Book Review: Count The Fruit

By Valerie Cowan

A Quick Summary 

Count the Fruit, By Jill Jaramillo and Lilla Vincze, is a super cute story of how one little boy learns and applies the fruits of the Spirit in his life with help from his mom and dad.

What was your favorite thing about this book?

This book was so easily understood. It took a biblical concept and made it accessible to young children. I love that the examples were relatable and that the little boy’s thoughts and actions could really happen in the real world. As a mom and auntie (and hopefully grandma someday), this is the kind of book I would give to my babies, and enjoy reading and discussing with them.

Would you say this book aligns well with a biblical world and life view? Why or why not?

This book clearly aligns with a biblical world and life view as it explains how the fruits of the Spirit can be lived out in a child’s life. There are practical examples of what it looks like to live according to these values.

What is the gospel according to this book? How does this align with the biblical gospel, the one true gospel?

Because the emphasis was on the fruit of the SpiritI would say that it would be hard to know what the gospel is according to this book. But the book aligns with the message of the gospel—to love others as Jesus loved us and gave his life for us. The fruits of the Spirit are evidence of this.

How might this book be a benefit or a danger to parents who are seeking to raise Christian kids?

As mentioned before, this book would be a great benefit to parents who are struggling to explain more abstract concepts of the Bible to their children. Simple, plain language and real-world examples make this book a great way to introduce and then talk about how to live out the fruits of the Spirit in the everyday life of a child and family.

Valerie Cowan is a contented wife, mom of two boys (24 and 15), special education teacher, behavior analyst, and most of all saved believer striving to positively impact those God brings into my life. I love reading, my cats, and watching the sunrise. I see the best in every person I meet and generally notice possibilities where others get stuck on problems. As a coach,  I help others clearly outline their values and find their identity in Christ so that they can create goals, make plans, and overcome their obstacles—ultimately giving glory to God in the process of living their own Victory Aligned Life!