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.

For more information, visit http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Products/SKU-000942869/The-Lonely-Pumpkin.aspx.

ISBN: 978-1-4908-4973-4

Available in hardcover, softcover, and e-book

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Westbow Press

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.

A Different Kind of Safari by Helen C. Hipp

A DIFFERENT KIND OF SAFARI

by Helen C. Hipp

A Different Kind of Safari LLC

32 pages

ages 5 - 10

What do you need to feel happy about being different? Based loosely on real life experiences, this heartwarming and powerful book illustrates how self-awareness, and courage help a young boy named Raymond learn the difference between seeing things as they appear to be and seeing things as they are. Feeling “different and lonely” Raymond befriends a hippo while on Safari in Africa. Unlike other grey hippos, this hippo is pink. Ray is soon carried into a world beyond labels and challenging assumptions. You will never guess what happens next!

MY TIDBITS

A safari? Sure! Especially when it's one taken on the back of a pink hippo. Although this book takes the readers on a short safari down an African river, it isn't about the animals...at least, not in the normal sense. Things are not always as they appear, especially when one tries to judge a person (or in this case) animal by its looks or reputation.

Through loving illustrations and a little bit of fun, a boy who isn't satisfied with who he is, learns that it's not the outside that counts but what's under the skin. The writing is a little heavy for the youngest of readers, so I tend to recommend this to 3+ or as a self-read for the 1st or 2nd grade. (I realize this is recommended up to even a 10 year old, but found that a little much for my own kids.)This is a book which will make kids think, so parents might want to be prepared for a little discussion time afterwards. Although the story takes a few cute turns, and has a lovely story which (I assume) originates from an African myth, there is a constant, serious tone in these pages. In other words, this is a safari but not so much about animals as about discovering what's inside.

Amazon (Hardcover) | Audible (Audiobook) | Barnes and Noble

 

 

 

 

Inspired by real-life adventure, the story behind the story unfolded when I went on an African safari back in 2001. The trip was led by my father whose dream was to share the safari experience with his family. Little did I know that this trip was going to incite me to write a children’s adventure book but it did.
The storyline made it appearance when my family spotted a pod of hippos and one was pink! My son Ray fourteen at the time immediately named her “Rosie”. Curious and wanting to learn more about this hippo we asked the guide many questions about hippos and hippo behavior. Specifically I wanted to know why the pink hippo stood so far outside of her pod. The familiarity of the guides answer took me by surprise, he explained that “Rosie” was tolerated but not necessarily accepted by the herd because of her differences. As a parent of a child with special needs I immediately felt a strong affiliation with Rosie’s situation as did my son Ray who has experienced his own challenges with acceptance. Inspired, I decided to share the story with the world by weaving them into a children’s adventure book that celebrates differences. The book is entitled “A Different Kind of Safari”. Find out what you can learn from Rosie the pink hippo, and how you can share those lessons with the children in your life.

 

 

 

All About the Author. . .

HELEN C. HIPP!!!

 

 

Helen Hipp’s experience raising a special needs child led her to an M.A. in clinical psychology and certification as a life coach. She began her career as a psychotherapist to help people find answers for their life problems. Her work eventually evolved into a coaching practice, WithinU Life Coaching, focusing on individuals with special needs and their families. Helen uses her 13+ years of counseling experience and 20+ years’ experience as a successful advocate for individuals with special needs by helping them reveal their innate ability to solve difficult situations. Her debut book ” A Different Kind of Safari” puts into words the essence of Helen’s teachings addressing the many questions life asks by offering up lighthearted, ever-changing perspectives that transform personal challenges into opportunities.

For more information, visit the books official website and to see a picture of the real Rosie the real life pink hippo that inspired this story, go to www.adifferentkindofsafari.com

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