Rae's Book Review: Just Because

I happened upon a book a few weeks ago. A small, unassuming book tucked away in the children's section of my local Barnes & Nobles. I can't even tell you what compelled me to pick this book off the shelf, but the moment I read the first page I knew it found a home in my heart and on Evie's bookshelf. I walked to the counter, clutching this book to my chest, overjoyed that I finally found a book that represents Evie perfectly.

Just Because was written and illustrated by Rebecca Elliot. It is inspired by her children Clemmie, who has severe special needs, and her little brother Toby. On the first page, Toby introduces us to his big sister, saying she is his best friend. He then informs us that, "She can't walk, talk, move around much…," and he doesn't know why. "Just because." Such a simple, no nonsense statement.

As Toby continues to talk about his relationship with Clemmie, it becomes even more endearing and I swear Rebecca could have been writing this about my daughter (only without the sibling).

Clemmie is a lot like a princess (so is our Evie).

She makes sweet noises and funny faces

which make Toby laugh (so does Evie). 

She has an great chair (just like Evie).

She has enormous hair and hates her hair being brushed.

(Evie has complete meltdowns when I brush her hair)

Just like Toby, I know why I love Evie. Just because.

I discovered that this is the first of two books about Clemmie and Toby! They return in another book titled Sometimes and they find themselves in the hospital making the best of a not so great situation and helping each other overcome their fears. You can find both books on Amazon.com. 

Rae's Book Review: You Are Special

Awhile back, I ventured into my local Lifeway Christian Bookstore and while perusing the children's books, I came across the story of Punchinello, a Wemmick (think Pinocchio after he came to life, but before he became a "real boy"). He and the other Wemmicks were hand carved by a woodcarver named Eli and they all lived together in a village (I'm pretty sure you can see where this is going). The title of the book I held in my hand was, You Are Special*, and after I opened its cover and began to read the story I felt my eyes begin to water. It is such a sweet story and it is applicable to ALL children (and maybe a few adults).

They, the Wemmicks, would reward or discourage fellow Wemmicks with stickers, either shiny gold stars (good) or plain ol' dots (bad). Some Wemmicks were covered with coveted stars of approval and admiration. Others were covered with a mixture of both. Then there were those Wemmicks that were only covered with dots!

Poor Punchinello was one of the Wemmicks covered only with dots. Over time he began to believe that the other Wemmicks were right and that he could do nothing right and wasn't a good Wemmick (How many times have we felt this way?). His self confidence was being shattered by the judgement of others and he was not a happy Wemmick.

Then one day he met a different kind of Wemmick, one with NO stars and NO dots! Lucia was an oddity in the village. No matter how many times her fellow Wemmicks attempted to place a sticker on her, the sticker would not stay! This intrigued Punchinello. He had to know her secret!

Lucia told him to visit Eli, the woodcarver, and spend some time with him. After some thought, Punchinello decided a visit to the wood shop couldn't hurt. He didn't like being covered in dots and if Eli could help him then he needed to go see Eli. So, the next morning he walked to the wood shop.

It was there, in the quiet wood shop, Punchinello learned that Eli didn't care what the other Wemmicks thought about his abilities or appearance. He required no defense for the blemishes. Eli told Punchinello that it only mattered what he (Eli) thought about Punchinello and well...he thought Punchinello was "pretty special."

Sometimes I feel a lot like Punchinello. I don't understand why someone (God) would not care about all of my blemishes and shortcomings. There are so many people out there covered with stars...why would He ever care about me Why would he ever use me? But that is an earthly view of myself...not a spiritual, Godly one.  The more I grow in my faith the more I see my "dots" falling off and that's a good feeling. It doesn't happen overnight...but it can happen. 

Now, to bring this back around to Rae... In our society, we can be very much like the Wemmicks, spending our time judging the abilities (appearance, intelligence, etc...) of others. Everyone wants stars and those with dots become unhappy Wemmicks just like Punchinello. But, God doesn't care what society thinks...just like I don't care what society thinks about my little girl (can I get an AMEN from you parents out there...). She is SPECIAL to me. She is perfect and I love her! I only pray that she'll understand how special she is and won't let societies thoughts of who they think she is become the voice she listens to.

I've never read much Max Lucado. I'm beginning to think I should read his stories more often. 

"But when our Father in heaven reminds his children, "You are special," the words carry an unmistakable promise: "You are special, You are mine. Someday you'll be home with me...forever."

~Max Lucado

*You Are Special, written by Max Lucado, illustrations by Sergio Martinez

Rae's Book Review: I Like Myself

"I like myself. I'm glad I'm me! There's no one else I'd rather be!"

I don't think I could have phrased it any better than Karen Beaumont has done in this book. With a flare for rhyme that is reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, Beaumont reenforces positive self esteem in children by encouraging them to "like" themselves for who they are and not how the world "sees" them. But it isn't just the rhythmic words that make this book so wonderful. The illustrations by David Catrow, give this book a whimsical feel with bright colors and bold images that seem to make the characters leap off the pages.

Rae LOVES this book! I have read it so often that I can recite it on command (not that she tells me to say it, but it is the one thing that almost always seems to calm her down). Every night, my voice gently lulls her to sleep with phrases like,

"Even when I look a mess, I still don't like me any less, 'cause nothing in this world, you know, can change what's deep inside, and so..."

And...

"...I don't care in any what what someone else may think or say."

These words hit home for me in a big way because Rae is special needs. The world isn't always a kind place and she has the deck stacked against her in a big way. Anything (and anyone) that will offer a positive influence on her life is what I want to surround her, envelop her, and reenforce that she is a beautiful, wonderful, smart, funny, and a very loved little girl (honestly, its what I believe all parents want for their children). At some time in her life, she may have to recall all these positive words to use as salve in the wounds the world is sure to inflict upon her. But until then, I get to read her this story over & over to soothe her when she's distressed, to make her laugh, and to remind myself that I like me too!

*If you'd like to buy a copy of this book (there is no digital version):

Amazon: I Like Myself

Barnes & Noble: I Like Myself

Books A Million: I Like Myself