The Vine Kids Shop

Help your child know what God’s Word says when real life gets hard.

Stories about fitting in, telling the truth, choosing friends, and finding courage. Read together, explore Scripture, draw, and talk about the choices your child faces.

  • Ages 7 to 10
  • 14 chapters
  • Paperback, 94 pages

$24.99 for the paperback, with free shipping in the US

Order a copy Read Chapter One free
Cover of The Vine Kids: Rooted, Growing, Shining, 14 Days to Build a Faith That Lasts, by Abenezer Mergia. Four children climb, read beneath, and water a tree with heart shaped leaves.
The Vine Kids: Rooted, Growing, Shining 14 Days to Build a Faith That Lasts by Abenezer Mergia

Reuben wants to fit in at his new school

In Chapter One, “Reuben Stands Tall,” a loud, funny group of boys waves Reuben over at lunch during his first week. When they start teasing other kids, he laughs along. Belonging feels good, until something doesn’t feel right.

That evening his mom reads Psalm 1 with him and talks about a tree planted by streams of water. The next day, when the boys tease a younger student, Reuben speaks up and helps him pick up his things.

This week, when your child has to choose between fitting in and doing what’s right, try the question from the chapter’s Parent Insight:

“What would help you feel peaceful inside like Reuben did?”

Start reading Chapter One
The first page of Chapter 1, Reuben Stands Tall, where Reuben watches recess from the side during his first week.
The story begins
The Talk About It page with four discussion questions and the Parent Insight box.
Talk About It and the Parent Insight

Hear from the author

Abenezer Mergia serves in children’s ministry at his church in Springfield, Virginia. He created The Vine Kids to help children connect Scripture with everyday choices and help adults lead those conversations.

More about Abenezer

“Nobody taught you how to do this.” Watch a short video from Abenezer

A simple rhythm for your family

Every chapter follows the same three steps, and a chapter at home takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You don’t need a theology degree to lead it. Sit down together, read, draw, and talk.

  1. Close up of the story: the opening of Chapter 1, Reuben Stands Tall, during Reuben’s first week at his new school.

    Read the story

    A modern story about something kids really face, like peer pressure, honesty, fear, or forgiveness.

  2. Close up of the Memory Verse box with Psalm 1:1 to 3 from the New International Version.

    Explore the Scripture

    A memory verse that speaks to the story, with a simple explanation written for kids.

  3. Close up of the Draw This page, which asks kids to draw Reuben next to a big tree with deep roots, with space below to draw.

    Draw and talk together

    A drawing prompt, a few discussion questions, and a Parent Insight box with context for you.

Use it daily, weekly, or at your own pace

Daily
A chapter a day for a two week family devotional or a weekday kids’ program.
Weekly
One chapter a week for a full quarter, a good fit for Sunday school or small groups.
Your own pace
Bedtime reading, homeschool Bible time, or church events.
See all 14 chapters

Inside the book: 14 stories

Each story follows a child through a real challenge and the Scripture that speaks to it.

  1. Reuben Stands Tall Standing Firm Against Peer Pressure Read it free
  2. Trusting the PathTrusting God When Things Are Hard
  3. Built to LastBuilding Your Life on God’s Word
  4. Bella and the Lost GameChoosing Honesty Over Winning
  5. Fruit That LastsGrowing the Fruit of the Spirit
  6. Listening Ears and Calm HeartsListening First, Speaking Wisely
  7. Big Hills and Brave HeartsFinding Strength in God
  8. Wonderfully MadeOvercoming Comparison and Self-Doubt
  9. Shine Your LightDoing Good Even When Others Don’t Understand
  10. Choosing Good FriendsThe Power of Good Friends
  11. Forgive Like JesusLearning to Forgive
  12. Nothing Too Hard for GodKeep Going When You Want to Quit
  13. Be BraveBeing Brave with God Beside You
  14. Malachi’s Lost BuddyGod Brings Good from Hard Times

Questions families ask

Still wondering about something? Email thevinekidsbook@gmail.com.

Who is it for?

Kids ages 7 to 10 and the adults who read with them: parents, grandparents, homeschool families, children’s ministry leaders, and Christian elementary schools. Every chapter ends with a Parent Insight written for the adult.

Can we use it weekly?

Yes. The book is designed to work daily for two weeks, weekly for a full quarter, or at your own pace. Weekly use fits Sunday school and small groups well.

The free handbook plans each group session for about 30 to 45 minutes, and about 15 to 20 minutes for a chapter at home.

Leading a group or teaching at home?

The free Leader & Parent Handbook turns every chapter into a session you can lead, with a group version and a home version of each. It’s free, whether or not you buy the book.

Get the free handbook See how churches use it
Handbook page for Session 1, Reuben Stands Tall.
Session 1 on one page

Page from the handbook

Handbook page for Session 1, Reuben Stands Tall.

Nobody taught you how to do this.