Wednesday, April 8, 2015

The Lonely Pumpkin by Nicole Monroe


THE LONELY PUMPKIN
by Nicole Monroe
Westbow Press
Picture Book
ages 0+






ROCKFORD, Ill. (February 2, 2015) – It’s far too easy for a child to feel ugly, forgotten, and unloved in today’s world. Our society’s emphasis on physical beauty often shrouds the most important part of a child’s identity—character. In her new book “The Lonely Pumpkin,” author Nicole Monroe aims to teach children that they are valued and loved, no matter what they look like.

Monroe uses the allegory of a dirty, bumpy pumpkin who is left behind after the children have chosen the attractive pumpkins from the patch. Just when hope appears dim, a small child finds the ugly pumpkin and takes it home.

“Even though we feel like there is nothing special about us, there is,” said Monroe. “God values each of us, and I know that God is always with me and that I’m wanted and loved.”

The inspiration for “The Lonely Pumpkin” came from the author observing children selecting pumpkins in the fall, choosing the “prettiest” ones and leaving the “ugliest” behind. Monroe interweaves her faith into the narrative with the underlying message that God loves us no matter what we look like.



ISBN: 978-1-4908-4973-4
Available in hardcover, softcover, and e-book





MY TIDBITS

Ever gone to the pumpkin patch and wondered what would happen to those pumpkins which weren't as perfect as they should be? Well, I have. I've even felt a little sorry for them. And this is exactly what this wonderful book is about - those misfits.

This is a cute little picture book written in rhyme with a great message - different is not bad, and someone does love even those who don't feel as perfect as others. The pictures are adorable, making the little reader feel for that poor pumpkin the minute his orange face hits the first page. And the wording is just right, creating a perfect balance between picture and print. Young readers and listeners will have no trouble diving into the pumpkin's world and will get those warm fuzzy feelings when he's finally wrapped in a pair of happy arms.

Summed up, my daughter and I loved this book, and definitely recommend it to kids 0+.



And here she is. . .
NICOLE MONROE!!!



A graduate of Evangel University, Nicole Monroe lives in the country near Rockford, Ill. with her family and many pets. Her great loves are family, faith and music. She has a passion for sharing with children the joy she finds in God’s creation.





2 comments:

Tiffiny said...

This sounds like an adorable book with a great message. It reminds me of the book called, "Spookley, the Square Pumpkin." I'm going to pin this so I can remember to find and use the book in the fall. Thanks for sharing at the Kid Lit Blog Hop.

Renee C. said...

This reminds me of Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree! So sad... Thanks for sharing in the Kid Lit Blog Hop!