Under the Banana Trees: This Little Light of Mine
In the courtyard of a children's home in Uganda, beneath the banana trees, a group of boys and girls are getting ready for something special.
A Bible Bee.
As the children prepare, they discover that God's Word is more than something to memorise for a competition. It is truth to treasure, to believe, and to put into practice in everyday life.
That is the heart of Under the Banana Trees: Book One, This Little Light of Mine, written and illustrated by Lucille Brown.
Inspired by the children and ministry of Rescue the Poor Uganda, this colourful 3D-illustrated story brings together friendship, encouragement, and a love for Scripture, with a purpose that reaches far beyond the pages of the book.
The children have verses to learn and a Bible Bee to prepare for. But as they spend time together, the lessons reach beyond the competition.
Scripture teaches us to love our neighbours, to encourage one another, and to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Even ordinary conversations and small acts of kindness can become opportunities to point others to Him.
And that is something young readers can understand, wherever they live.
You do not have to be grown up to begin learning and living by God's Word.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matthew 5:14 (LSB)
Jesus' words are a reminder that the Christian's light is not about drawing attention to ourselves. It is about pointing others to our Father in heaven.
That is a beautiful truth to share with children, and one that runs through the message of This Little Light of Mine.
The story takes place in a setting inspired by the courtyard of a Ugandan children's home, and its characters and experiences draw inspiration from the children served by Rescue the Poor Uganda.
Through lively 3D illustrations, young readers are invited to imagine the children gathered together, learning their verses, sharing laughter, and encouraging their friends.
It is also a gentle way to introduce children to another part of the world and to a Christian ministry working to care for vulnerable children and families.
Though their homes and daily routines may look different, children in Uganda and children elsewhere can share the same need to hear, understand, and believe the truth of God's Word.
There is another reason this book is special.
All proceeds from Under the Banana Trees support Rescue the Poor Uganda.
The ministry serves orphaned and vulnerable children and families, helping provide necessities such as food, education, shelter, and biblical teaching.
When you purchase a copy, you are not only bringing a story into your home. You are also helping support the work of a ministry caring for children in Uganda.
And when you give the book to someone else, you have an opportunity to introduce another family to the children and the ministry behind the story.
At 28 pages, Under the Banana Trees: Book One, This Little Light of Mine is a lovely addition to a family bookshelf, a Sunday school classroom, or a church library.
It can be shared with children and grandchildren, given as a birthday or Christmas gift, or read aloud as an invitation to talk about Scripture, friendship, and serving others.
Published in October 2025, it is the first book in the Under the Banana Trees series, written and illustrated by Lucille Brown.
My hope is that the story will help children think not only about what they can learn from the Bible, but also about how God's Word should shape the way they treat the people around them.
Come and sit beneath the banana trees, meet the children, and follow along as their preparation for a Bible Bee becomes a lesson in faith, friendship, and sharing the light of Christ.
Then, when the last page is turned, remember that the story continues in a very real way through the work of Rescue the Poor Uganda.
A children's story with a message rooted in Scripture, and a purpose that reaches beyond the page.
Written and illustrated by Lucille Brown
All proceeds support Rescue the Poor Uganda