The Pumpkin Patch Parable

The Pumpkin Patch Parable, written by Liz Curtis Higgs and illustrated by Nancy Munger, is yet another book in the Parable Series. Even though the story is about pumpkins, it’s not about Halloween, as the author points out in the introduction to the book: “Since the Lord Himself created pumpkins, it seemed appropriate to redeem this familiar symbol of the harvest season for his good purpose.” The story is about a farmer who grows pumpkins. Each year he tends them and watches them grow. When the pumpkins are ready for harvest, he picks them and chooses one for a jack-o-lantern. The farmer turns the pumpkin into a beacon on his porch for all his neighbors to see and enjoy. Bible verses throughout the text illustrate how God wants us to shine our lights for all to see.

What I like: The story was different, and I liked that. The main character was the farmer, but I guess you could also count the pumpkin as a character. The story wasn’t written with children as the main characters, but any child who is familiar with pumpkins will enjoy the story. And, the illustrations throughout the book are as bright and colorful as those on the cover.

What I dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: Ages 4-8.

Publishing Info: Tommy Nelson Publishers, 1995. ISBN 0785277226; Hardcover.

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Special Info: Other stories in the Parable Series include: The Parable of the Lily, The Sunflower Parable, and The Pine Tree Parable.