I Would Love You Even If You Were A Coconut

Fourth in the I Would Love You Even If series, Myah comes home from school sad when someone hurt her feelings. Her family comforts her by telling another relatable Dill family adventure story. Full of silly rhymes, whimsical illustrations, and “even if ” affirmations, the message of unconditional love from above brings encouragement and joy to any young reader.

“Using the same humorous analogies and whimsical rhymes that make the other I Would Love You Even If books so special, children learn the most powerful lesson of all: You are loved no matter what. In a world that can feel big and overwhelming, love and kindness remain the most basic and important message. This book belongs in the hands of every reader, young and old.”

—Allison Pozzi, K-2 teacher and early intervention therapist

I Would Love You Even If You Were A Coconut

“This may be my favorite of the Pickle series of books! The silly rhymes and the images they conjure, the acknowledgment of the depth of a child’s feelings are beautiful reminders of the unfailing love our heavenly Father, our Creator, has for each of us. Oh, the conversations that will occur after sharing this story are priceless! He loves us, even coconuts as if we are the only ones in His world! What a gift Coco is for us all!”

—Becca Edwards, Early Childhood Educator of 47 years

“Poignant and sweet, this is a story that will resonate with adults and children alike long after they finish it. Adoption is God’s heartbeat and this storyline conveys that in an easy to understand and engaging manner. After reading this book, I think we can all see the world a little brighter with more compassion for each other. As an adoptive mom, it brought tears to my eyes as it celebrates the biggest blessing in our lives-the love of family.”

—Mary Jane Postiglione, Adoption & Orphan Advocate

Bucleigh Newton Kernodle

Award-winning author Bucleigh Newton Kernodle is a Charlotte native and has always had a passion for creative writing. Inspired by her ninth-grade teacher to spread her wings and sparked to push her limit at Elon University by her communications professors, and her editors at the Charlotte Business Journal, all culminated into a desire to write children’s books. Her first two books, Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year I Would Love You Even If You Were A Pickle and I Would Love You Even If You Were A Tomato are both Gold Mom’s Choice Award Winners. Her faith in God is where she finds her direction. She cherishes being a wife, mother, and daughter to her loving family, and they have never stopped believing in her.

I Would Love You Even If You Were A Coconut Bucleigh Newton Kernodle

ILLUSTRATED BY

Ashley Teets

I Would Love You Even If You Were A Coconut

by Bucleigh Newton Kernodle illustrated by Ashley Teets copyright ©2023 Bucleigh Newton Kernodle All rights reserved. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents, except where noted otherwise, are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any other resemblance to actual people, places or events is entirely coincidental. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any other form or for any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage system, without written permission from Headline Books.

To order additional copies of this book, or for book publishing information, or to contact the author: Headline Kids P. O. Box 52 Terra Alta, WV 26764 Email: mybook@headlinebooks.com www.headlinebooks.com Published by Headline Books Headline Kids is an imprint of Headline Books ISBN-13: 9781958914038 Library of Congress Control Number: 2022943350

PR I N T E D I N T H E U N I T E D STAT E S OF A M E R IC A

For anyone still searching for the right fit: our Father God wholeheartedly and unconditionally loves you. Never doubt his love for you because He will never leave you.

You are valuable and special. I pray you find solid hope and faith in Him. Hold on to this truth: you are loved always and forever.

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

I S A IA H 4 0 : 3 1

Myah ran to her mommy with tears in her eyes.

“A mean girl at school laughed at my size!”

Mommy sympathized. “I’m sorry she made you cry. Sometimes when people make others sad, we should ask them why. Maybe she is sad too.

Ever heard the story about the coconut who felt blue?”

4

5

“A blue coconut?” Myah asked with great wonder.

“I’ll tell you the story,” Miller interrupted, “of the Dill summer vacation blunder!!”

“It wasn’t a blunder,” their mommy corrected, “it was just a needed break after their big Christmas tree shake.”

Daddy jumped in, “They left their Christmas tree home behind to take a sunny trip to a palm tree for time to unwind.”

6

7

Miller continued, “The kids dropped their bags and ran to the pool.

And that’s where they saw her, the blue coconut, sitting on a stool.

They minded their business, swam, splashed, and squealed But couldn’t ignore the sad coconut look she revealed.

8

9

10

Sister Dill asked, “Want to play with us? We are a real dill-light!”

“No! she yelled, “Coconuts don’t play with pickles. That’s just not right.”

Brother Dill assured, “Well, we like to have fun with anyone, even coconuts with hard heads.”

“That’s nice, but no one ever wants me,” she said.

11

The Dills discussed, “What a real dill-ema, I have to say, Let’s find out why she’s acting this way.”

12

Sister Dill questioned, “Do you know you’re loved no matter what? God loves you even if you are a crumbly stale donut!”

“He does?” the coconut asked. “But I have no family. I’m alone.”

13

“God still loves you,” Brother Dill said with a happy tone.

“Even if you were a smelly clam filled with blueberry jam.”

14

“Would he love me even if I were greasy sunscreen that never rubs in?” the coconut asked with a grin.

15

“Yes.” Sister Dill answered, “Even if you were squawking seagulls giving everyone a noisy earful!”

Brother Dill giggled, “He would love you even if you were a chill Kraken who lacks in attacking.”

16

17

“A shark that barks...

18

...a seal throwing sand...

...Melting ice cream dripping all over someone’s hand, 19

...a grumpy crab pinching toes...

20

...or even sand stuck in your nose!”

21

“See,” Sister Dill replied, “God loves you no matter what, blue coconut.”

“Call me Coco,” she said with a happy strut.

22

23

24

For the rest of summer, the pickles grew to love Coco.

And away went all her sadness and woe.

They loved her with all their hearts.

She joined their family-an adoption took part!

25

26

Coco was no longer blue, She understood unconditional love-she finally got the clue!

27

28

The next day at school Myah searched for the one who was cruel.

The girl apologized for being impolite, “I just can’t sleep at night.

My Daddy works so much and Mommy’s always with the baby.

29

Myah thought, she doesn’t get attention, maybe?

She forgave her and said, “Just don’t do it anymore.

Maybe now we’ll have fun and laugh until we’re sore!”

30

31

Even though Myah was in a pickle, she relished the day with forgiveness and love, Just like our wonderful God gives us daily from Heaven above.

THE END 32

Fourth in the I Would Love You Even If series, Myah comes home from school sad when someone hurt her feelings. Her family comforts her by telling another relatable Dill family adventure story. Full of silly rhymes, whimsical illustrations, and “even if ” affirmations, the message of unconditional love from above brings encouragement and joy to any young reader.

“Using the same humorous analogies and whimsical rhymes that make the other I Would Love You Even If books so special, children learn the most powerful lesson of all: You are loved no matter what. In a world that can feel big and overwhelming, love and kindness remain the most basic and important message. This book belongs in the hands of every reader, young and old.”

—Allison Pozzi, K-2 teacher and early intervention therapist

I Would Love You Even If You Were A Coconut

“This may be my favorite of the Pickle series of books! The silly rhymes and the images they conjure, the acknowledgment of the depth of a child’s feelings are beautiful reminders of the unfailing love our heavenly Father, our Creator, has for each of us. Oh, the conversations that will occur after sharing this story are priceless! He loves us, even coconuts as if we are the only ones in His world! What a gift Coco is for us all!”

—Becca Edwards, Early Childhood Educator of 47 years

“Poignant and sweet, this is a story that will resonate with adults and children alike long after they finish it. Adoption is God’s heartbeat and this storyline conveys that in an easy to understand and engaging manner. After reading this book, I think we can all see the world a little brighter with more compassion for each other. As an adoptive mom, it brought tears to my eyes as it celebrates the biggest blessing in our lives-the love of family.”

—Mary Jane Postiglione, Adoption & Orphan Advocate

Bucleigh Newton Kernodle

Award-winning author Bucleigh Newton Kernodle is a Charlotte native and has always had a passion for creative writing. Inspired by her ninth-grade teacher to spread her wings and sparked to push her limit at Elon University by her communications professors, and her editors at the Charlotte Business Journal, all culminated into a desire to write children’s books. Her first two books, Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year I Would Love You Even If You Were A Pickle and I Would Love You Even If You Were A Tomato are both Gold Mom’s Choice Award Winners. Her faith in God is where she finds her direction. She cherishes being a wife, mother, and daughter to her loving family, and they have never stopped believing in her.

I Would Love You Even If You Were A Coconut Bucleigh Newton Kernodle

ILLUSTRATED BY

Ashley Teets