What is The Kids'
Green Pepper Project?
The Kids’ Green Pepper Project teaches Core Values using a pepper with its 153 seeds.
Each seed represents a Core Value (i.e. honesty, respect, encouragement). Some seeds should be planted and grown. Some should be thrown away—discarded. Others are still sleeping—dormant—waiting to grow when we are ready to learn.
Follow along through the book series as Riley explores one seed at a time and builds his Core Values. Each seed helps Riley make better choices, build his character, and learn right from wrong.
Everyone needs boundaries and behaviors to live by—these are called Core Values. They help us do the right thing, choose the best behavior, and make smart decisions.
Some days, our Core Values will be tested by situations or people. No matter what or who tests us, we always have a choice—plant the right seed, discard the seed that creates unwanted behavior, or wake up the dormant seed. The choice is to set an example and do what is right.
Core Values guide us, even when it is hard. They help us grow, build trust, and become the best version of ourselves.
Read the Whole Series!
Designed for children 4-10, each book teaches a core value necessary for growth as a good citizen. Each book includes a story, coloring pages, questions for discussion, a drawing page, and an activity.
Meet the Author, Sheila Jones
Sheila Jones is an educator, teacher, and trainer certified through the Center for Teacher Effectiveness. She teaches in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and is an award-winning children’s book author, Lancaster STEM Alliance Ambassador, and board member of the Literacy Association of Tennessee.
In 2023, Sheila created The Kids’ Green Pepper Project, a character development and core values initiative designed to help children plant the seeds of generosity, respect, honesty, patience and other positive character traits. Since its launch, she has connected with educators, parents, and children across eight states through literacy events, school programs, and Green Pepper activities that have engaged thousands of families.
Sheila is excited to celebrate the launch of the Share A Pepper Summer Program and invites you to join the fun as children discover the power of growing peppers, growing character, and growing greatness.
Meet the Illustrator, Nate Blome
The cartoons were drawn by NATE BLOME, a sixteen-year-old (in 2026 at time of publication), who can’t wait to grow up and work on his art and drama passions full-time.
