. This is a story about a king who is going to adopt 5 orphans. The story focuses on the youngest girl, who fears she has no talent and can make no gift for the king. The story shows how her heart and love is her gift, and she's the one the king bonds with. The illustrations are quaint, as the story takes place a long time ago. I think this is great story to read to 3rd grader and older graders, it is a great story for kids about being accepted just as the way they are.
September 16, 2015
This is a beautiful book--images and text align elegantly. The only thing I don't like is the summary on the back of the scholastic edition of September 2000 which imposes a very Christian context which tells the reader that the king is really 'the Heavenly Father'. The images, by Sergio Martinez, do evoke Puritans who could be Dutch, English or from the United States.
I've read a few children's books in my time, but I did not see the Christian subtext until I closed the book. I was quite surprised.
At it's best, I think religious stories and language are metaphorical. Anyway, that's what works for me.
I've read a few children's books in my time, but I did not see the Christian subtext until I closed the book. I was quite surprised.
At it's best, I think religious stories and language are metaphorical. Anyway, that's what works for me.
August 27, 2009
This is a wonderful book that teaches about how the greatest gift we can give is our heart. A little girl thinks she has little to give b/c all of her siblings have such wonderful talents. But, they are so busy thinking of themselves that they won't share their talents. She on the other hand is always helping and serving others and so when the king comes to adopt her and her siblings (in disguise), she is the only one who is ready to become his daughter. The others are too busy trying to think of ways to impress the king. Great little analogy as most of Max Lucado's books are!
November 6, 2010
A family of orphans learns they will be adopted by the King. They all begin to get ready by working on a talent they have so the king will accept them. The youngest is friendly with people and helpful to strangers but feels she has no real talent to show the King when he comes. She finds that by being herself she is the one ready for the King when he comes. The King explains all he really wants is someone to spend time with him and love him. It teaches kindness and taking the time to be with family and friends.
March 31, 2014
This is a great book and teaches a very good moral lesson. In it, a young orphaned girl learns that her own gift of kindness is more special to a king than her learning to carve wooden figures, how to paint a masterpiece, or developing a beautiful singing voice. It is important for children to remember who they are and that everyone has special talents of their own. It isn't important to be the best at everything, but it is important to be the best person you can be. I especially enjoyed the well drawn pictures while reading it.
July 3, 2015
This book has great healing power. It has helped me to realize what is most important: being loving to those around us. When we do this we are filled with God's love and can recognize his hand in our lives.
I totally disagree with the summary on Goodreads that explains what this book is about. It isn't about telling our kids we love them. It is about living our lives with a proper focus so that we recognize the good and are ready for God to show himself to us.
http://ackroydhouse.blogspot.ca/2015/...
I totally disagree with the summary on Goodreads that explains what this book is about. It isn't about telling our kids we love them. It is about living our lives with a proper focus so that we recognize the good and are ready for God to show himself to us.
http://ackroydhouse.blogspot.ca/2015/...
March 3, 2016
Sometimes I just look to read Max Lucado's children's books for fun and to prepare for Sunday School lessons. However, as I read tonight of how much our Heavenly Father loves us and delights in us just the way we are, I was hit with a childlike faith that makes me feel blessed! God makes time for us, just the way we are. Do we care for others that same way? Do we make time for God? If not, why not? He should be the most important part of every day.
These books bring about good questions to ask any generation and make us reflect on God's great love for us!
These books bring about good questions to ask any generation and make us reflect on God's great love for us!
January 20, 2011
Really sweet story about a king who's going to adopt 5 orphans. The story focuses on the youngest girl, who fears she has no talent and can make no gift for the king. The story shows how her heart and love is her gift, and she's the one the king bonds with. Another story about adoption, but not told as directly. The illustrations are quaint, as the story takes place "a long time ago." Great story for kids about being accepted just as you are.
April 1, 2014
This story is really cute. It really fits the title. The aspect that I like the most out of this story, is that the little girl did not need to change. Yes, she made the effort to acquire some notice or favor of the king when he does come and visit. But ultimately it was because she was just herself, willing to go the extra mile that really impressed the king. It is a very heart-warming story, I would read it to children because it has a good moral to the story.
April 17, 2008
I love all of the Max Lucado children's books that I've read. They are a wonderful reminder of who we are and that God loves each and every one of us. Even after reading them several times I tear up while reading them because of their powerful reminder. Get them in hardcover for your kids...you won't regret it.
April 11, 2011
This story can be shared with a first and second grade class. The students will see that special talents aren't always needed. We each have something special to offer; and should love that about ourselves. I would extend this story with a writing assignment by have the students write in their journals about something special about themselves.
October 22, 2013
I loved this book when I was little, but i was surprised to realize that it was a story about the unconditional love of God, I had just assumed that the message was that everyone was special in their own unique way and that sometimes it's the person who feels they have nothing worth giving who is willing to give the most for others. Well either way I still love it.
March 27, 2014
This is a neat story that emphasizes the importance of having a good heart and making time for others. It's a good book that I think I would use to teach values. I also liked the emphasis that is put on being who you are. It teaches that we don't have to change to impress people, we just need to do what we know how to do.
October 6, 2007
I really like this book, you will just have to read it to understand it.
October 10, 2007
The greatest illustration. I love this story. God love us just the way we are.
December 10, 2007
Enjoy all of Max Lucado...YES
February 25, 2008
God loves us just the way we are!
June 20, 2008
This is a great book for children and adults to be reminded that God loves us just the way we are.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews