If Only I Had a Green Nose

It’s important that we accept ourselves just as we are without bending to the pressures that peers put on us to change and conform to their idea of what we should look like or be like.

Punchinello sees other wemmicks with green noses. First he finds it silly. Then he and his friends get laughed at for not having green noses. So they get their noses painted. Soon the next color in style is red and then eventually purple is the last. They go through many nose paintings in order to be "in". There is humor in the book too. When the wemmicks get their noses painted, they stick their noses in the air and walk like they are all that. Punchinello soon decides he wants to be himself again. He gets tired of trying to follow the crowd to fit in. This book is good not only for children, but for teenagers, and even adults alike.

If Only I Had a Green Nose is another sequel in the series of Wemmicks. In this story Punchinello struggles with fads and peer pressure. Willy Withit is the Wemmick who knows what's cool, be it tall shoes, square hats or green noses. Punch and his friends fall victim. They want to be like everyone else! They want to fit in, and if painting their noses green (or yellow or purple or blue) will help, they'll do it. Soon they realize being "with it" requires constant and quick changes. Meeting the demands of those fads doesn't make them happier, either. Eli, their maker, reminds them: "I made you different on purpose." Punch and his friends decide it is best to be just the way they were made to be. In their case it takes some sandpaper to make them themselves again. It's not always easy to be yourself, but Eli assures them: "I'll always help you be who I made you to be." Written by best-selling author Max Lucado the style is personal and touching. The illustrations by Sergio Martinez are sun-kissed; slightly sketchy, but filled with detail. Together they create a wonderful new world to teach children about God's love. What I Like: I love the Wemmick books! They are enchanting while teaching valuable lessons. This one is particularly good for children struggling with image or peer pressure. While written for kids, this book offers a lesson for adults as well. The illustrations are fantastic. What I Dislike: Nothing. This isn't my favorite of the Wemmicks series, but it is still an absolute delight with a timeless story. Overall Rating: Very Good! Tanya -- Christian Children's Book Review

This was a great story for children in and of itself, but when you stop to really think about the symbolism it held it was amazing. It teaches children and adults alike that God loves each and every one of us. He made us each different, yet perfect in our own ways. It is only when we stop talking to Him that we lose His guidance. He is always there waiting and hoping for us to come back to Him. And repentance is painful, yet necessary and worth it. Max Lucado writes wonderful stories that teach all readers more about God's love for us. A wonderful read!!

....definitely does not call for us to search every dumpster out there trying to find who we are or how we fit in. This book sets the message straight for all who are trying to find ourselves. We are made in God's image!! What more could we ask for or even want? We fit in by God's unmeasureable grace and atonement for our sin. This book is great and I highly recommend it for parents of teens and those who may be emotionally and spiritually broken. God Bless You All!

This follows in the great tradition of Lucado's other books about the Wemmick Punchinello, You are Special and You are Mine. However, this book takes a hard look at self-esteem, trends, and the lengths people go to to be "with it." Great book for children, adults, and especially teenagers struggling with self-image! Five stars!