The Wonderful World of Wemmicks

Synopsis

Max Lucado's six popular stories about the Wemmicks - little wooden people, carved by woodworker Eli - are combined in this beautiful anthology of for the first time. Heart-warming tales which gently teach the importance of kindness, love, and how everyone is special just as they are. Contains: You Are Special, You Are Mine, If Only I Had a Green Nose, Best of All, The Most Marvellous Gift, Your Special Gift

Summary

Chapter 1

The book “The Wonderful World of Wemmicks” by bestselling author Max Lucado tells the story of two Wemmicks, Punchinello and Lucia. Punchinello is a woodcarver who lives in Wemmiton, a village occupied by wooden figures called Wemmicks. The Wemmicks all have one thing in common—they are all covered in stickers, each one either a star or a dot. The stars are awarded to Wemmicks who are beautiful, clever, or talented, while the dots are awarded to Wemmicks who are ugly, clumsy, or dull. Lucia, a beautiful Wemmick, desires to be approved and adored by the other Wemmicks. She hides her longing from others and is embarrassed when Punchinello, her clumsy, dot-covered friend, insists they spend time together.

Though Lucia still longs to be accepted, she soon realizes Punchinello’s gifts are valuable. Every day, at dusk, he shares with her stories and lessons from Eli, the metal-smith whose workshop looms over Wemmiton. Eli often chats with Punchinello, giving him wisdom that can only come from experience. Punchinello then shares these nuggets of wisdom with Lucia, helping her to understand that worth is not determined by the number of stars and dots.

Through Punchinello, Lucia comes to appreciate that her worth comes from God, not from the opinion of others, and that she need not be dependent upon their approval or adoration. Thus, the book illustrates the importance of loving and accepting ourselves for who we are, and of learning to find joy and contentment in Christ, regardless of our successes and failures.

Chapter 2

In Chapter 2 of The Wonderful World of Wemmicks, Lucia and Punchinello’s friendship continues to develop. Though the other Wemmicks mock him for his clumsiness and lack of stars, Lucia sees Punchinello’s unique gifts and talents and recognizes his worth. This chapter emphasizes that although other people may put us down, it is important to look deeper than our appearances and measure our worth according to Jesus’ standards, not the standards of the world.

Punchinello’s conversation with Eli takes center-stage in this chapter. When Eli notices Punchinello’s dots, he reminds him that these are superficial and meaningless: “Those dots don’t tell who you are. No one knows that but me and Punchinello.” Eli assures Punchinello his worth is derived from within, through his soul and his thoughts, not from his physical appearance.

Eli further reinforces this message by likening Punchinello to one of his metal sculptures. The sculpture’s polished surface, Eli explains, may be made of rough material and bear its flaws, but the true beauty of the sculpture comes from within—from its hidden interior details, which can only be appreciated through proper care and attention. In the same way, Punchinello’s intrinsic worth must be maintained and nurtured.

Chapter 3

In Chapter 3 of The Wonderful World of Wemmicks, Punchinello decides to go to the market for some supplies, despite the fact that his dot-covered body invites ridicule and ridicule from the other Wemmicks. When Punchinello returns, Lucia notices that he has hidden something under his shirt. It turns out that he has bought her a star. He tells her that he thought it would be nice if the “most beautiful Wemmick” in town had an extra star. Lucia is deeply moved by the gesture and the two embrace in a hug.

This chapter teaches an important lesson on the importance of self-love and acceptance, and the joy that can come from loving and embracing our flaws and imperfections. Through Punchinello’s kind gesture, Lucia realizes that her worth does not depend on the opinion of the other Wemmicks, and that she can recognize her beauty and value by looking within. Lucia’s realization resonates with the message of the book—that our worth comes from our own heart and our connection to God. Even though we may be covered in flaws—or dots—we can still recognize and appreciate the beauty that lies within us.