
A Story About Family, Belonging, and the World Love Builds
📖 Great for family read-aloud time — ages 3–8 (author reads story below)









“This story is for every child who deserves to feel safe and loved.”

Author’s note
This story was first written many years ago, at the beginning of a family formed by love, choice, and responsibility.
The Special World of Mathew James is not meant to explain a family, defend one, or argue for one. It is simply a portrait of belonging—of a child welcomed into the world and surrounded by care.
Every child deserves to know they are safe, cherished, and free to grow into who they are meant to be. This book exists for that simple truth. — Jim Luce
Why We Published This
At a time when some families are questioned or excluded, this story quietly affirms what truly matters. Love makes a world—and every child deserves one.
©2026 Luce Publications of J. Luce Foundation, New York. Originally published December 1995.
🐾 Share this story:
A gentle tale of love, family, and belonging — The Special World of Mathew James
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#TheSpecialWorldOfMathewJames #FamilyAndBelonging #LoveBuildsTheWorld
#ChildrenAndBelonging #StoriesThatMatter #StewardshipOfLove
#ChosenFamily #GlobalFamily #BooksThatBuildValues #InclusiveFamilies
TAGS: children’s literature, family and belonging, inclusive families, LGBTQ+ parents,
adoption stories, global families, love and care, storytelling for children, stewardship values,
gentle parenting, identity and belonging, multicultural families, picture books

Books for Young Readers
by Jim Luce
Standalone Titles
- The Special World of Mathew James
- Make Way for Shih Tzu!
- Molly and Her Many Arms
- Donny, the Big, Bad Bully
Clover, the Magic Flying Dog (Series)
- Jamie and Ming Visit the Great Wall
- Jamie and Juan Visit Machu Picchu
- Jamie and Ahmed Visit the Pyramids
- Jamie and Miguel Visit the Amazon
- Jamie and Enzo Visit the Eiffel Tower