The Sunflower Parable

The Parable Series

by Liz Curtis Higgs

The Sunflower Parable shares the story of Logan, a young gardener who hopes to grow sunflowers that reach all the way to heaven by summer's end. Side by side with his father, the wise farmer, Logan discovers the value of planting seeds, not only in the ground, but also in the hearts of his friends and neighbors.

Genres: Picture Books, Summer, Childrens, Plants, Faith, Christian, Christian Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Former Bad Girl, grateful for the grace God offers. Happy wife of Bill, one of the Good Guys. Proud mom of two grown-up kids with tender hearts. Lame housekeeper. Marginal cook. Pitiful gardener. Stuff I love? Encouraging my sisters in Christ—across the page, from the platform, online, in person. Unpacking Scripture. Traveling wherever God leads. Listening to His heart. Leaning into His embrace.

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just started working at a new preschool. In the past I have only ever worked in Christian programs. The new school is very secular, it is part of a chain of schools. Starting there I was very nervous about working in a place where my coworkers were not Christians and where I was not allowed to talk about God and His love. I prayed about it and asked God to give me strength and a sign that this was the school where He wanted me to be. My second or third day I found this book sitting on shelf. I was so shocked to see a book by Liz Curtis Higgs! Seeing a familiar Christian author was like God waving at me and saying, "I am right here with you Annie!"

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about planting, tending to, harvesting and spreading the good seeds all over the earth.

Various scriptures were used to create this story (can’t say I liked the Bible version used) but the tale is good!

Ages: 3 - 8

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a great story on teaching children and adults how patience is a big part of the “game of life.” The child was disappointed his sunflowers didn’t grow to heaven but learned how good they were for his family, himself, neighbors and friends!

[Cherish Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4☆ Would recommend)
Such a cute book. I really like the scriptures that go along with this story. The colorful and fun pictures are engaging for kids. And the allegory is such a great opportunity for parents to talk to their kids about the Gospel.

[Rachel Mellema · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series is delightful and engaging. The illustrations are adorable and filled with warmth. It does a great job of integrating biblical values & principles in a way that resonates with both young kids and adults. Highly recommend reading!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logan wants to grow sunflowers that reach to Heaven. He learns that the best way to do that is to share the seeds with others.

[sincerely · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book series!!!!

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and simple story with Bible verses on almost every page that help shepherd the reader along through the story to understand the parable.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love her parables

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a great premise, and perhaps children over the age of 4 would understand it. My review is based on reading to children age 4 and younger.

Pros: Happy, colorful, pictures! Scripture verses! Sweet story.

Cons: The "parable" is very difficult to understand. The story of the little boy growing sunflowers is supposed to correlate with a spiritual truth on each page, but the spiritual truth is not explained, there is just a Bible verse printed on the bottom of each page. It is up to the reader to try to figure out how to explain to a child how the scripture correlates with the story. I found this frustrating, so I skipped the verses, but then the story was just very ho-hum. I was also disappointed that Liz Curtis Higgs characteristic humor was left out.

Conclusion: I think from now on, I'll stick to Liz's grown-up books, which have compelling stories, always make me laugh and give great spiritual insight!

[Lia]

Picture Book #4

The Sunflower Parable was about a little boy who was finally able to plant something in his father's garden. His two older siblings were also planting something, too. It was his turn to finally have an area in the garden and he wanted something that would grow super tall. He decided to grow sunflowers. The sunflowers ended up to wilt and he got very sad but realized that the seeds would be used to plant more flowers next year and give to the community to eat. There were also bible verses at the bottom of each page relating to the content on that page.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of Alan's books as a young child. It came with a packet of sunflower seeds which we planted outside the kitchen window on the side of our house in Michigan. Alan enjoyed watching the sunflowers follow the sun.

[Madimeier]

This story is about a boy named Logan who works with this father, a farmer to grow sunflowers. Logan wanted to grow sunflowers that would grow all the way to heaven by the end of summer. By the end of the book, Logan realizes how important planting seeds are.

[Olson Family Matters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute - Madelyn enjoyed. Presentation of the parable was just okay - but I may be overthinking for the intended age level.

[Christal Eldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME children Christian book. It give scripture with every page to back up every reaction/scenario or action that is taken by the characters. Both my boys loved this book!

[A.C. Bauch · Rating 3 out of 5]

For whatever reason, I didn't enjoy this one as much as The Pine Tree Parable. But a cute story with a strong Christian message nonetheless.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Text to text: If you plant a seed

[Angela]

there is a scripture verse illustrated on each page.

[Elizabeth Vendley · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are MUST HAVES for any Christian Gramma. I already have my set and my first Grandchild is still in-vitro!

[Little Champs]

2553 (2)

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for reading to kids about sharing the gospel! I love all her books.

[Christine Turner]

Saved for bookhunters list.

Subject: Sunflowers -- Juvenile fiction.
Christian life -- Juvenile fiction
Parables -- Juvenile fiction.

[Carlee Ketchum]

Logan is a young gardener that wants to grow sunflowers so they reach all the way to heaven. His dad helps him plant many seeds so there would be many that would grow. He realized that sunflowers grew a great gift, seeds. They feed birds and you can give them to friends to eat.