Book Review: One Hand, Two Hands

In One Hand, Two Hands, a children's book by Max Lucado, colorful pictures and rhyming, sing-song-y language explain all the things that our hands can do and then encourages children to use their hands for good.  What I love about this book is it's message.  It seems to me that it's an amazing child companion to Outlive Your Life because it encourages children to go out and make a difference.  It urges them to do good and to help others with their hands.  Also, the pictures are very engaging as they illustrate in detail every action that Max Lucado describes.  I envision spending hours with my daughter in the future reading this book to her and with her and encouraging her to use her hands for good and to make a difference in the lives of those around her.

However, I just wasn't a big fan of Max Lucado's attempt at meter and rhyme.  While he is an amazing author of both adult and children's books (I'm a HUGE fan of his books about the Wemmicks!), he is more of a picture-painter of words rather than a writer of children's poetry.  I've seen better rhymes written by unknown authors in bargain books.  So, sorry, Max, but I think you should stick to your God-given gift of prose and leave the poetry to people better suited for the task. 

Do I recommend this book to others?  The message is great, so I think it would enrich any child's life.  However, if you're bothered by imperfect meter and almost there rhymes, then go with another inspirational picture book that teaches kids to do the write thing. 

Thomas Nelson sent me a copy of this book to review. This gift has in no way affected my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.