Melody Carlson Books in Order

This illustrated rhyming book retells Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders for children. The contrasting houses introduce the importance of a firm foundation through a playful version of the Bible story.

This study guide introduces contemplative Bible reading as a way to combine Scripture with prayer. Instructions for individual practice and group sessions help readers move from studying passages toward reflection, conversation with God and attention to their spiritual lives.

This practical guide introduces running an in-home childcare business as a way to earn income while remaining home with children. It focuses on establishing a childcare service within the family home.

This collection gathers Bible verses offering comfort in difficult times and encouragement in joyful ones. Selections from several translations present Scripture without added commentary, inviting readers to reflect directly on God's promises and care.

Anna Apple faces challenges that introduce young children to a fruit of the Spirit. This shaped board book pairs a simple character story with movable limbs, inviting toddlers to explore Christian virtues through play.

Young Benjamin follows Jesus through Jerusalem during Holy Week, collecting special treasures in a wooden box. His discoveries introduce children to the events surrounding Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection through a child’s perspective.

Gladys Grape introduces preschoolers to a fruit of the Spirit through challenges that put her special trait into practice. Movable arms and legs turn the shaped board book into a playful companion for learning about Christian character.

This children’s Bible presents more than one hundred stories and Scripture passages, spanning creation through Jesus’ Second Coming. It introduces young readers to the biblical narrative through selections from both the Old and New Testaments.

Forty-one short, rhyming Bible stories introduce young children to familiar accounts from the Old and New Testaments. Colorful illustrations accompany the stories in a small book designed for sharing at bedtime or other quiet moments.

After nearly twenty years away, Meg Lancaster returns to Oregon’s coast following a broken relationship in San Francisco. Estranged relatives and a dispute over the family cranberry bog complicate her hopes of rebuilding her life.

Twenty-three Bible stories from the Old and New Testaments are adapted to the tunes of traditional lullabies. The collection lets adults introduce familiar biblical accounts while singing with young children at bedtime.

Lyle Lemon learns to put a fruit of the Spirit into practice when challenges arise. Designed for toddlers and preschoolers, this character-shaped board book combines a simple story about Christian virtues with movable arms and legs.

This Bible activity book combines forty familiar stories with hundreds of picture questions for young children. Its question-and-answer format turns shared reading into a game that introduces biblical stories and invites children to participate.

Shy Penny Pear has only the flowers in her garden for friends. As she learns to treat people gently, this shaped board book introduces young children to friendship and gentleness through a fruit character’s story.

Pineapple Paul encounters challenges that help him practice a fruit of the Spirit. His story introduces toddlers and preschoolers to Christian character through a shaped board book with movable limbs that encourage children to play along.

Two children collecting shells discover a mysterious woman they call the Sea Hag. Their frightening assumptions about her begin to change as they get to know her, introducing a story about respect and friendship.

Strawberry Sam introduces young children to love and friendship in an illustrated Fruit Troop board book. Shaped pages and bendable arms and legs make the character both a book to read and a toy to pose.

This rhyming picture book retells the story of Noah’s ark with a playful look at its crowded passengers. Children follow the adventure of a boat filled with animals that have been confined together for too long.

Grace, the smallest angel, leaves heaven to become the star guiding the way at Christmas. Her willingness to give herself to this task introduces children to sacrifice and generosity through an imaginative Christmas story.

Tupsu is a squirrel struggling with fear. This illustrated story introduces children to trusting God rather than living afraid, using an animal character to explore how faith can change the way he faces his worries.

Widowed Kestra returns to the Oregon coast and buys the stone mansion she admired as a child. As she turns it into a restaurant, a mysterious stranger and a jealous contractor complicate her new beginning.

Two houses face the consequences of their foundations in this rhyming retelling of Jesus' teaching about building on rock or sand. The contrast introduces children to a biblical lesson about what makes a life secure.

Allison O’Brian begins high school in Oregon, hoping to fit in and enjoy life with her father. When he asks her to keep a troubling secret, she must weigh loyalty against possible harm to those she loves.

Free from caring for her grandmother, Emma Davis leaves Iowa on a Pacific cruise. In Papua New Guinea, caring for three motherless children and befriending their widowed father gives her an unexpected sense of purpose.

Reunited with her father, Allison O’Brian is forced to leave Oregon when her movie-star mother sends for her. At summer camp, secrets about her family and a custody dispute threaten the future she hoped to build.

A colourfully illustrated Christmas storybook accompanies a kit for baking Nativity characters and arranging them around a cardboard stable. Families can read the story together while creating cookies that bring the Christmas scene to life.

Abandoned by her fiancé shortly before their wedding, teacher Jayne Morgan wants to leave Paradise, Oregon. Her commitment to her pupils keeps her there, while meeting Harris McAllister brings new lessons in love and tolerance.

A wealthy boy must leave home to live with poorer relatives in Bethlehem. His changed circumstances bring him into contact with a couple expecting a special baby, introducing children to the meaning of Jesus’ birth.

In 1948, fourteen-year-old Allison O’Brian avoids summer camp by hiding in her movie-star mother’s New York penthouse. A letter from a grandfather she never knew sends her searching for the family history her mother has concealed.

Widow Gwen Sullivan faces an empty home when her daughter leaves for college and takes a difficult interior-design job. A project with mysterious Oliver Black offers new confidence, but trusting him with her heart proves harder.

Weeds begin taking over Fruitville, but three villagers insist they are harmless flowers. This children’s story draws on Jesus’ parable of the wheat and tares to explore recognizing and removing harmful things from life.

Twins Nick and Holly search their grandfather’s attic for Christmas decorations and discover treasures with deeper meanings. Grandpa uses the objects to explain names for Jesus and introduce the Christian meaning of Christmas.

Reporter Maggie Carpenter leaves Los Angeles with her teenage son, hoping for safety in Pine Mountain, Oregon. The struggling town needs renewal, and her efforts to help bring both friendships and unexpected enemies.

Fourteen-year-old Allison O’Brian looks forward to a traditional family Christmas in her new Oregon home in 1948. A call from her movie-star mother threatens to disrupt the holiday and the settled life she has begun to enjoy.

Children explore the rooms of a house through illustrated activities and new vocabulary. Alongside this introduction to familiar spaces, the board book shares the Christian teaching that God lives in people’s hearts.

Counting pictures of flowers, insects, planets, and other familiar things introduce the numbers from ten to one. Rhyming text and illustrations pair early number skills with the Christian message that children can rely on God's love.

At bedtime, a shepherd counts his flock and discovers that one lamb is missing. His search continues through the night in this rhyming retelling of Jesus' parable, introducing children to the idea of God's love.

One brother stays home and works hard, while the younger takes his father's money and leaves. When his adventure goes wrong, he wonders whether to return in this rhyming retelling of the prodigal son.

Thirty-one readings guide families through the Christmas story, from Creation to Christ's return. Written for children, the book includes questions for discussion, inviting parents and children to explore Christian beliefs together during the Advent season.

Sixteen-year-old Caitlin O'Conner records struggles with family, friendships, school, and romance in her diary. As she questions who she wants to become, her growing interest in Christian faith changes how she approaches teenage life.

Short Bible passages are paired with encouraging letters addressed to a secret pal. This devotional gift book offers brief messages to share with a special friend, bringing Scripture and personal encouragement together in a daily format.

Maggie Carpenter and her son Spencer are settling into Pine Mountain when Spencer finds a runaway girl seeking her biological father. Leah's search overlaps with a medical crisis in Maggie's family, raising difficult questions about reconciliation.

Farmer Brown sets out to sow his seeds, but not all of them land where they can grow. This illustrated, rhyming retelling of the parable of the sower explores why good ground matters to a harvest.

Jenny, a new doll in Mr. Giovanni's toy shop, wants friends who care about more than appearances. When other toys reject anyone different, an old rabbit named Rabbie offers the possibility of a real friendship.

Boats, planes, bicycles, and trains introduce children to different ways of traveling. This illustrated board book builds vocabulary while presenting the Christian message that God accompanies young travelers wherever they go and however they get there.

Animals from around the world help children learn new words in this illustrated board book. Rhyming text connects the creatures' different shapes and sizes with the Christian idea that every animal is special because God created it.

Blackbeary invites children into Beary Patch to hear how God gave him peace. This illustrated board book introduces a bear sharing the changes in his heart, connecting a familiar character with a Christian spiritual lesson.

Hucklebeary welcomes children to Beary Patch and tells them how God gave him love. This illustrated board book shares a bear's story about changes in his heart, introducing young readers to a Christian fruit of the Spirit.

Razzbeary welcomes children to Beary Patch and tells them how God brought joy into his heart. This illustrated board book uses a bear's own story to introduce young readers to a Christian fruit of the Spirit.

Caitlin O'Conner starts a summer job and prepares for a church mission trip to Mexico. Her new faith commitments compete with loyalty to her pregnant best friend, Beanie, as she weighs friendship, romance, and responsibility.

Hannah counts her money and discovers that a coin is missing. Her determined search becomes a rhyming story for children, retelling Jesus' parable of the lost coin and exploring the value of finding what was lost.

Maggie didn't move to Oregon in search of romance, but her connection with Jed Whitewater suggests a new possibility. As their relationship develops, she questions whether he can open his heart and share his life.

Twelve names for Christ provide the focus of this illustrated family devotional. Scripture, prayers, poetry, reflections, and stories explore titles such as Good Shepherd and Bread of Life, helping families consider their meaning in Christian worship.

Poetry, Scripture, and quotations explore the connections between women, including biological sisters and friends who feel like family. This gift book celebrates sisterhood as a relationship of the heart that can reach beyond shared ancestry.

Brief reflections encourage readers to slow down and notice signs of God's love in ordinary life. Carlson suggests small acts, from listening to an elderly person to forgiving an old hurt, as opportunities for attention and connection.

This anthology collects Christian stories set in distant places, with contributions from several authors. Tales of life abroad and encounters with faith bring different settings and experiences together, including stories connected with Eastern Europe and Africa.

Billy faces a choice between following his heart and going along with his friends. This illustrated Christian allegory explores peer pressure, personal decisions, and the importance of listening for God's guidance when a choice has consequences.

Fred, an ordinary man with little to his name, discovers a treasure map and must decide what to sacrifice to pursue it. Poetry and illustrations present his search as a story for young children.

This gift book offers encouragement to teachers and recognizes the influence they have on young minds. Its reflections express gratitude for the knowledge and wisdom teachers share, acknowledging a role that extends beyond individual school lessons.

Judith Blackwell returns to Cedar Crest after learning of her childhood best friend's sudden death. Searching for answers about Jasmine Morrison, she joins a police detective in uncovering secrets that challenge her memories and faith.

Short daily letters express a wife's love and encouragement for her husband, accompanied by prayers and Scripture references. The readings bring Christian faith into married life through reflections on the relationship and blessings offered from one spouse to another.

Forty-one Bible stories from the Old and New Testaments are retold in short rhymes for young children. Illustrations and simple language offer an introduction to familiar biblical events, designed for sharing at bedtime or other quiet moments.

Bluebeary invites children to Beary Patch to hear how God gave him goodness. This illustrated board book presents a bear's story about changes in his heart, introducing a Christian fruit of the Spirit to young readers.

Elderbeary has been grumpy and sad, but God brings a change to his heart through self-control. This illustrated board book uses a bear's experience to introduce young children to one of the Christian fruits of the Spirit.

Loganbeary invites children into Beary Patch to hear how God gave him kindness. His story joins those of his bear friends in an illustrated board book about the changes God makes in their hearts.

Mullbeary welcomes young readers to Beary Patch, where he and his friends share what God is doing in their hearts. This illustrated board book tells his story of receiving patience, introducing a Christian fruit of the Spirit.

Strawbeary's grumpy, unhappy heart begins to change when God gives him gentleness. Through this bear's story, an illustrated board book introduces young children to a Christian fruit of the Spirit and the difference it makes within him.

Cranbeary tells how fear and sadness shaped her life before she discovered God's faithfulness. This illustrated board book uses a bear's experience to introduce young children to faithfulness as one of the fruits of the Spirit.

Letters written from God's perspective address concerns teenagers face, including commitment, truth, sex, depression, and despair. These devotional messages apply Christian faith to difficult feelings and decisions, offering a personal format for reflecting on a relationship with God.

A boy makes a paper heart for the person he loves most, then encounters the many people who matter to him. As bedtime approaches, he still has his gift and considers love during his nightly prayers.

Maggie Carpenter and Jed Whitewater are planning a spring wedding when his former girlfriend arrives. Meanwhile, Maggie's work as a newspaper editor draws her into a land-development controversy that divides the community of Pine Mountain.

A tree proud of its appearance is chosen to become a royal Christmas tree. Its encounter with a little boy named Leo raises a different question about beauty, turning attention from outward splendor toward generosity and what lies within.

After losing her husband and young son, artist Claire Andrews retreats to a snowy cabin in the Cascade Mountains. Unable to paint and struggling with faith, she discovers mysterious footprints that challenge her isolation and despair.

Bible stories from the Old and New Testaments are retold in simple rhymes for babies and toddlers. Illustrations accompany the short readings, introducing young children to God and Jesus through stories that can be shared at bedtime.

Forty-one short, illustrated prayers introduce young children to talking with God about everyday life. Rhyming verses draw on experiences such as breakfast and giggling, encouraging gratitude and making prayer part of familiar moments with a parent or caregiver.

A worried child dreams of a bird and a flower, discovering how God cares for his creation. This illustrated story brings Jesus' teaching about tomorrow into a child's experience of anxiety and the search for reassurance.

After an abusive childhood and years in foster homes, Cassandra Jane Maxwell searches for belonging in the Jesus movement of the 1960s. A charismatic leader's California commune promises acceptance, but troubling changes threaten the refuge she hoped to find.

Mothers share experiences of loving sons caught in addiction, mental illness, gangs, and other painful struggles. Their personal accounts explore the uncertainty of parenting troubled children, drawing on Christian faith and support from other women facing similar circumstances.

An irritating neighbor makes kindness difficult for a child who would rather avoid him. With guidance from a grandmother, the child considers Jesus' command to love others and how it applies to someone who seems especially hard to like.

Caitlin O'Conner begins college hoping for a fresh start, but her roommate's behavior challenges her Christian convictions. Homesickness and difficulty fitting into campus fellowship leave her questioning where she belongs as she tries to build an independent life.

Biblical Proverbs are paraphrased for teenagers and organized around issues such as friendship, family, money, and mistakes. The collection connects scriptural wisdom with everyday choices, offering guidance for relationships and decisions during adolescence.

Jesus' teaching about giving without seeking recognition becomes a lesson for young children in doing good quietly. Drawing on Matthew 6:3-4, this illustrated book encourages acts of help and kindness without making praise their purpose.

God is the gardener, Jesus the vine, and his followers the branches in this preschool adaptation of Bruce Wilkinson's teaching. Simple language and colorful illustrations introduce small children to the biblical image of God's tender care.

A child's upsetting encounters with friends and family provide a setting for learning forgiveness. Jesus' teaching in Luke 6:37 connects everyday hurt feelings with showing grace to others, encouraging children to reconsider how they respond when things go wrong.

During her senior year, Caitlin O'Conner weighs a mission trip to Mexico against her parents' college plans. Questions about romance and misunderstandings surrounding Beanie's relationship with an African American boyfriend challenge Caitlin's faith, friendships, and understanding of prejudice.

A father asks his two sons to work, but their spoken answers do not match their actions. This illustrated retelling of Jesus' parable from Matthew 21:28-32 introduces young children to the difference between promises and obedience.

Kara Hendricks feels abandoned when her best friend, Jordan Ferguson, joins the popular crowd. Left outside a friendship she depended on, Kara struggles with loneliness, self-worth, and questions about who she is beyond another girl's approval.

Brilliant college senior Alice Laxton begins experiencing voices and visions as academic pressure mounts. Schizophrenia transforms her life and tests her family's ability to help, while questions of treatment and faith complicate her struggle to understand what is happening.

An imagined tour of heaven at Christmas considers how God might decorate for the celebration of Jesus' birth. The illustrated story connects heavenly preparations with angels and shepherds, inviting children to think about the meaning behind Christmas decorations.

Parker is a curious preschooler who likes to think about what happens around him. His questions about what, why, and how introduce young readers to exploring everyday life through the perspective of a child eager to understand.

Zoe wants to do things herself as she discovers her growing abilities. This illustrated story follows a young child's interest in independence, using familiar daily experiences to explore the excitement of trying tasks without someone else doing them.

Freshman Chloe Miller resists pressure to fit in while searching for an identity and questioning faith. Josh's younger sister channels her interest in music into an all-girl Christian band called Redemption, bringing her beliefs into school and friendships.

Chloe Miller's band Redemption wins a recording contract and tours with Iron Cross. Life on the road brings exhausting demands, while Laura's increasingly strange behavior leaves Chloe worried that her bandmate may be using drugs.

As Redemption attracts attention, Chloe Miller must distinguish genuine friends from people drawn to the band's success. A Nashville scout offers new possibilities, but music, school, family, and misplaced generosity complicate her growing confidence.

A young narrator feels frightened by the sights and sounds of Halloween. Told in rhyme, the story follows these nighttime fears and the child's efforts to find reassurance through prayer and a belief in God's presence.

Bitsy Spider plans an old-fashioned harvest party at her new pumpkin home. When everyone seems to have a different idea about what makes a good celebration, Bitsy becomes discouraged and begins doubting her own plans.