The Seedling
Words by Jacob Hotchkiss. Pictures by Casey Dye.
Hardcover, distributed to bookstores everywhere through Ingram. Ask your local shop to order it.
In a world of plants defined by their fruit, one little seedling has no fruit of his own to tell him what kind of plant he is.
What readers say
“It’s a great book—deep truth presented in a simple, fun way. It’s an amazing resource for talking with your kids about who God has made them to be.”
“Absolutely beautiful art work! The story can be read again and again. Each time leading a child to deeper understanding.”
“What an amazing book with a beautiful message. The artwork is just stunning!”
He tries to define himself by the things he can feel and the things he wants, but with the help of an old, wise vine, he learns that these are not a reliable source of information. As long as he isn't bearing fruit yet, the only way to know what he is, is to understand and trust where he came from.
A heartwarming story about finding peace and rest in your true nature, for parents and children alike. Our identity runs deeper than what we can see or feel.
For the grown-up reading it
The story is inspired by the way Scripture tells Christians what they are, saints, holy, righteous, loved, despite what they see and feel about themselves. The only way to know it, especially before there is any fruit to point to, is to trust God's word that we have been born of him. A short note from the author at the back explains the meaning, for parents who want to go deeper.
Written with a cadence and rhyme that's enjoyable to read aloud, and illustrated in watercolor by Casey Dye. It's the first book in a planned series on identity in Christ for small children.
Read the story behind the book on Edify.