If Only I Had a Green Nose

A green nose. How silly, thought Punchinello. It wouldn't make him faster, stronger, or even smarter. It would only make him greener--and make him look just like all the other Wemmicks! Why would he want that when he knows Eli made each of them different for a reason?

But when Punchinello stops visiting Eli regularly, a painted nose somehow doesn't seem as foolish anymore. Now more than ever, Punchinello needs to hear his maker say, "I'll always help you be who I made you to be."

Just like Punchinello, we all want to fit in. To be accepted by the crowd. But at times that may mean we either have to look and act like others--or risk being rejected.

Punchinello's hard-earned lesson shows us how important it is to be who we were created to be, and why that matters. So let this wonderful tale help you remember two things: that you were made unique for a reason, and that there is one who will always help you be you--wonderfully you.

Max Lucado (MA, Abilene Christian University) serves as the minister of preaching at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, and is a best-selling author and speaker. His award-winning books have been translated into more than fifty-four languages and he has been named one of the most influential leaders in social media by The New York Times. Max lives in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife, Denalyn, and has three daughters and one granddaughter.

Sergio Martinez was born in Mexico City, studied art in Paris, and has worked as an art director and illustrator on three continents. He has done freelance illustrative work for Disney Press and other major publishers, and has illustrated internationally renowned gift editions of several literary classics including Peter Pan, Pinocchio, and A Christmas Carol. His classic style graces the pages of many children's books including Crossway's best-selling children's book, You Are Special, also written by Max Lucado.