Additional information
by Monica Theiler (Author), M. L. Tarpley (Editor)
It's almost Halloween- the pumpkins' time to shine! But one little pumpkin is scared of all sorts of things. Will his worries get the best of him? Or will he trust in the love of Jesus Christ?
Shine Like Jesus: A Pumpkin Story is a engaging, faith-focused picture book with a lesson plan for ages 4-8 in which the gospel is shared and modeled by pumpkins!
A Note From the Author:
As a kid, I loved playing dress-up and getting candy at Halloween, but the holiday can also be scary with its emphasis on horror. I know many Christians who don't like to celebrate or acknowledge the holiday, yet for the average person it's a fun and exciting time they look forward to sharing with their kids. "Shine Like Jesus" shows kids how they can be a light to those around them during this dark time. It provides a model for how Christian kids can share the gospel and be a good friend to someone who might be struggling with worry over the holiday.
Lesson Plan Includes:
- Scripture Verses
- Discussion Questions
- Optional Songs
- Link to Downloadable Activity Packet with Crafts
Kids will learn how to share & show the love of Christ with a friend, putting their faith into action!
Meet the pumpkins, Patch & Sprout!
Patch exemplifies Christian love as he shares about Jesus and comforts Sprout who has lots of fears. Sprout is an inquiring mind who wants to know! Who is Jesus? Why does knowing Him matter?
Endorsements
"It's easy to become afraid when we forget that Jesus is with us. This book is a great resource and reminder that we don't have to be afraid for He is with us (Isaiah 40:10). My daughter loves this story for the cute art and the courage she finds after reading it. I like that it reminds me that every occasion, such as Halloween, is a great chance to share my faith in Jesus with a friend." -Tim Ingle (Creator of Bearly Biblical)
"I wholeheartedly recommend Shine Like Jesus by Monica Theiler - a beautifully written, Christ-centered children's book that turns Halloween into a moment of spiritual clarity and courage. Through the gentle voice of a humble pumpkin, kids are lovingly reminded that they don't have to be afraid. Instead, they can shine with the light of Jesus, even when the world around them feels dark or confusing.
This story is a gift to families looking for meaningful ways to talk about faith during the fall season. Theiler's warm storytelling and charming illustrations make it perfect for bedtime snuggles, Sunday school circles, or harvest festival read-alouds. It's more than a seasonal book - it's a tool for planting seeds of bravery, kindness, and gospel truth in young hearts.
If you're a parent who wants your child to walk through Halloween with confidence in Christ, Shine Like Jesus is a must-have. It reframes the holiday with grace, reminding kids that they carry the light of Jesus wherever they go - and that light is stronger than any fear." -Chris Rogers (Producer of The Animated Word)
