The Backyard Library
A cozy, organized repository of books, chapter series, standalone parables, and bedtime devotionals.
The Luminous Covenant
Follow little Hope, Aunt Maggie, Russ, and Max as they move into the Cottage and discover the living wonder of the Backyard and Elena’s green journal.
Prologue — Before the Story Began
Elena's journal by the desk, early memories of Whisper, and the foundation of faith.
Chapter 1 — Packing Up the Old House
Cardboard boxes in the hallway, the truck drive to the ridge, and arriving at the Cottage.
Chapter 2 — The Unlocked Latch
Lifting the oak-leaf latch on the wooden gate and hearing Carl the pigeon speak for the first time.
Chapter 3 — The Great Oak’s Secret
Finding Elena's green journal tucked between Whisper's mossy roots.
Standalone Parables & Character Stories
Benny the Bear & The Red Sea of Doubt
When sudden rushing waters block the forest path, Benny shows little Milo how quiet strength and trusting God calms anxious hearts.
Read Parable →Arnie the Ant & The Builders Beneath the Oak
Arnie hands a golden honey biscuit to an old veteran ant outside the Sugar Crust Diner, teaching children the true meaning of honor.
Read Parable →Lily & Charlie Fox: A Story of Acceptance
The red and gray foxes race through the tall meadow grass, discovering how grace welcomes others just as Christ welcomes us.
Read Parable →Carl the Pigeon & The Door of the Heart
Carl carries a message across the ridge, showing how gentle words and patience open doors that force cannot unlock.
Read Parable →The Backyard is Growing
Dear Friends of the Backyard,
If you’ve visited us lately, you may have noticed some changes — and more are coming. For a while we tried to grow in many directions at once. We added lessons and structures that, while well-meant, began to pull us away from the simple, living heart of this place. The Backyard was always meant to be a story world full of talking animals, quiet adventures, and gentle truths — a place of comfort, wonder, and love.
So we are returning to that original purpose. The stories you love will remain, the characters will stay, and Whisper the Great Oak will still keep watch with her hollow about ten feet up. But the tone, the layout, the images, and the focus will feel more like the Backyard we first imagined — playful, warm, and full of life.
With love and a full satchel of stories,
Russ the Storyteller