The Fruit Tree

by Mark Restaino, J.P. Alcomendas (Illustrations)

Plant the gospel seed within your child and watch it grow. This beautifully illustrated children's book, written by youth minister, Mark Restaino, features a gardener, his fruit tree, a plot against them, and their blooming forgiveness to tell a symbolic gospel story. Bible verses, displayed in the corner of each image, walk the reader through the story as well as the gospel message. We pray that this book bears fruit in your family and hope that you will partner with us by investing in a copy today and sharing with your church community. Thank you for your support.

40 pages, Hardcover

Published December 8, 2018

Reviews

[Catherine Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fruit Tree is another beautiful story. This is the second book of Mark that I have read. As my family always said " it's gospel ". The book is the gospel. Truth comes in many forms and this was a book form. If you have children, please read these beautifully written books to them

[Asaf Shani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute story about the resurrection of Christ who lives in us all. I loved the idea of regeneration and the underlying message that we can grow from anything 'bad' happing to us.
The illustrations are wonderful and support the tight-written text.

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really loving this author's books. In this story we meet a gardener who plants a seed and waters it. The tree grows and produce fruit. The gardener loves the fruit. The fruit tree tries to teach the other trees how to deliver fruit. They refuse. Then they become jealous and do everything they can to kill the fruit tree. When the gardener returns and sees the dead tree he is sad. But he returns and soon he has a new tree growing. The other trees learn from the fruit tree. This is an allegory of the life of Christ. It is a lesson of how we are to live, love and teach others about God. It is written in a manner that children will understand the lesson.

[Nigel Tetley · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Fruit Tree’ is a cleverly constructed allegory of the Judaeo-Christian worldview of creation, fall, salvation and redemption. This might have precluded the book from having appeal to a secular audience, but the story works in its own right independently of its Christian provenance. The story has both charm and emotional appeal, and the knockout illustrations keep the eye engaged on the page. Some of the vocabulary might stretch the book’s target audience, but there can be no doubt that this is a thoughtful and thought-provoking children’s story. I received a free copy of this book for review.

[Marin . · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book has a simple narrative that can be easily understood by both religious and secular audiences.
No doubt, in Nature we can find many allegories about the divine presence of Jesus, and in this book, the trees - dead and resurrected - are the metaphors. There are other religious symbols embedded on every page as well as Bible verses in the back of the book.

The illustrations are wonderful. Tne the little graphics scattered all over the text grab the attention of the reader.
I had a little problem - zooming the pages to read the tall and thin font that was not very legible...

I received a free copy of THE FRUIT TREE from the author.

[Daniel Georges · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fruit Tree is a children's book that successfully marries the art of storytelling with Christian teachings. Whether a parent or educator decides to explain the deep religious symbolism carefully embedded in each page or not, the story still stands by itself as a wonderful heartwarming children's tale about the magic of life, its perpetual resilient cycle and the presence of the divine in nature.

[Lily L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fruit Tree is another beautifully illustrated story that touches your heart. Truly, our life is like the trees in this story, others may pull you down but few will help you stand tall again and bear fruit. Indeed, in this lifetime we will learn that "it was neither the looks, nor the power, nor the fun that we desire but the Love, love for our family and kindness towards other people is what matters.

[Esther Cordova · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fruit tree is a beautiful illustrated book by Mark Restanio. We enjoyed the picture book very much. I think it's best for little older kids maybe 6-8 to understand the story fully and to relate the characters in the story back to what they stand for. For younger children it can be an entertaining story as well. This is definitely a book that can be a great discussion starter with your kids.

[M. Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to my 7 year old and he loved the drawings and looking for the symbols mentioned at the beginning of the book. The book is very well written and matches the beautiful illustrations. It has a strong message about how Love is the most important thing in relationships with those around you.

[Barbara Brostek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful Story & Illustrations!
Wonderful heartwarming story with beautiful pictures to enhance the Bible message of God’s love and forgiveness. The Bible verses included in the back make easy reference to reinforce His message. I received the book as a gift and am happy to recommend this book. Enjoy!

[Haroula Elia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The "Fruit Tree" is absolutely beautiful. Reading it was an emotional and exhilarating experience. It's a great tool for teaching kids about God's unending love and restoring power. It's got vivid illustrations, simple sentences and a powerful message. The parents and teachers may find useful the verses showing up in every corner. We definitely need more books like that!

[Nikki Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a gardener who plants a fruit tree and enjoys the fruit it grows for him. The tree is very special to him and he’s special to the tree. To me it’s a story about love, friendship and how to nurture something you care about.
I received a copy of this book from the author for free :)

[Ausita Ausita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated children’s book that features a gardener, his fruit tree, a plot against them, and their blooming forgiveness to tell a symbolic gospel story.
Besides being a story with a spiritual meaning, the story also teaches how a tree grows so children can learn a great deal from it.

[Precious · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fruit Tree” is a beautifully illustrated and deeply symbolic story that gently plants the gospel message in young hearts. The tree’s journey reminded me to focus on what truly matters. Love, forgiveness, and growing at my own pace without comparison. A meaningful read for both children and adults alike.

[Debbie Chatley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated children’s book with a simple story that carries a profound message. Would make an excellent book to read in a Sunday School class or Junior Church. I loved the listing of items for the children to find as they proceed through the story.

[Janina Rossiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute book with great illustrations

Was super happy to find this picture book as a freebie on amazon. The illustrations are great and done so tastefully. Very cute book with great illustrations, will recommend it to friends.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well-executed story. It shows the destructive power of envy in a way even little kids can understand. The illustrations are an integral part of the story and will help young children understand what's going on even if they're not great with words yet. Good read!

[Janet Ashmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Fruit Tree" is a valuable children's picture book; it's an allegory representing Christ, the Father, and the Church. Adults who enjoy sharing the Gospel will also find this a great tool for explaining our Christian heritage. The cover and illustrations are amazing; it deserves a 5-star rating!

[Elizabeth_PH · Rating 4 out of 5]

This children’s book tells a simple but powerful story about faith and forgiveness. The beautiful pictures and Bible verses help children learn about the gospel in an easy, loving way. It's a perfect book for young kids and Sunday School reading.

[Natalie Horseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated and meaningful story, The Fruit Tree uses simple symbolism to share the gospel message of love, forgiveness, and faith. Perfect for families or Sunday school, this heartfelt book helps children understand the beauty of God’s grace in a way they can see and feel.

[Lisa Van Der Wielen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely story and message. I like how there are things to look for in the colourful illustrations and their meaning is explained. A great book to help teach bible studies and virtues.

[Lynn Esposito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This is my 8 year old daughters new favorite book. It was a great story about bullying, and love. I recommend this to anyone who has children, it was a fantastic book.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice picture book to remind us all why we are here, taking as long or short an amount of time as one wishes to spend. I had a review copy and this voluntary review is my own opinion.

[Jeannie Huie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting story with God as a gardener! Children may really like the story if they read it and talk about it with a mature adult! There are scriptures and discussion questions at the end of the book! I really like the story!

[Clare Pillarkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story full of lessons. No state is permanent. We can change our bad inclinations to good by learning from those around us

[Hanna Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of the book from the author for free.

What a beautiful message on true beauty - not aesthetics nor appearances but tender love and sacrifice. A lovely story!

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational story written with engaging illustrations. Teaching children God's word in simpler terms to help them understand.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children's book is full of beautiful and colourful illustrations. The story is about a farmer who favours the fruit tree in his forest. The other trees are jealous and try to change this.

The message in this book is that love is more important than most things and forgiveness plays an important part too.

Although this book is written to encourage children to learn the Bible, it is also a book that could be read by someone non religious as the importance of love and forgiveness is still a good message regardless.

I am happy to share books like this which encourage children to learn and gain knowledge. And for the right audience this is a very good book to be added to your collection.

[Margaret Fraleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that is excellent for adults as well as children of all ages.

I like that there is a section of the Bible verses that the story is about.

This is a book that I would read to my grandchildren.

I liked the pictures as well as they too tell the story in a visual way.

[Keren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for children with many Godly principles.