Max Lucado, author of Come Thirsty, writes wonderfully insightful children's stories. All you Ever Need does not disappoint the Christian parent and is entertaining for any child. The illustrations by Douglas Klauba are beautifully detailed showing the emotions of the characters.

The story is about a well in the desert, which is representative of the word of God. The owner of the well is a kind and generous man, Tobias the Watermaster. He and his son share their well with the thirsty people of the area. They help people to dip their buckets and carry their heavy loads, telling them "to take all you need." They are interested in the people and their day to day lives, helping whenever needed.

One day they announce that they are leaving for awhile and putting Elzevir in charge of the well. "Elziver will watch over the well. He will give you all the water you need." Elzevir takes his charge very seriously and at first everything continues as always. Soon though Elzevir's enthusiasm waned as he noticed that people were ungrateful and never said thank you. Elzevir starts putting restrictions on the people, rules for who can and who can't receive the water from the well. The people would try to please Elzevir but he continually found new fault with them. Soon the people began to give up trying and the lines got smaller and smaller.

Then someone comes up to the well and ignores Elvezir's ranting and regulations, he has come to help. To go on will ruin the rest of the story. It is a story of redemption, and forgiveness.

This is a good story for parents who want to share the word of God with their children. It is a good story for those who are struggling with Christianity and it's history.

Tobias and his Son Julian represent God and Jesus. The well is their message and love. All is given freely to anyone who come and ask. Elziver is representative of the church and the rules it places on people, only some are able to access God's Salvation. The illustrations show beautifully the transformation in Elziver as he goes from kind servant to a judgmental tyrant. He is Tobias' representative, a reflection to the people of who Tobias is. He becomes a false reflection of Tobias' kindness and looses his way within legalism. Then the stranger comes to the well to show the truth and set things right.

There are other wonderful messages as well, the lesson of sharing, manners, revengeful feelings, and forgiveness.

The book is great to read to pre schoolers - Grade 1. It is about a level (step) 3 book for early readers. It has 25 pages, on each two page spread an illustration takes up 1/2 - 2/3 of the space. The words of the story is framed on the rest of the spread.

Max Lucado has over 39 million books in print, he is the only author to with the Gold Medallion Christian Book of the Year three times. He is a minister for the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio Texas. He is married with three daughters. His books range from Children's books to Adult fiction, from non fiction Christian to Gift Books. Many of his non fiction books have been adapted to small group courses, for adults, teens, and children.


With You All the Way by Max Lucado

Life Applications Study Bible





Recommended: Yes