This is another favorite. The art is beautiful and it has a wonderful Biblical message. ( )

"The Tallest of Smalls" is a religious book that conveys a lesson on self-importance and self-esteem. The main focus of the story is how the opinions of others and whether or not they accept us isn't as great as the love of the Lord. I do believe that a broader lesson can be learned here--that there will always be those that love us despite what others think and that we shouldn't be hard on ourselves.

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 ;-) ( )

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. ( )

Ollie is a Too Small of Stiltsville. Only the special in Stiltsville are chosen to walk about on tall stilts, but Ollie was not special, or clever, or funny, or cool. So for a long time Ollie felt unwanted, unworthy and unhappy. One day, however, Ollie was chosen to own stilts, and it was the happiest day of his life. That is until he tried to walk on the silts. When he fell none of the other stilt walkers were there for him, but someone else was. Ollie learnt that it doesn't matter how tall you are, all that matters is being yourself.

The Tallest of Small is a charming children's story of acceptance and of belief in oneself. It is also a story of Jesus and faith, but no matter if you believe in several gods, or one god, or in no gods, the message in this story is one everyone can appreciate. The story is one that both girls and boys will enjoy and teaches that you are special because you are who you are.

The Tallest of Smalls is a parable from Max Lucado's novel Fearless . The rhyming story is captivating, creating a lovely flow to the story that children will enjoy. Equally enjoyable are the beautiful and bright illustrations that compliment this fun and poignant story. ( )