You Are Priceless: The Parable Of The Bicycle

by Stephen E. Robinson, Ben Sowards

For more than a decade, the Parable of the Bicycle has touched hundreds of thousands of lives around the world. Parents, youth leaders, and teachers of all ages will specially love this new picture book that, again shares the good news of the gospel--that is, although we can never pay the price of admission into the kingdom of God, Christ is the answer. He knows the worth of a soul is priceless. He is our Savior.

Genres: Picture Books, Religion, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Lds, Church, Inspirational

28 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2004

About the author

Stephen E. Robinson has taught at Brigham Young University since 1986. He received a B.A. from Brigham Young University in 1971 in English Literature and a PhD from Duke University in 1978 in Biblical Studies. He and his wife, Janet, have six children.

Reviews

[Rebecca Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful parable that illustrates the love that Heavenly Father has for each of his children, "You Are Priceless: The Parable of the Bicycle" is a beautiful story that can easily be related to life. It describes beautifully that all that is expected of us on this earth is to give all that we have and to try our best. At times, this will not be enough to get us exactly where we hope to be, but we can always have the gap filled as we turn to our loving Father in Heaven. He will fill the gap by angels both seen and unseen and through the life and sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. I love this book!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

At one point in [our] spiritual voyage we recognize the full price of admission into [the] kingdom, and we also realize we cannot pay it.
When we finally feel the pain of our own shortcomings, the Savior, Jesus Christ, steps in and lovingly says... How much do you have? Give me exactly that much and do all you can do and I will provide the rest...
Perfection will still be our ultimate goal, but until you can achieve it on your own, I'll let you use mine...

[Jenny Schramm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my all time favorite picture book I have ever read. The story it tells, not only reminds me of Jesus Christ, but of my own father. He always would let me give all I have even if it wasn't enough and pay the rest. I loved that so much, because it showed me how much he truly cares for me and loves me.

[Jake · Rating 2 out of 5]

So we can partially buy the Celestial Kingdom?

The Atonement is described as infinite in scope and perfection.

My debts and deficits on the other hand add up to a considerable amount compared to my moral assets and balance out considerably into the red.

So not only do my lifetime of assets fail to cover the cost of exaltation but my debits put me in arrears before I can even consider the option of going all in for God. I'm not coming to God with $0.61 but with debits so large I fear to calculate it.

This parable makes no sense.

[Little Seesaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is written beautifully. I feel like this book is a wonderful read for children and adults. It is a sweet moment when you come to the conclusion that the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ is for children, teenagers, and adults. It is for the sinful, the prideful, the repentant, the confused, and the hopeful. I am so very grateful for the testimony that I have in the atonement of Jesus Christ.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite artwork and beautiful story telling combine in this story to bring something extra special. Love the way the bike and the little girl with her dad are tied into faith and Jesus. Beautifully done. Moving and simple.

[Ranette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story about your worth to God

[Haela C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great way to teach children about God’s grace and love

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent allegory about the redemption the Savior offers us. Lovely, soft illustrations. A bit wordy, but not bad.

[Caranna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The parable of the bicycle has been inspiring people and touching hearts for more than a decade. Now there is a beautiful illustrated copy of this beloved parable that brings it to a whole new audience.

A little girl wants a new bicycle very badly. She works hard doing chores and helping neighbors to earn the money to buy the bike.

After several weeks the little girl takes her jar full of hard earned coins to her Daddy and asks him to take her shopping for a bike.

She sees the perfect one and falls in love, but once she sees the price tag her little heart shatters, tears come to her eyes and she cries, 'Oh, Daddy, I'll never be able to afford a bike.'

This simple story describes the role of the Savior in a way that is easily understood. This book teaches us about the sacrifice of the Savior after all we can do.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of a girl who really wants a bicycle and starts saving every penny she can to get the bike. After awhile she has her Dad take her to the store to find out about her bike to find, after looking at the tag, that she wouldn't be able to earn enough money.
Her Dad told her that if she gives him her 61 cents, a hug, and a kiss that he would make up the difference.
She ends up making the deal and getting her bike.

The story is about how we each really want to do better and make it into heave, but we don't have what it takes to make it there alone.
The Savior, Jesus Christ, is the one who makes up the difference if we do all we can do to be like him and better ourselves. He is our hope when we feel alone and unworthy.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book is a great help for Family Home Evening when you are trying to teach children the concept of the Atonement and Repentance. You have to help the younger child grasp the parable by explaining that the father represents Jesus Christ, the girl represents all of us, the bicycle represents our goal of eternal life in Heaven... once they grasp that, it is a great way to help them realize the importance of the Atonement and how each of us has a goal of perfection that we can never reach without the Savior's sacrifice on our behalf. What a beautiful parable Bro. Robinson shares in this book--it makes me cry every time.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book taught a very important lesson. It teaches us about the sacrifice of the savior after all we can do. It teaches it through a very simple parable about a bike. The simple story describes the role of the savior in a way that is easily understood. This would be a good book for children and adults to read. I am not sure if this book would be one that is allowed to teach in a public school, but overall it is a great one to read.

[Abby Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book taught a very interesting story. The illustrations were beautiful, and the theme of the story was really good. It taught us that if we do all that we can do, Christ will make up for our inadequacies. It taught the theme through a little girls eyes, and her want for a bike. The theme was first shown through her dad, and what he did for her to get the bike, then it told it from our perspective, and what Christ will do for us.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story touched me so much when I read Believing Christ that I bought it right when it came out. Teaches of how sadly our full effort is never going to be enough if we try to do it alone. However as we turn to our Heavenly Father, he takes all that we did how ever short we fall and makes it enough. Someday I will finish Believing Christ too. Both are great books.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly as I started reading this book I thought it was pretty cheesy, it was definitely a feel good, totally adorable book, and I thought that that was all there was too it. But the end of the story and the connection it makes to our Savior and the role he plays in our life and journey is perfect and made this book win my heart.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

The artwork in this book was absolutely beautiful. I have heard the story before but never read it. I thought the story was told very well and I like how the more religious aspects of the book were left until the end of the book. If someone liked to concept of the story in terms of "love" then they could skip the part about Christ.

[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is beautiful. The artwork and the story are perfect for teaching children about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I think it's so simple, it will even be good for adults to read to really understand just how the Atonement works. I loved this story! Adding it to my personal collection someday!

[Lauren Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I will be buying this book for all of my daughters! It has such a sweet meaning and a good reminder to us all. It is important to remember the Lord's grace and how our ultimate goal is to have Eternal life. We can't do it on our own, but we need to do the best we can.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the art in this book and how the meaning to the story was tied to Christ. I think that books like these really have a great lesson taught and I would definitely own this for my future kids. I was able to relate to the story and feel that it's great for all kinds of people, not just kids.

[Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book is adorable. It tells simply of the Savior's love for us. It is the perfect book to help children understand how Heavenly Father doesn't want us to be perfect, but he wants to never stop trying. It shows children that doing there best is perfect in Heavenly Father's eyes.

[Tawni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the children's version of Believing Christ. Amazing pictures and a great message.

[Lisa Withers]

Great parable for those who are younger.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this Book. All parents should read it to there children!!!! It is one you read over and over to your kids!!

[Janae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book, it is a parable to the atonement and the price that Christ pays for us when we will never be able to pay it all. It is a good for kids all the way up to adults though.

[Tiffany Mitton]

This is so touching and uplifting.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect way to explain the atonement to kids

[Keysha Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. My aunts gave it to me when I was baptized! Everyone should read it.

[Alecia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story at any age.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! Have a box of tissues. Especially durning the Easter season, this book teaches such truths.