Title: The Pumpkin Blessing
Author: Aleta Spencer
Publisher: Covenant Books
ISBN: 978-1-68526-204-4
Pages: 43
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book / Christian Fiction
Reviewed by: Gabriella Harrison

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Author Aleta Spencer’s illustrated children’s book, The Pumpkin Blessing, centers on faith and the belief everyone has a role to play in fulfilling God’s will. Pumpkin is blissfully enjoying the fine weather and admiring the sky when he notices Dove drinking water nearby, and they strike up a conversation in which Dove enlightens Pumpkin about God and how He has a purpose for everyone. Dove successfully sparks Pumpkin’s curiosity about God, and they begin to worship and pray together, giving thanks and inquiring about Pumpkin’s purpose and how he can share the good news about Jesus.

Spencer passes across the message of patience and trust in God while waiting for the answer to prayers and diligently wanting to please Him and share the gospel in an interesting way through Pumpkin and Dove. Pumpkin feels excited initially, but as time passes while he waits for the answer to his prayer, he becomes discouraged. However, Dove encourages him, and he is soon in good spirits and decides to be happy and praise while waiting. His curiosity upon hearing he has a maker and his reactions during his journey to finding his purpose are natural and will make it easy for many to connect with his character. Additionally, the illustrations add to the book’s appeal and make visualization easy. The book starts off with Pumpkin as a green undeveloped pumpkin with a lot of growing to do and ends with him orange and aware of his purpose.

Dove and Pumpkin’s friendship espouses the importance of having the right support system and encourages friends to be loyal and patient at all times. The Pumpkin Blessing is a lovely book for parents interested in teaching children Christian morals and encouraging them to ask God how they can please Him. I believe the formatting makes the book particularly attractive due to the adequate spacing and the font, which is easy on the eyes. Additionally, the narration is well-structured and makes it easy to absorb the message. Dove explains who God is and some ways to please Him. Then he helps Pumpkin seek God. Next, he explains sin, and they observe humans for more insight. Furthermore, there are songs and prayers that would be helpful in creating interactive sessions for everyone to join in.

The Pumpkin Blessing is a faith-based book that encourages everyone to seek their God-given purpose and find ways to glorify Him in their own way.