The Dill-emma of Pickleton

We are all faced with making decisions each day of our lives.

Choosing to do the right thing may not always be easy, but choosing the wrong thing can lead to big trouble. Sometimes we have no idea how to decide. The good news is, God will guide us and tell our hearts what to do.

One thing is for sure, it always feels right to treat others kindly.

“I love the power and subtlety of The Dill-emma of Pickelton. With humor and heart, it shows children how to navigate the sometimes-scary world of online and social media while reminding us all that kindness should always lead the way.”

—Amanda Cumbo, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MA “The Dill-ema of Pickleton is a fun, clever, and relevant story that "hits you right there!" As a parent and middle school teacher, I can clearly see all the uplifting messages we try to teach our children for this world.

Delight in diversity, compassion in conflict, security in imperfections, and peace within redemption; it's all in the dining hall. Don't just read it.

Please share it with your friends and family!

—John Wilson, middle school social studies teacher

The Dill-ema of Pickleton

“Bucleigh Newton Kernodle paints a vivid picture of a day in the life of a Middle Schooler and the pressures that arise minute by minute. This is a great read for all ages!”

—Gina Lister, middle school math teacher

Bucleigh Newton Kernodle

The Dill-emma of Pickleton

by Bucleigh Newton Kernodle copyright ©2026 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 mybook@headlinebooks.com www.HeadlineBooks.com Published by Headline Books Headline Kids is an imprint of Headline Books ISBN-13: 9781958914878 Library of Congress Number on file with the Library of Congress

P R I N T E D

I N

T H E

U N I T E D

S T A T E S

O F

A M E R I C A

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:31-32

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The village of Pickleton is usually a happy one Filled with pickle people and a shining sun.

The families show lots of character and charm.

They like to help others and steer clear from harm.

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But no one is perfect. They all have some kind of flaw.

Each pickle struggles some way, it’s the natural law.

The Breadenbutters are kind-hearted but can be clumsy spears.

The Sours, though harsh at times, are wise beyond their years.

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Want to play?

...

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The Koshers, are beautiful but can sometimes be vain.

The Spicys are zesty but have learned to contain...

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That fire that rises up when they’re mad,

It goes away with self-control, I must add.

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The Dills are the most helpful but always get in a pickle.

The Sweetlys are so sweet but get too gushy when tickled.

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Even if they all have blemishes and stains, They like to give grace, and their kindness remains.

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They help their fellow neighbors down to a tee, And they know living by the Fruit of the Spirit is key.

“Are you okay?”

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But they are not perfect.

No one is.

Even pickles have faults, flaws and frizz!

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It all started just like any other Pickleton day.

The pickle families got ready for work, school or play.

Relish Breadenbutter headed to Pickleton City Hall.

Daddy Dill got ready for his game of pickleball.

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Hallie-Peño and Bitter did each other’s makeup, While Krunchy Kosher was of course late waking up.

Some days are simple and easy.

They love it when it’s calm and breezy!

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But some days are hard, when nothing goes right, The pickles can be prickly just out of spite.

This day, in particular, nothing went as planned, In the middle school cafeteria, trouble was at hand.

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It started when Vinney Breadenbutter tripped over a chair, Spilled his tray of food. It all landed in Sister Dill’s hair!

They both were mortified while everyone looked around.

But they were interrupted with a horrible screeching sound.

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It was Candy Sweetly screaming in utter fright, As a pickle mouse scurried over and gave her a tiny bite.

“YOWCH!!! EEEEEK!!!! IT BIT ME!” she yelled.

Most pickles missed the chaos because of something that smelled.

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“Ew! What stinks? It’s awful!”

Salty Sour declared.

It came from where Krispy Kosher was, so now everyone glared.

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He had just put on new hair gel to give him an extra swoop.

But, regrettably, the gel had a stench to it like an old chicken coop!

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“Ew. You’re gross, Krispy!” Hallie-Peño exclaimed, “That smell makes my tummy hurt!”

And just like that, she threw up on Savory Sour’s skirt.

Ew!

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A domino effect took place when many more threw up too.

It became such a stinky mess, no one knew what to do.

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Just then, a horrible choice by Bitter was made,

When she grabbed her phone instead of coming to anyone’s aid.

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She thought it was funny so she filmed the whole scene.

And posted it online for all of the tweens and teens.

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It was an undeniable disaster just to see it in real life.

But online pickles saw it too, so it was a major strife!

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It was embarrassing for the whole pack of pickles in all.

The teachers had to step in to regulate and overhaul.

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So many pickles cried that this would never be forgotten.

Because Bitter filmed it, they all just felt rotten.

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Principal Ferment put a stop to the whole thing.

He spoke with eloquence to calm the disastrous sting.

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“Yes, this is bad and unfair. You could even say it stinks.”

He looked at Krispy Kosher with a couple winks.

“Have we all forgotten what God told us to hold dear?

Sometimes hard things happen.

We may even shed a tear.”

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“But with all that comes endurance, character and hope.”

He said as he taught them how to cope.

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“Hope never brings shame. Tomorrow is another day.

“Mistakes happen but God’s love endures in every way.”

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“He will love you no matter how your hair flows.

“Your regret can be forgiven, just ask him. He knows.

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“He chose you to be here, I hope that brings you serenity.

“A recorded mistake cannot be your identity.”

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“He will provide, guide, and love you through it all.

Just hang tight. The bad memories will all soon fall.

“We will all learn from this mess.

Pointing and laughing only causes stress.

“Next time, wouldn’t it be nice to lend a helping hand?

Check on your friend and give them a quick scan.

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“Afterall, no one is perfect, you know?

Now everyone, back to lunch. Get on with the show.”

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The whole pack of pickles remembered that helping their fellow neighbor, Always felt rewarding, it never felt like labor.

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Brother Dill helped Vinney up off of the dirty floor.

Bitter took down the video. She wouldn’t post embarrassing things anymore.

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“I’m sorry I said you were gross.”

Hallie-Peño apologized to Krispy, “I’m sorry I said you were gross.”

Candy cleaned up Sister Dill’s hair and then she hugged her close.

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The rest of the pickles found cleaning supplies, so they scrubbed, rinsed and cleaned.

They had a lot to do until it was all “greened.”

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It all was washed away not a speck of dirt remained.

All the bad memories were gone and left nothing stained.

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Amazing how it is, as if none of it even took place.

They will forget it all, even the looks on everyone’s face.

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The important thing is they supported each friend.

It may have taken them a minute to remember, but they figured it out in the end.

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“Remember, this too shall pass.

“Especially when you’re in class.”

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“The hard stuff can be a bit much, But God is there for you to reach out and touch.

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“He will give you strength and never leave you behind.

“You’re not alone. Just look for Him and you will always find.”

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Your Go-To Bible Verses When it comes to middle school, there are a lot of challenges you may face each day. The good news is you are not alone.

Each day is a new beginning. God can also give you the hope and comfort you are looking for in times of uncertainty.

Below are Bible verses to reference whenever you may need a boost of encouragement.

You are not alone...

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”

Psalm 37:23-24 NIV Helping others sparks joy within you...

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10 ESV

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Each day is a chance for a new start...

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV He has a plan for your future...

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV Do not worry or stress...

“Always be gentle with others. The Lord will soon be here.

Don’t worry about anything but pray about everything.

With thankful hearts, offer up your prayers and requests to God.” Philippians 4:5-6 CEV God will give you strength...

“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.”

Isaiah 40:31 NIV

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Acts of Kindness Helping others just feels good! Not only does it make someone else feel good, but it also enhances your life too!

Here are some ideas to spread kindness and help someone today.

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Smile or say hello to someone new in the hall

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Write a nice email to your teacher

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Ask someone sitting alone to join you

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Cheer up a friend in need of cheering up

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If someone needs help, offer a hand or a shoulder to cry on

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Let your parents know you appreciate all they do

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Give 5 compliments to 5 different people

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Leave a kind note or text to your friend

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Encourage your teammates with high fives

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Say “good game” to your team opponents

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Make a bracelet or necklace for someone

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If the trash cans are full, empty them BEFORE your parents have to ask

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Paint rocks with kind words and leave them at the park for others

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Donate your clothes and/or toys

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Make cookies for your neighbors

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Serve food at a shelter

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Visit a nursing home or a hospital

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Give your brother or sister a hug

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Bring an extra snack to school just in case someone needs it

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Thank your teacher for their help

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Hold the door open for someone

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Take baked goods to the Police or Fire Station

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Invite someone new to your lunch table And Never Forget The Golden Rule:

TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WOULD WANT TO BE TREATED

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The Different Pickles Of The World Dill Pickle • the most popular choice worldwide • Salty, tangy, vinegar-based brine or salt-based brine Kosher Pickle • coarser saltiness and more garlic than the dill • goes great on sandwiches Bread and Butter Pickle • small and round • pickle chip sized to stack on burgers, and sandwiches • sweeter than dill with sweet onions, mustard and celery taste Gherkins • small in size, about 1-2 inches • can be sweet or sour depending on the brine • go great on a charcuterie board or for snacking Cornichons (or French Gherkins) • similar to gherkins in size but smaller • tart, salty usually fermented with herbs like dill, tarragon or pepper

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Sour Pickle • there are two kinds of sour pickles: full sour and half sour • The full sour is a very sharp and tart flavor as they are fermented over 12 weeks • The half sour is still sour but only fermented around 6 weeks. They also have more crunchiness than full sour due to the smaller amount of fermentation.

German Pickle (Senfgurken) • senfgurken translates to mustard pickle • the skin is peeled off before it is fermented therefore it is softer and not as crunchy as other pickles • taste sweet and sour Hungarian Pickles • similar to the dill taste however it is a very unique fermentation. White bread is added to the jar and it is placed in the sun for at least 3 days.

Spicy Pickles • hot in flavor and packs a punch on the tongue. Fermented with peppers, jalapeños, or habernero peppers • the juice is good for marinades and salad dressings Kool-Aid Pickles (Koolickles) • dill pickles coated in sugar and fermented with a KoolAid packet.

• the color of the pickle will change depending on the Kool-Aid color • these are found typically in the southern states of America 61

Pickle Facts* *history.com

• Drinking the juice gets rid of cramps faster than water for athletes because its electrolytes and vinegar content help muscle recovery.

• Pickling began in 2400 BC and the famous Cleopatra ate pickles to add to her health and legendary beauty in 50 BC. • Christopher Columbus gave pickles to his sailors, and even grew cucumbers in Haiti to restock for more trips in 1492.

• In the 1940s, the U.S. government rationed pickles from 40% of the nation’s pickles and gave them to the armed forces during World War 2.

• Americans eat about 9 pounds of pickles per person every year!

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Cyber Safety Tips (Always and Never lists)

1. Always share, say, or post nice things. Think long and hard before you post!

2. Always treat others the way you would want to be treated online 3. Always ask your parents before you download anything or before you visit a new website 4. Always and ONLY accept friend requests from friends you actually know personally 5. Always tell your parents if you ever see something you know in your heart is wrong 6. Always tell your parents if someone is bullying you online 7. Never tell your phone number, address, school, or full name online. Use an avatar and a screen name you can create on your own for your identity.

8. Never tell your friends your passwords 9. Never talk to strangers online, only talk to friends you know personally 10. Never click on popup ads 63

Be sure to check out

The Pickles of Pickleton and

Pickleball in Pickleton to learn other ways God shows us unconditional love!

Award-winning author Bucleigh Newton Kernodle is a Charlotte native and has always been passionate about 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 in a desire to write children’s books. Her “I Would Love You Even If ” Series has won the Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year, Gold Mom’s Choice Award Winner, Next Generation Indie Book Award winners, Readers’ Favorite International Book Award recipient, and more. Her faith in God is where she finds her direction.

We are all faced with making decisions each day of our lives.

Choosing to do the right thing may not always be easy, but choosing the wrong thing can lead to big trouble. Sometimes we have no idea how to decide. The good news is, God will guide us and tell our hearts what to do.

One thing is for sure, it always feels right to treat others kindly.

“I love the power and subtlety of The Dill-emma of Pickelton. With humor and heart, it shows children how to navigate the sometimes-scary world of online and social media while reminding us all that kindness should always lead the way.”

—Amanda Cumbo, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MA “The Dill-ema of Pickleton is a fun, clever, and relevant story that "hits you right there!" As a parent and middle school teacher, I can clearly see all the uplifting messages we try to teach our children for this world.

Delight in diversity, compassion in conflict, security in imperfections, and peace within redemption; it's all in the dining hall. Don't just read it.

Please share it with your friends and family!

—John Wilson, middle school social studies teacher

The Dill-ema of Pickleton

“Bucleigh Newton Kernodle paints a vivid picture of a day in the life of a Middle Schooler and the pressures that arise minute by minute. This is a great read for all ages!”

—Gina Lister, middle school math teacher