Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
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5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by michelle C (London, ON, Canada), November 15, 2009
First impressions of the thin hard cover version I received was the bright simple yet detailed illustrations went along well with the story. I had read parts of the story previously in Max's book Fearless. The illustrations made the story come even more alive. The message of the story spoke to both myself and the little ones. The size of the book is perfect to cuddle upon the couch with the kids. The font of the text was simple yet creative enough to still entertain the kids and adults alike.
Such a wonderful message revealed in the story to remind young and old that they are important and they do not need to be elevated in position, in status or with stuff. This story reminds you the story of Jesus. Jesus came to this world for each of us. I would recommend this book to anyone who may need a reminder they are important and how much they matter.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Annalise (Everett, WA), November 08, 2009
This book is delightful story of rhyme that focuses upon how you don't have to fit in because God has made you special.
In this book, Ollie is a little boy who is waiting to get some stilts so that he can fit in with those who are cool. After all, everyone who is cool walks upon stilts in this town and it is the best gift anyone can get in Stiltsville. One day Ollie's name is called and he recieves his stilts but soon he finds that he can't manage the slilts and falls. The stilts were then taken and he feels like he is no longer special until Jesus comes along and shows him how special he is.
Most children will understand all the words in this book. The pictures will capture any child's attention and imagination. I think what had me give this book 4.5 stars rather than 5 is the fact that I feel this story could have added onto the point to help a child understand that they don't have to fit in to be special. The message does come across but it is not as powerful as I would have liked to have see.
However, overall this book was one that we definately will keep on the shelves for constant reading.
1 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jonathan S (Tucson, AZ), November 07, 2009
A Parable that comes up short. he children’s “parable” The Tallest of smalls written by Max Lucado and Illustrated by Maria Monescillo, tries to reflect the theme of Lucado’s Fearless. It’s more of a rhyming sing-song story then a parable, which is an earthly story that has a heavenly meaning. The intended message or heavenly meaning of being accepted in God’s eyes no matter our stature is completely lost in this hard to follow story. The high point of the book is the over the top illustrations done by Monescillo. They are both colorful and imaginative. These were the only things that tried to get and keep the attention of my two two year old twins, but about half way through they were back over to the book shelf picking something else out. So I then invited my 11 year old son to give it a read through, and his quote was that it “didn’t make sense, until the end..I mean only the end made sense.” I am not recommending this book to anyone simply because the story fails to convey the message that was intended and it’s not a very good story overall.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jean (Wiscosnin), November 06, 2009
The Tallest of Smalls is a delightful story about Ollie, the smallest of the Two-Smalls who live in a land called Stiltsville. Every evening, the Too-Smalls meet in the town circle where they hope they’ll be chosen to be good enough to receive stilts. Ollie begs to be picked. He wants to be like the high-ups of Stiltsville who are proud of their stilts and their ultimate status. But once he gets them, oh how it hurts when he stumbles and tumbles and loses them.
The Tallest of Smalls is a useful book for parents to share with their children. The message is clear: You are fine just the way you are! You don't need to be in the cool-crowd to matter, and when you feel left out or bullied, you are not alone. Jesus is right there, smiling, putting his arm around you and walking with you everyday.
Note: This book for kids coordinates with Max's adult trade book, Fearless, which released in September 2009.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Bryan (Chico, CA), November 05, 2009
Max Lucado has done it again. With a simple storyline, Lucado touches on some very deep stuff. The Tallest of Smalls is about Ollie. Ollie so much wants to be part of the “in” crowd. These people, lifted high on stilts, looking down on those below casting judgment. Ollie is tired of being looked upon dejectedly, wishing that he would be picked to wear a pair of stilts. His moment arrives, only to find that it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Soon he loses his stilts, but finds friendship in the One who cares for him no matter how tall, making Ollie the Tallest of Smalls.
The book is wonderfully illustrated by Maria Monescillo. The setting takes place in the town of Stiltsville. Every day at 6, those on stilts come into the town square and pick someone to receive a pair of stilts. The book is written in rhyme, so it is easy for my sons to get into and follow.
I think The Tallest of Smalls speaks to so many who think that they are somehow less worthy than others. Whether they think they are not pretty enough, rich enough, smart enough, even funny enough, we often place others on pedestals; those we look up to. This book brings to light that what we are in search of is much greater than looks or smarts, but acceptance. Trying our best to please the world only makes us less pleased with ourselves. However, when one finds friendship in Jesus, they find the acceptance for who they really are. Jesus doesn’t want us to be more beautiful or more intelligent, He just wants us. He is our dearest friend, one who can look past all our imperfections and see through to the very heart of all of us. Knowing this lifts us to new heights, far surpassing our wildest imaginations.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Chin Jenny (Malaysia), November 05, 2009
This is the 5th book I have reviewed as a book review blogger for Thomas Nelson. I immediately request to review a copy of the book the moment this book is available for blogger's review. The book has a nice appealing cover. I don't quite like the colours used for the illustration though as its a bit on the dark side and kind of brings a gloomy mood. As for the storyline, I really love the way Lucado tells the story in a rhyme way... it's about this little boy called Ollie. At one point, I felt it touched my heart as I feel everyone is an Ollie, trying to fit in and be accepted. Overall, I'll give this book an 8 out of 10.
3 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Anna (SE Kansas), October 30, 2009
This book was about Ollie, a small living in stiltsville. He never got picked for anything. One day, happened to be his lucky day. He finally got picked, but it ended up being a disaster. That day he met Jesus, who showed him that even smalls have a place in stiltsville.
The book was very colorful, the illustrations were great. My boys and I read it, It was a great story, but it didn't really appeal to us.
I received a free review copy of this book to review through the Thomas Nelson blogger program.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Debbie (Huntsville, AL), October 29, 2009
The Tallest of Smalls, by Max Lucado is a delightful children’s picture book. The story tells about Ollie, a small ragged boy who lives in the city of Stiltsville, where the tall and important folks are awarded stilts to tower over those who are deemed small and unworthy. Ollie desperately wants to earn a pair of stilts so that he too can feel important and look down upon the “smalls.” Eventually, Ollie’s wish does come true, but he quickly discovers that there is only one person whose opinion really matters.
This is not my favorite of Max Lucado’s children’s books, but it is a sweet story with an important message. The illustrations are bright and fun and the text is in rhyme. I think any child would enjoy the book and that it might be especially helpful to a child who is feeling “small” and left-out.
I received a free review copy of this book through the Thomas Nelson blogger program.
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