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The Boy and the Ocean
Just how wide, how deep, and how big is the love of God really? See for yourself in this heart-warming story about a boy, his parents, and the wonder of creation. From the vast reaches of the ocean to the towering heights of the mountains, Max Lucado takes us on a journey of discovery and thanksgiving as he shows us how creation expresses the unmatched love of the Creator. Filled with beautiful illustrations, this charming tale teaches about the God whose love never ends and will remain a favorite among families for years to come.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2013
6 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Max Lucado
1,215 books5,543 followersWith more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 17, 2022
Text slab, ilustrații la fel. Nu m-a impresionat în nici o privință această carte, deși Seria Regelui este acceptabilă.
April 13, 2013
How big is God’s love? Max Lucado has written a children’s book that answers this question. A young boy watches the ocean from his bedroom window. When he stands at his window he realizes he can see the birds and clouds above it, and the ships on it, but can’t see the end of the ocean. His mom takes him to the ocean to play. As they wade in she tells him that God’s love is like the ocean. “It’s always here. I’s always deep. It never ends. God’s love is special.” This was a wonderful way to describe God’s love for us. Another favorite quote form the book came about when the mother put her young boy to bed. She whispers to him, “The ocean will not leave. The ocean will not change. The ocean is like God’s love—“
I believe we should not only share this book with our children and grandchildren, but that we should share it with our adult friends. Sometimes it takes a simple book like this to remind us that when we are going through trials that God doesn’t leave us. He is always there. His love is unending. I think one of the reasons I love Max Lucado’s books for children is because the message is not only for children, but for the adults who read the books to them. This is a book I can’t wait to purchase for each of my children to share with their kids. Not only will they enjoy and learn from the story but there is so much to discuss with younger children in the wonderful illustrations, painted by T. Lively Fluharty.
I believe we should not only share this book with our children and grandchildren, but that we should share it with our adult friends. Sometimes it takes a simple book like this to remind us that when we are going through trials that God doesn’t leave us. He is always there. His love is unending. I think one of the reasons I love Max Lucado’s books for children is because the message is not only for children, but for the adults who read the books to them. This is a book I can’t wait to purchase for each of my children to share with their kids. Not only will they enjoy and learn from the story but there is so much to discuss with younger children in the wonderful illustrations, painted by T. Lively Fluharty.
April 26, 2018
A beautiful book about assuring God's love as well as beautiful nature. Illustrations are breathtaking with very simple storyline for perfect night time story.
The little boy could see ocean during night. He searched for the end of the ocean but he couldn't see it. His mother took him to play in the ocean. The two sat in the sand and his mother said that God's love is like an ocean.
"It's always here.
It's always deep.
It never ends.
God's love is special."
He spent whole day counting starfish, building sandcastle. He could feel tide within it and taste the salt but couldn't see the end of it. And boy slept to the sound of the ocean in his ears. The next day he looked out at mountains. High and tall touching the clouds. He could see snow glistening on top of them and birds flying around them but couldn't see the end of them. His father took him for hiking. They sat on the rock and looked around them. And his father told God's love is like that. The two spent whole day there picking flowers and listening to the singing birds. He could never see end of them. At night his father said mountains will not leave and will not change as it's like God's love. Boy slept with the thoughts of mountains in his dreams.
The next day he ran on the beach and chased his puppy up the mountains. When the day ended he and his parents lay on the grass and looked at the night sky filled with shimmering stars like a diamond but he couldn't see end of it. He could see round moon and puffy clouds but not the end of the sky. Boy told God's love is like the night sky. They stayed there for long time.
Near the ocean.
Close to the mountains.
Beneath the sky.
Surrounded by God's love.
It's so amazing and my first #Max -#Lucado.
The little boy could see ocean during night. He searched for the end of the ocean but he couldn't see it. His mother took him to play in the ocean. The two sat in the sand and his mother said that God's love is like an ocean.
"It's always here.
It's always deep.
It never ends.
God's love is special."
He spent whole day counting starfish, building sandcastle. He could feel tide within it and taste the salt but couldn't see the end of it. And boy slept to the sound of the ocean in his ears. The next day he looked out at mountains. High and tall touching the clouds. He could see snow glistening on top of them and birds flying around them but couldn't see the end of them. His father took him for hiking. They sat on the rock and looked around them. And his father told God's love is like that. The two spent whole day there picking flowers and listening to the singing birds. He could never see end of them. At night his father said mountains will not leave and will not change as it's like God's love. Boy slept with the thoughts of mountains in his dreams.
The next day he ran on the beach and chased his puppy up the mountains. When the day ended he and his parents lay on the grass and looked at the night sky filled with shimmering stars like a diamond but he couldn't see end of it. He could see round moon and puffy clouds but not the end of the sky. Boy told God's love is like the night sky. They stayed there for long time.
Near the ocean.
Close to the mountains.
Beneath the sky.
Surrounded by God's love.
It's so amazing and my first #Max -#Lucado.
March 2, 2026
Max Lucado’s picture book The Boy and the Ocean is a poetic and heartwarming exploration of God’s love, beautifully captured through the eyes of a young boy. The story follows a child as he observes the vastness of the ocean, the strength of the mountains, and the endless expanse of the sky—each metaphor serving as a tender reminder of God’s boundless, powerful, and ever-present love.
The narrative is simple yet profound, making it accessible for children while still resonating deeply with adults. Lucado’s lyrical writing flows effortlessly, evoking a sense of wonder and peace, and perfectly complements the book’s spiritual message.
Illustrator T. Lively Fluharty brings the text to life with stunning, richly detailed artwork. The sweeping seascapes, towering peaks, and glowing horizons fill each page with warmth and majesty. Children will be captivated by the vibrant colors and serene imagery, while parents will appreciate the way the visuals reinforce the book’s central themes.
The Boy and the Ocean is more than just a bedtime story—it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and bask in the enormity of divine love. It is an ideal read for families looking to introduce children to faith concepts in a gentle, visually captivating, and emotionally uplifting way.
A must-have for any family library or Sunday school collection, this picture book will leave both children and adults feeling inspired and comforted by the reminder that God’s love is as endless as the sky, as powerful as the mountains, and as deep as the ocean.
The narrative is simple yet profound, making it accessible for children while still resonating deeply with adults. Lucado’s lyrical writing flows effortlessly, evoking a sense of wonder and peace, and perfectly complements the book’s spiritual message.
Illustrator T. Lively Fluharty brings the text to life with stunning, richly detailed artwork. The sweeping seascapes, towering peaks, and glowing horizons fill each page with warmth and majesty. Children will be captivated by the vibrant colors and serene imagery, while parents will appreciate the way the visuals reinforce the book’s central themes.
The Boy and the Ocean is more than just a bedtime story—it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and bask in the enormity of divine love. It is an ideal read for families looking to introduce children to faith concepts in a gentle, visually captivating, and emotionally uplifting way.
A must-have for any family library or Sunday school collection, this picture book will leave both children and adults feeling inspired and comforted by the reminder that God’s love is as endless as the sky, as powerful as the mountains, and as deep as the ocean.
December 25, 2018
Simply and poetically, Max Lucado helps children grasp the never ending love of God. The ocean, the mountains, and the sky are like God's love:
Always here.
Always deep.
Never ending.Max wants us to see "God's love is special." He does just that. The story is simple, but not simplistic; heartfelt, but not sappy. T. Lively Fluhaty's illustrations are fabulous. The Boy and the Ocean is a great tool for every parent's/grandparent's reading toolbox.
April 26, 2020
A boy questioning the love of God gets some beautiful illustrations from his parents. He ends up understanding a little better the love the creator has for him.
This book fits in the religious text category because it is about a little boy questioning his faith and the love of God.
The visual elements of this book are so beautiful. The colors used really draw the reader in and make them feel as if they are discovering what the little boy is also discovering.
This would be a great book to read in a children’s sunday school class, or to your own children at home.
This book fits in the religious text category because it is about a little boy questioning his faith and the love of God.
The visual elements of this book are so beautiful. The colors used really draw the reader in and make them feel as if they are discovering what the little boy is also discovering.
This would be a great book to read in a children’s sunday school class, or to your own children at home.
November 25, 2020
Just how wide, how deep, and how big is the love of God really?
See for yourself in this heart-warming story about a boy, his parents, and the wonder of creation.
From the vast reaches of the ocean to the towering heights of the mountains, Max Lucado takes us on a journey of discovery and thanksgiving as he shows us how creation expresses the unmatched love of the Creator.
Filled with beautiful illustrations, this charming tale teaches about the God whose love never ends and will remain a favorite among families for years to come.
See for yourself in this heart-warming story about a boy, his parents, and the wonder of creation.
From the vast reaches of the ocean to the towering heights of the mountains, Max Lucado takes us on a journey of discovery and thanksgiving as he shows us how creation expresses the unmatched love of the Creator.
Filled with beautiful illustrations, this charming tale teaches about the God whose love never ends and will remain a favorite among families for years to come.
November 10, 2025
Reading this book a song from my bible school days that went like the following:
So high, you can't get over it
So wide, you can't get around it
So low, you can't get under it
You must come in at the door
That is what echoed in my mind as I read this book by Max Lucado and beautifully illustrated by T. Lively Fluharty. The book is not long... but does not need to be to get across the emotions. Great for sharing with your younger kids and a healthy reminder for us older folk.
So high, you can't get over it
So wide, you can't get around it
So low, you can't get under it
You must come in at the door
That is what echoed in my mind as I read this book by Max Lucado and beautifully illustrated by T. Lively Fluharty. The book is not long... but does not need to be to get across the emotions. Great for sharing with your younger kids and a healthy reminder for us older folk.
April 19, 2019
Max Lucado demonstrates the greatness of God's love for us in this wonderful story about a family enjoying God's creation. From the ocean to the mountains to the valley in between God demonstrates His love for us. Beautifully illustrated by T Lively Fluharty!
April 22, 2021
I liked this book. It was the tiniest bit cheesy and a little preachy, but it was very sweet and very touching. I love books about love between family, especially between a parent and their child. The pictures were absolutely gorgeous, and the message was wonderful as well.
June 13, 2024
What a beautiful reminder of the love that parents have for their children and the love that God has for us. I'm thankful that I read this with my son - Zander! I hope Max Lucado writes many more books.
November 13, 2017
I really liked it, but the illustrations could have been better. The ocean and the mountains just were not clear.
July 14, 2019
The family explores metaphors for how infinite and unchanging God's love is.
July 24, 2020
wonderful illustrations
August 29, 2020
LOVE the illustrations.
May 25, 2021
Very sweet message
December 28, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+❤
Yes yes a thousand times yes!
Yes yes a thousand times yes!
March 2, 2022
A little boy is taught by his parents that God's love is as deep and endless as the ocean. It is as high as the mountains and as vast as the starry sky. What a beautiful, beautiful book.
April 15, 2026
Fantastic illustrations
August 13, 2016
I found it difficult to decide how many stars to give this book. I certainly liked it, but how much? I may come back later and change my rating after the book has been tested over time on my child's shelf.
The artwork by T.Lively Fulharty is beautiful. Each spread is wide sweeping and the expressions and depictions of the boy character capture the sense of peace and wonder that Max Lucado writes about.
The text carries a poetic quality with lots of repetition and a mirroring of ideas throughout the book. I really liked how the spiritual truths are explained, modeled and then passed on throughout the course of this book.
Although this book is certainly one children will enjoy having read to them, I wonder if it has that elusive 'read it again' quality to it? The theological point is no doubt beautifully portrayed, but the storyline - if we can call it that, is very thin. It's more like a lovely meander down a theological musing, than a story - and this may be perfectly fine. The idea that God's love is 'always here... always big...never ends.' and 'God's love is special' is certainly one children need to learn. But if the book is being marketed as a children's story book, I do wonder. My cynical side even questions the hard cover presentation with it's iconic brown binding under the dust jacket. Are we really expecting this to be a children's book for multiple re-readings? Or are the designers aiming for the Max Lucado collectors who ration out their children's books on the grand-kids? I don't know. And I suppose it's questions like this that explain why my star rating is only 3 and not 4.
But like I said above, I may come back and revisit this review in the future, once the book has gone through several months on our shelf and multiple readings... we'll see.
The artwork by T.Lively Fulharty is beautiful. Each spread is wide sweeping and the expressions and depictions of the boy character capture the sense of peace and wonder that Max Lucado writes about.
The text carries a poetic quality with lots of repetition and a mirroring of ideas throughout the book. I really liked how the spiritual truths are explained, modeled and then passed on throughout the course of this book.
Although this book is certainly one children will enjoy having read to them, I wonder if it has that elusive 'read it again' quality to it? The theological point is no doubt beautifully portrayed, but the storyline - if we can call it that, is very thin. It's more like a lovely meander down a theological musing, than a story - and this may be perfectly fine. The idea that God's love is 'always here... always big...never ends.' and 'God's love is special' is certainly one children need to learn. But if the book is being marketed as a children's story book, I do wonder. My cynical side even questions the hard cover presentation with it's iconic brown binding under the dust jacket. Are we really expecting this to be a children's book for multiple re-readings? Or are the designers aiming for the Max Lucado collectors who ration out their children's books on the grand-kids? I don't know. And I suppose it's questions like this that explain why my star rating is only 3 and not 4.
But like I said above, I may come back and revisit this review in the future, once the book has gone through several months on our shelf and multiple readings... we'll see.
October 6, 2025
In “The Boy and the Ocean” a young boy and his mother spend the day enjoying the beach and the ocean waves. She tells him that God’s love is like the ocean in that it’s always there and never ends.
The boy learns so much about God as he goes on an adventure to the mountains and views the night sky and counted the stars with his parents.
This gentle story is so sweet and reveals how God’s love is always there. The full-page illustrations are magnificent! They have a realistic and nostalgic feel to them and add so much to this charming story. This is a special book with such a grand message. I can’t wait to read it to my grandchildren.
First Line: The little boy rolled over in his bed and opened his eyes.
Genre: Children
Author: Max Lucado
Page Count: 48
Reading Age: 2-5
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
A 2024 Fav♡rite
The boy learns so much about God as he goes on an adventure to the mountains and views the night sky and counted the stars with his parents.
This gentle story is so sweet and reveals how God’s love is always there. The full-page illustrations are magnificent! They have a realistic and nostalgic feel to them and add so much to this charming story. This is a special book with such a grand message. I can’t wait to read it to my grandchildren.
First Line: The little boy rolled over in his bed and opened his eyes.
Genre: Children
Author: Max Lucado
Page Count: 48
Reading Age: 2-5
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
A 2024 Fav♡rite
July 22, 2013
Funny story: When I read this book to my Children's ministry students a while back, I used some orchestral music, hoping it would enhance the experience. As soon as I started reading, one of my students asked "why are you trying to be so dramatic?" I was totally caught off guard, laughed and continued reading this beautifully illustrated and comfortably written story.
The Boy and the Ocean by Max Lucado takes you away from the busyness of life. As you immerse yourself into the story and the illustrations, you find that you are suddenly at a place of natural beauty. A place of comfort, a place of wonder. You begin to look at the pictures as the a child would and you begin to truly understand how amazing God is.
A great book for kids, a beautiful book for adults.
The Boy and the Ocean by Max Lucado takes you away from the busyness of life. As you immerse yourself into the story and the illustrations, you find that you are suddenly at a place of natural beauty. A place of comfort, a place of wonder. You begin to look at the pictures as the a child would and you begin to truly understand how amazing God is.
A great book for kids, a beautiful book for adults.
February 16, 2015
I loved this book! First of all the artwork in this book is beautiful! I think that great illustrations makes a book that much more enjoyable to read so they are important. I liked how in this book the author uses nature and the things around the world to remind the reader of God's love. I also liked how the book was used repetition. This is a great tool for younger kids who are just beginning to read. I also think it helps them understand what the theme of the story is which is to remind people that God's love is big, long and never ending. Overall this book was so cute and has a great message! I'm not sure if I could read this book in a public school but I think in some sort of a Christian school it would be a great to have.
March 2, 2022
The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful (They are actually paintings), and the book itself has a wonderful lesson about the infinite quality of God's love for us. The Bible says that the Heavens declare the glory of God, and this book points out three ways that is true. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because I felt it was not quite as deep and thought-provoking as some of Max Lucado's other children's stories.
March 2, 2022
I read this book to two second grade classes at my Christian school as part of Read Across America Day. The book held their attention and they seemed to like it. I enjoy the book more each time I read it, and I feel it is a message that will stick with children and adults who read it.
March 2, 2022
I read this book to two second grade classes at my Christian school as part of Read Across America Day. The book held their attention and they seemed to like it. I enjoy the book more each time I read it, and I feel it is a message that will stick with children and adults who read it.
October 28, 2014
The story of "The Boy and the Ocean" to me is beautiful. I really enjoyed that it was about God's love and that it is never ending. It was cute how they related it to the ocean, the mountains, and the sky. Just as all of those things are big and never ending, God's love is the same. I liked how the boy started to understand what his parents were saying to him and related it in his own way. This books leaves a great message for young readers to understand that God does love them personally and that the love He has for them will never end. I would love to have this book to read to my future children. The artwork was also very beautiful.
August 31, 2016
I have always been a fan of the stories that Max Lucado has written. I am very pleased with this narrative by him. Through the eyes of a child, we witness the astounding majesty of God's creation. With beautifully vivid illustrations by T. Lively Fluharty, the reader is able to enjoy the scenes just as the boy and his parents do.
Moreover, Max Lucado does not simply talk about God's majesty, but provides an even more amazing message: God's love for us is even greater! Greater than the depths of the sea. Greater than the tallest mountains. Greater than the endless sky. Lucado warmed my heart yet again, reminding me that God's love for me and you surpasses anything that he has created.
Moreover, Max Lucado does not simply talk about God's majesty, but provides an even more amazing message: God's love for us is even greater! Greater than the depths of the sea. Greater than the tallest mountains. Greater than the endless sky. Lucado warmed my heart yet again, reminding me that God's love for me and you surpasses anything that he has created.
October 24, 2014
This book has beautiful illustrations. It was one of the things that first drew me to the book. As I read each page I really loved the Spiritual aspect of it. I loved how the boy went around to so many different places in the world and was really able to understand the beauty of God's creations. I think it is important for kids to recognize this beauty and that God has created this beautiful world for us to enjoy. I think this helps kids to realize that God's love for us is so great it is incomprehensible. I really loved how much peace this book brought to me.
April 8, 2014
I have read many of Max Lucado's picture books but this one it my new favorite. This book is amazing. The message of it is beautiful. I love the way that it very simply described and defined God's love. The thing that I found especially breathtaking was the artwork. As I read I probably stared at each page for a good five minutes. I could not believe the depth and beauty that each page contained. This is definitely a book that I will get for my own personal library.
September 14, 2016
This book is about a little boy looking out at the ocean, over to the mountains, and up at the sky and not being able to find the "end". The boy's parents explain that the ocean, mountains, and sky are like God's love--never ending.
I thought this book was really good. I like the metaphors that the parents use to teach the child.
This book would be good to teach to little kids, in order for them to understand the height and width and depth of God's love. That's the most important thing.
I thought this book was really good. I like the metaphors that the parents use to teach the child.
This book would be good to teach to little kids, in order for them to understand the height and width and depth of God's love. That's the most important thing.
December 31, 2016
Read this book for my children's class at my church. If you've ever had trouble le explaining how big God's love is, this book does a great job of explaining it. It compares God's love to seemingly endless wonders of nature like the ocean, mountains, & stars. It's very simple &, I believe, will help children gain a great basic understanding of God's love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews