Because I Love You (Board Book)

Well... I thought this was going to be a good book for my 5 year old son, but unfortunately it wasn't. I understand that the book's message it to let you know that you should obey God and that He loves you and does everything for your good; and there might be times when you disobey and as a result you get lost and fear overcomes you. However, after reading the story to my son, what it provoked in him was just fear to the point that he said that he didn't want me to read that book again. He was so scared. I tried to explain to him the reason why things happened the way they happened in the story, but he just said that he was scared and didn't want to hear about this book again. Probably this book will be better suited for an older child, not a 5 year old. I would recommend to the author to include some verses from the Bible and mention God at some point.

I love love love Max Lucado. His children's books are so beautiful. I give either this book or Lucado's Wemmick series at every baby shower I attend. This book is such a treasure for children and adults. It tells a gorgeously illustrated and heart-touching story that so reveals the heart of God for his people, for you and me. I'm in my twenties and I still read this to myself when I need a reminder of what love looks like and how good a God I live for.

This book can be read and enjoyed by all! There is no age, race, religion, or gender restrictions. This book is a great way to introduce hope to anyone!

This is one of my two favorite Max Lucado children's books, the other being

The title tells it all !! Wonderfully written. The actual book is very well made. This is worth every penny and more !! Mr Lucado has a gift that the Lord has bestowed upon him for telling stories. If you see his name as an author of a book I urge you to purchase it. Everything he writes is pertinent in life's lessons. My grandchildren All are enthralled when listening to his stories being read to them!!! From this particular book they will learn... no matter what they do , what they say how they act... GOD loves them.. and forgives them if they feel guilty about their actions... This book is for ALL aged people. I think sometimes everyone needs a reminder that we are never ever alone no matter what the circumstances! The One above loves us!!!

This book is a classic that will grow as your child grows in understanding of the love God has for him/her. A necessity for the family library.

This is one of my go to books to give when a baby is born, for first communion, or for any other event. It is beautifully written and the message is so deep. the illustrations are perfect!

Sent to friends and family as gifts. They love the books very much. Great story telling.

We really like many of Max Lucado's children's books and this one is definitely another great one. We gave it to our son on his 5th birthday instead of a card. He asks us to read it often. Artwork is beautiful. Story is excellent. Great purchase for any child.

I LOVE all of these stories! Great lessons about loving yourself and God

Well... I thought this was going to be a good book for my 5 year old son, but unfortunately it wasn't. I understand that the book's message it to let you know that you should obey God and that He loves you and does everything for your good; and there might be times when you disobey and as a result you get lost and fear overcomes you. However, after reading the story to my son, what it provoked in him was just fear to the point that he said that he didn't want me to read that book again. He was so scared. I tried to explain to him the reason why things happened the way they happened in the story, but he just said that he was scared and didn't want to hear about this book again. Probably this book will be better suited for an older child, not a 5 year old. I would recommend to the author to include some verses from the Bible and mention God at some point.

I love love love Max Lucado. His children's books are so beautiful. I give either this book or Lucado's Wemmick series at every baby shower I attend. This book is such a treasure for children and adults. It tells a gorgeously illustrated and heart-touching story that so reveals the heart of God for his people, for you and me. I'm in my twenties and I still read this to myself when I need a reminder of what love looks like and how good a God I live for.

This book can be read and enjoyed by all! There is no age, race, religion, or gender restrictions. This book is a great way to introduce hope to anyone!

This is one of my two favorite Max Lucado children's books, the other being

The title tells it all !! Wonderfully written. The actual book is very well made. This is worth every penny and more !! Mr Lucado has a gift that the Lord has bestowed upon him for telling stories. If you see his name as an author of a book I urge you to purchase it. Everything he writes is pertinent in life's lessons. My grandchildren All are enthralled when listening to his stories being read to them!!! From this particular book they will learn... no matter what they do , what they say how they act... GOD loves them.. and forgives them if they feel guilty about their actions... This book is for ALL aged people. I think sometimes everyone needs a reminder that we are never ever alone no matter what the circumstances! The One above loves us!!!

This book is a classic that will grow as your child grows in understanding of the love God has for him/her. A necessity for the family library.

This is one of my go to books to give when a baby is born, for first communion, or for any other event. It is beautifully written and the message is so deep. the illustrations are perfect!

Sent to friends and family as gifts. They love the books very much. Great story telling.

We really like many of Max Lucado's children's books and this one is definitely another great one. We gave it to our son on his 5th birthday instead of a card. He asks us to read it often. Artwork is beautiful. Story is excellent. Great purchase for any child.

I LOVE all of these stories! Great lessons about loving yourself and God

Great read to remind yourself and others how special they are.

Wonderful book for children by wonderful author.

This is one of my favorite series of books to give as baby shower gifts. So thankful to find they come in board books now!

This book is a must for all children. It explains love in the purest sense. I am a 56 year old and STILL love to read it! :)

I absolutely love this book!

I believe this book can be a help to everyone, not only children. There are many hurting souls who never believe they are handsome/pretty, or good enough. This book in its simplicity shows the reader the depth of the Fathers love for them. By reading it and taking in personally what is shared, the reader knows beyond doubt how loved they are. I enjoyed reading it and am giving it to my five year old grandson for Christmas.

I was totally blown away!! Love, love love this book. Beautifully illustrates our Good, Good Father!! Helped my 8 year old granddaughter truly enjoyed this book.

On of my daughters favorite books as a child. She wanted it read to her over and over. Great needs age for little ones! I purchase it over and over for kids.

Wonderful books for children of all ages. Love that they are available as board books for infants and toddlers. Many of the important lessons in life are instilled, not only in children, but in adults as well in all of these books. Max Lucado takes it to a new level with his characters and the everyday life challenges they face in his stories. These make wonderful baby shower gifts as well as birthday gifts for children as well as parents.

I read this book to my 6 year old and she and I both really enjoyed it. Many good lessons in the book. Thank you. God bless you.

I purchased this book for my granddaughter who is 8. The story is a fairy tale with a message for children and the illustrations make it easy for a child who doesn't especially like to read to become curious enough to read, enjoy, and learn. Max Lucado is one of my favorite authors and he has another winner in this book!

Max's books all have a great message

Beautiful book!

My sister-in-law gave me two Max Lucado books for my birthday and I couldn't be happier. This is a story of Shaddai, a wise and nurturing old man, who lives in a village of children. He builds a wall surrounding the village so as to protect the children from the dark and dangerous forest that surrounds the village. Paladin, the most curious boy of the lot, wonders why the wall is there and proceeds to explore beyond. Shaddai, knowing of the boy's curiousity, had already left to find the boy as soon as he left his line of sight. A wonderful story for children. I can't wait to get more Max Lucado books.

Typical Max Lucado quality. Excellent!

Christmas presents 🎁. The message is “spot on” , can’t wait to read to grandkids

Loved it! Religious story for children

Beautiful story of love and redemption

Great purchase for our church Children's Library

I like the symbolism of this book. Young toddlers may have difficulty paying attention, as it is long. They may also have difficulty understanding the concepts behind the symbolism. However, it's great for older toddlers and young children. It has a nice Christian message about the faithfulness of God.

Love it brand new great condition no flaws fast shipping

Good story, lovely illustrations.

Love these books

I love how I could relate to the characters in the story.

Of all the Max Lucado children's books I like this one the best. I read this to my students and my grand children and they love it. I think all of us at one time or another, have had the same kind of curiosity that this little had that led in into trouble.

Great product! Awesome service!

Outstanding children's book... fantastic graphics and perfect character-developing story.

This is an awesome book to read with your kids or grand kids. It presents a very clear story of how we can stray away and yet God keeps the hole in the gate open for us to return. My grand kids love the book.

Great Children's book!!

great

Great book with a great moral and meaning! Highly recommended!

beautiful!!

great author

A classic rendition of the Gospel. Superb artistry, through illustration & word.

Great book of God's Love.

I love them as Board Books.

Good. I am frustrated to have to write a review for this book before I can read. This is reallly bad

This book has a wonderful message for children and adults of all ages!

These books by Max Lucado are uplifting books I love to share with my grand daughter. Seller was great and love the product.

Max Lucado is an excellent writer. I appreciate all of his children's books so far. We own quite a few.

This is a beautiful book and well written for my grandson to appreciate for many years when he can read it to himself. Since I don't live near him I can't say any more about how he likes it.

Nice

So beautiful. it is spectacular. the best story for kids.

What a wonderful story depicting our foolish curiosity that draws us away from all the amazing things God has provided for us, to the one thing we can't have. One of the best retellings of the parables of Luke 15 I've ever read.

This book is terrific! It puts God's Love across to all ages and expresses His "care" for us all...... individually! What a Dad!

Interesting story .

This book is such a beautiful way to explain God's love. Max Lucado again is able to reach children. I read this book to my 9 yr old grandchildren and they absolutely loved it.

Great book!

Perfect. Product just as described.

I absolutely LOVE this book. My kids (8,5,3) will all sit and listen to it, and the story is just perfect. Great for even adults!

Another inspirational story by Max Lucado. Beautiful illustrations, gentle words, and wonderful message. I am a school librarian at a Catholic School and this book was wonderful to read to first and second grade. Thank you Mr. Max Lucado.

my kids love this book! great book!

I highly recommend this book to read to your kids or grandkids. A wonderful story to illustrate the love of God.

excellent

Such a beautiful way to share with children how God loves us. The illustrations at perfect. Great book and the message is for all ages.

This is a great story. I love reading this with my kids and having them ask me questions that I can answer to relate in their own lives.

This is one of my favorite children's book about labels and not letting them stick. I used it as a gift.

This is one of the most awesome stories for expessing the way in which God loves and cares for us....for children and adults!

This is a great book, showing kids how the Lord loves them and will come look for them when they get lost.

USed in Bible school. This puts the parable of the shepherd and the lost sheep in terms that today's generation can understand.

What a sweet lesson for kids about free will and God's love for us! It is fun to read for all ages.

What can I say it's Max Lucado. Great children's book.

Understand better the Father's love...

Another great Children's book that all adults should read

This is excellent book on the father's love.

Awsome reading and bonding.

Love these books

This was not what I expected. I don't think I will give it as a gift. Love most of Max Lucados, just not this one

Great book

great read kids loved it

Great book!

This book is so great, our 2 1/2 year old requests it over and over and it gets him thinking.

A sweet book explaining the "father heart" of God.

Excellent book for all children, especially those with special needs.

Great buy!

Max Lucado's books are all wonderful!

Another of Lucado's great books. Love reading it to the Grand children. A sweet story with a powerful message. His other books are a must too.

A beautiful book, but I did return it due to it's too old for the grandchild that I purchased it for

Wonderful story!

I was teaching a class in church and it was perfect for the lesson on how each of us is loved by God and He will do anything to help each of us. It also showed that because he loves his children he gives us the right to choose what we wanteven if it is not what he wants for us.

Love it.

Loved it!! The children will love this book! I purchased it to read to church class! Thank you very much!

Sweet book to read with the kiddos

Everything was good, as advertised.

Tells of God's love

This book is a great representation of how our maker comes after us, even before we ask him to. We are HIS!

Awesome! My 2.5 year old loves the story and the pictures. I'm sure he doesn't get the Gospel message yet, but hopefully in a few years he will!

Beautiful book.Clean, crisp, and beautifully written and illustrated.

Wonderful author, great book.

One of my all time favorite books.

Great story. I love this author.

My favorite children's book. Gave it as a baby shower gift.

One of my favorite books!

I cry every. Single. Time. Love this story!

Max Lucado has a way of telling stories that are simple enough for children to understand, but profound enough to touch an adult 's understanding of God. Similar to the Wemmick books (You Are Special, and others).

A wonderful story with beautiful illustrations!

Max Lucado is a brilliant author. His entire series of children's boos are a must have if you love your kids.

While the message of the story is good, I thought the way it was presented was a little creepy. The one who looks after all the kids in the village (no parents?) makes it possible for the adventurous to get out, but has to rescue them when they do. I think the story line could use some work, though the message is good.

It had rather...an abrupt ending. ADULTS can make the needed leap to finish what happened, but it seemed that for the age level the rest of the book aimed toward, that I may find myself having to explain to (my 3 y.o. nephew, eg) a fairly young child how you are supposed to assume the book ends. I thought it was another of the author's "Wemmick" books, which I find to be fantastic! I prefer those, though--both in story line and whatever illustrator he had for those. Overall, still a good book, just not my personal FAVORITE of his children's books that I've read.

Such a great example of how God loves us. He knew what we would do. He knew what He would have to do to bring us to Him. Yet, He still created us. Max Lucado is so gifted at showing us the love of God in all stages and ages of life!

This is a beautiful christian story about the love of God. We really enjoyed this book. Would buy it agian for a gift.

This is my favorite short story by Lucado - I used to own a book it was in but it's no longer in print. I was so glad to get a digital version

Wonderful and sweet. The story unfolds nicely and holds the attention of old and young alike, in our family.

Great book. You will not be disappointed. If you enjoy Max Lucado's books, this is a "must have" for your library.

I love this book. I had one years ago and lost it, so I ordered a new one. It is a children's picture book that tells a story of a man named Shaddai who built a special place for children, but not all heed his words about where not to go. The story is an allegory of the fall of man, but it can be read and enjoyed without knowing that.

Wonderful for children and those who read to them.

Great book! Bought first 2 for my kids. Bought this one for me!

A sweet reminder of the love and care of our creator even when we make the wrong choices. Planning to turn this into a chapel service at Westlake Christian Academy.

Lovely high quality book

Beautiful story

My students really enjoyed the story. B

what a wonderful book for people of all ages. Helps to put life in perspective and realize what is important

I enjoyed the book. it has a very good story line. we must continue with it takes a village to raise a child.

This author has blessed me in so many ways. I have bought his children's books for my daughter. I hope she will be blessed by his work too.

Love the book, just wish the seller would have stated that there was writing in it.

This story basically tells kids to run away/ stray from God & he'll always run after you :( I was a bit disappointed.

This story is a beautiful picture of God's love for all His children. The only problem is that the pictures only show white kids.

I was a little concerned about this story line because I felt it may result in bad dreams for my young boys. The little boy gets lost in the woods because he disobeys. The "father" figure goes out to find him in the end. In my opinion, not a calm bedtime story.

I feel like the concepts in this book are too large for my 2.5 yr. old, and frankly written in a way that is a little scary for toddlers. It may be a great book for much older children, but I thought it was pretty scary for toddlers. The little boy gets stuck on the other side of the wall and can't get back, and he's away from his family....I feel like that's every toddler's nightmare. So, buyer beware....maybe save this for your ten year olds.

I must warn you, whenever I read this book I cry. Somehow that never deters my children from asking me to read them this story, again, and again. And it isn't just the pregnancy hormones talking either. Even before I was expecting our third daughter this book brought tears, and sometimes downright unconsolable sobbing from me. Now, how can that be? Can a children's picture book really be that moving? That emotionally stirring? Yes, emphatically, Yes. This may be because as a new believer (Fall 2006) what Jesus has done for me is still so fresh in my mind. The redeeming changes that He has worked in me so recent. But I don't know if it will ever change, He continues to change me and work in me each day. The simple, flowing text of this book clearly illustrate God's love for each of His children. How He has His ear turned toward us, and is so attuned to us, wanting to be beside us every day, in every step of our walk in faith with Him. The Shaddai mentioned in the below quote is the character in this allegorical tale who is meant to represent God, he is sometimes referred to as the Maker, the one who created a perfect city for his children to live in. "When one of them called his name, he droped whatever he was doing and turned. His giant heart had a hudred strings - each held by a different child. And Shaddai loved each one the same." Excerpt from Because I Love You by Max Lucado Oh! That I could love my own children the same way! That my love for them would be an echo and a reflection, however small, of the love their heavenly father has for them. The illustrations are remarkable, life-like and realistic with no hint of comedy or cartoon. Executed masterfully by Mitchell Heinze, you really must take a peek at the book link above and look inside the book to see the beautiful work. The use of light gives a feeling of surrealism within a very realistic enviroment, and the landscapes are simply gorgeous. My 5 year old daughter tells me "They are so so bright, whoever painted the must have gone to painting school. Whew, that's a lot of work." A beautiful parable told simply, in child friendly, yet lyrical language that presents the story of the Gospel from the perfection of creation, through the fall, and Christ's redemption of us. This book has created so many opportunities for me to discuss the gospel with my children, my tears always prompt conversation - "Why are you crying Mommy?", "Because God loves us so very much, even when we were turned against Him that He comes to rescue us, to save us when we call out for Him". Perhaps this is the gospel in a nutshell, and it is what this book presents in story form in a way that a child can understand. As you can tell from my review, I have likely received more benefit from this book as a new believer than my children have at this point, but it will stay on our bookshelf for years to come so that they too can glean it's deeper truths as they mature. Every new Christian or child in your life can benefit by reading Because I Love You. This is truly a masterpiece of a book, and is destined to become a classic.

Shaddai lived in a "wonderful village. It was more than any child could dream." (I'll leave the descriptions to Max--I can't say it any better.) But the thing that made it most special of all was the fact Shaddai was always near. The children listened to his terrific stories and songs and loved his smile and the way he made them laugh. But most of all the children loved the way he made them feel--understood, loved and accepted for who they were. "His giant heart had a hundred strings--each held by a different child. And Shaddai loved each one the same." That's why he built the wall. He warned the children that they weren't made for the the terrible land beyond the wall and to stay where they'd be safe and where they belonged--with him. One child, Paladin was a very curious child. He questioned Shaddai about the wall and then told Shaddai that if he didn't fix it the children might leave. Shaddai replied, "I know, Paladin. But I want the children to stay because they WANT to, not because they HAVE to." The ending is beautifully poignant. Please get this book for your child. It's a great start or reinforcement for helping them understand that God has chosen them but THEY have to choose whether or not they want God. God loves us enough to give us free will.

I bought this book back in 2001 for my son who was 5 at the time as a Christmas gift. We use to read it among many other Max Lucado children's books often. Unfortunately, as the years passed, and my son grew into his teen years, he did not want "mom" to read to him anymore. I missed that closeness and wonderful oppurtunities to share with my son about God's love and mercy and grace. My son is 14 years old now, and the past two nights, he actually requested to read some of his books like we use to. Last night we read, "You Are Mine", and tonight we read, "Because I Love You", both by Max Lucado. I cannot tell you how much we both got out of this wonderful time together. It has been a wonderful time for both of us to remember just how much our Heavenly Father loves us, forgives us, gives us the freedom to choose which path we are going to go down in life. I could go on and on about all the things that God taught us thru this wonderful book tonight, but I would recommend anyone at any age to buy it, give it as a gift, read it over and over to loved ones ...no matter what age. Just when I did not know if I was going to be able to survive these "teen years", My heavenly Father has worked a miracle in both mine and my son's heart.

I was impressed with this book, I think it will be good to lead a child into understanding the Love of God. It will also need to be accompanied with parent child conversation in some areas. It is well done.

Great book for children and for adults! Max Lucado is the best of the best!!!!

This story is talking about how God is always their for you even when you've done something wrong. Sometimes you think that it's God's fault for letting the situation happen to you, but always remember in the bible it says "I will never leave you or forsake you". Always make sure you read your bible everyday. It's funny that I thought of this verse because I don't even read the bible and where I here that verse at is from the word of the Lord I hear at church.

Love these books, They are great for kids of all ages.

great gift for son & boys

While Max Lucado is a great author, I'm not a fan of this book. I like the overall idea of it, but there are a few things that make this book a negative read for me. 1. Shaddei is described as a white man talking with only white children. As a former foster-mom, I find this a book that some children couldn't relate to. While I'm not a fan of using race as a crutch to get ahead, how can a child relate to someone telling them he loves ALL when there is only one stereotypical type addressed in the book? A child of color or another race may think the only person God may love is those who are just like Him in the book. Where we know that this is far from truth. We also know that Jesus was of Middle-Eastern descent. I would have liked to see Shaddei more of a person ALL kids could relate to. Unsure how this could be pulled off, but while I get the theme, I just ended up disappointed. 2. There is a dedication to all handicapped children, yet no handicapped child was either referenced nor pictured. My thought is we are ALL children with a handicap and there are some folks with physical/mental/emotional handicaps that look BEYOND their handicap to become who they are even with their handicaps. 3. This has to be an age-appropriate book. There's a whole lot of explaining to do about the meaning of this book. It's basically an allegory used to teach truth but has too many underlying descriptions for it to be simple for many children to understand on their own. All in all, not one of my favorite books, but I can see Max Lucado's idea. I just don't think it was very well put together for a young child.

Beautifully written . . . . and the artwork is equally as beautiful.

I love reading this story to my kids. What love! A heartwarming story for all.

Great Book, but had rust on the outer cover

I bought it for my child because it gives the message that you are loved for yourself.

My daughter received this as a Christmas gift. My first impression, just glancing at it after she unwrapped it, was that it was too wordy for a younger audience but it had some pretty nice illustrations. Then I read some of it. I have to say, I don't want my daughter thinking its okay for a commune of young children to live and be trapped by an older man who is always with them. Nor do I want her to think it's wrong to be curious, or that it's bad. Children learn best through exploring their curiosity, and this book almost detriments that. It's dressed up bible nonsense. Beware.

Received confirmation of product purchase quickly. Received product by mail in the time alloted. Product in the condition described. Great! No complaints!

Build a wall around the village to trap the kids in? Because you love them?!? If you love them, take them out to the forest and let them explore, with you there to protect them. Don't wall them in. I pity the children raised by parents who believe this is a good lesson.

Don't buy a book

This was a requested gift by my coworker and they were so happy with the book. They read it to their daughter that’s in the hospital. I will buy a copy for my son.

I love these books. They are so precious. The pictures are beautiful and my kids all love listening to them. It's a great family book

Such a beautiful story. And like all of Lucado's stories, it has a beautiful theme.

My all time favorite Max Lucado book! Brings me to tears every time.

Just as described. Arrived quickly!

Really enjoyed reading this lovely story to the kids.

Oh this is SUCH a lovely book! It has delighted all my children, and now it is delighting their children as well. The story is of love - reassurance, belonging, and everything that a child needs to hear about a loving God who is always there, always ready to welcome and encourage.

my grandson loves this

A beautiful book in pristine condition, will recommend fully.