Duncan and the Amazing Apple Tree is a heartwarming story about gratitude, generosity, and the kind of transformation that begins deep within a child's heart.
Duncan loves apples more than anything. When he was just three years old, he and his grandpa planted a small apple tree in the front yard. Over the years, Duncan faithfully cares for it-watering, fertilizing, making sure it gets enough sunshine, even singing to it, reading to it, and hugging it before school. Because of his loving attention, the tree grows strong and produces the most amazingly delicious apples anyone has ever tasted. Duncan treasures them and, except for the occasional apple shared with Grandpa, keeps most of them for himself.
One morning on the way to school, Duncan overhears that his friend Amy's little sister is crying because there is no food in the house. For the first time, Duncan feels the weight of someone else's need. He is torn. The apples are his favorite thing, and they only grow for a short season each year. Sharing would mean giving up something precious.
Seeking wisdom, Duncan talks with his grandpa, who encourages him to pray and ask God what to do. That night, kneeling beside his apple tree, Duncan learns an important lesson about prayer-not just speaking to God, but listening. In the quiet, he remembers the story of Zacchaeus, whose heart was changed when he chose Jesus over the things he loved most.
Inspired, Duncan makes a courageous decision. He and his parents secretly deliver bags of apples to Amy's home with a note that says, "Jesus loves you and so do we." As Duncan continues to share throughout the season, he discovers something surprising: the apples he keeps taste even sweeter. The following year, his tree grows larger than ever before, producing more fruit-and even new saplings-symbolizing how generosity multiplies blessings.
Through Duncan's journey, readers are gently reminded that every blessing is a gift meant to be shared, and that when we choose love over selfishness, our hearts grow in ways we never imagined.
Jeff Tally has loved words and storytelling since he was a young boy, recognizing early on their power to reveal truth, inspire faith, and connect people to one another. His passion for language and meaning has grown into a lifelong calling centered on faith, teaching, and sharing God's truth.Jeff holds bachelor's degrees in German and Psychology, as well as a Master of Divinity. He speaks multiple languages and enjoys studying ancient biblical languages, which he incorporates into his preaching and teaching to help others better understand Scripture and God's message.Above all, Jeff is grateful for his roles as a husband and father. His two daughters have been a daily reminder of God's grace, teaching him lessons about love, humility, and trust that continue to shape his life and faith.Jeff wrote Duncan and the Amazing Apple Tree to reflect a biblical truth-that every blessing we receive is a gift from God, meant not only for ourselves but to be shared with others. His prayer is that this story will encourage readers of all ages to recognize God's goodness, live with gratitude, and joyfully share His blessings with the world.
Julie Swingley is a self-taught artist and oil painting instructor who has been creating art for more than 35 years. She is passionate about sharing her love of painting and founded an art ministry at her church, where she teaches oil painting to members of her congregation and local community three times each week.Although Julie's artistic background is primarily in oils, she embraced a new challenge in illustrating this children's book using watercolor-a medium she had little prior experience with. Encouraged by Pastor Jeff Tally, she created more than 30 original illustrations, bringing the story to life with warmth and imagination.Julie has also contributed her artistic talents to meaningful projects beyond her local community. Formerly, at the request of Pastor James, she painted a large mural for a women's and children's hospital in Africa. The mural featured 30 animals painted in oil across three canvases measuring 36 by 48 inches each. High-quality giclée reproductions were made so the artwork could be safely rolled, shipped, and displayed at the hospital.Julie is deeply grateful to God for the gift of art and the opportunity to use her talents to inspire others. She lovingly dedicates her work on this book to her family, especially her five grandsons-Easton, Liam, Logan, Hudson, and Luka.
