Matthew Paul Turner – författare

From the author and illustrator of the best-selling When God Made You comes a new illuminating message about God's design affirming young readers.'Let there be light!' that's what God said. And light began shining and then started to spread." Wild and creative illustrations from top children's illustrator David Catrow pair with Matthew Paul Turner's lyrical verse in this message of a God-made light that cuts through darkness to bring vision and hope to all young readers. This light radiates, chasing away the shadows, providing the wonder and fun of stargazing or firefly chasing. Most important, this light appears in each child--an inner God-given spark that grows and will be used to change the world.

He spent his childhood trapped within the confines of countless bizarre, strict rules. And lived to tell about it.In this first-hand account, author Matthew Paul Turner shares amusing–sometimes cringe-worthy–and poignant stories about growing up in a fundamentalist household, where even well-intentioned contemporary Christian music was proclaimed to be “of the devil.” churched is a collection of stories that detail an American boy’s experiences growing up in a culture where men weren’t allowed let their hair grow to touch their ears (“an abomination!”), women wouldn’t have been caught dead in a pair of pants (unless swimming), and the pastor couldn’t preach a sermon without a healthy dose of hellfire and brimstone. Matthew grapples with the absurdity of a Sunday School Barbie burning, the passionate annual boxing match between the pastor and Satan, and the holiness of being baptized a fifth time–while growing into a young man who, amidst the chaotic mess of religion, falls in love with Jesus.From the Hardcover edition.

Every Life Has a Soundtrack.  If you’ve ever had the opening bars of a song transport you back in time or remind you of a pivotal spiritual moment, Matthew Paul Turner’s honest—and frequently hilarious—musings will strike a chord. Straightforward and amusing, Hear No Evil is Turner’s “life soundtrack,” a compilation of engaging personal stories about how music—and music’s ability to transform—has played a key role in his spiritual life.  Groove along on his journey as young evangelical Turner attends forbidden contemporary Christian concerts, moves to “Music City” Nashville, and dreams of becoming the Michael Jackson of Christian music.  Cosmic and compelling, keen and funny, every page is a new encounter with the people, places, and experiences that have taught the music-editor-turned-author some new things about God, forced him out of his comfort zone, and introduced him to a fresh view of grace along the way.From the Trade Paperback edition.

USA TODAY, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, AND WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLERFrom the author of the best-selling When God Made You comes a new illuminating message about God's design affirming young readers.With lyricism, whimsy, and heartfelt emotion, Matthew Paul Turner reveals the tender emotions connected with watching a beloved child grow up and experience the world. Paired with Kimberley Barnes's vivid and playful illustrations, When I Pray for You is a beautifully affirming book, in which children and parents will see their own stories come to life. When I Pray for You celebrates the dreams, hopes, and longings parents pray over their children, and shares with the little ones how much care and concern a loved one feels for them. This is a book you will read to your child again and again. Perfect for any occasion, as well as for milestones including baby showers, birthdays, and graduations. From the moment I saw you, I started to pray.Big prayers and small ones I have sent God's way.I prayed you felt safe,full of joy and content.When I whispered "I love you,"you knew what I meant.

From the best-selling author of When God Made You and When God Made Light comes a beautifully affirming, deeply meaningful prayer from a parent to a loving God, asking for God''s presence and comfort over the life of a child.Something about seeing a beloved child come into the world, grow, and experience the wonder and pain of life drives adults to pray for the kids they love. Even people with no religious affiliation will pray for the well-being of a child. When I Pray for You celebrates the dreams, hopes, and longings we pray over our children, and shares with the little ones how much care, concern, and love a parent, family member, or friend feels for them.From the moment I saw you, I started to pray.Big prayers and small ones I have sent God''s way.I prayed you felt safe,full of joy and content.When I whispered "I love you,"you knew what I meant.

From the author of the bestselling children's book When God Made You comes a rhythmic, whimsical journey through creation--for little readers who love science and wonder and the beginnings of all things.For spiritual parents who are looking for a different kind of creation book, Matthew Paul Turner's When God Made the World focuses on the complex way that God created our vast and scientifically operating universe, including the biodiversity of life on our planet and the intricacies of a vast solar system. Scottish illustrator Gillian Gamble brings the natural world to vibrant life with rich colors and poignant detail certain to stretch young minds and engage imaginations.Planet Earth, God made a blue and green sphere,And designed it to orbit the sun once a year.God made daytime and nighttime, climates and seasons,And all kinds of weather that vary by region.God made continents and oceans, islands and seas,A north and south pole that God put in deep freeze.God carved rivers and brooks, mountains and caves,Made beaches with sand and huge crashing waves.God made tropics and plateaus, glaciers and meadows,marshes and tundras and erupting volcanos.

From the author of the bestselling children''s book When God Made You comes a rhythmic, whimsical journey through creation--for little readers who love science and wonder and the beginnings of all things.For spiritual parents who are looking for a different kind of creation book, Matthew Paul Turner''s When God Made the World focuses on the complex way that God created our vast and scientifically operating universe, including the biodiversity of life on our planet and the intricacies of a vast solar system. Scottish illustrator Gillian Gamble brings the natural world to vibrant life with rich colors and poignant detail certain to stretch young minds and engage imaginations.Planet Earth, God made a blue and green sphere,And designed it to orbit the sun once a year.God made daytime and nighttime, climates and seasons,And all kinds of weather that vary by region.God made continents and oceans, islands and seas,A north and south pole that God put in deep freeze.God carved rivers and brooks, mountains and caves,Made beaches with sand and huge crashing waves.God made tropics and plateaus, glaciers and meadows,marshes and tundras and erupting volcanos.

The best-selling author of When I Pray for You and When God Made You captures the wonder of Christmas in a lyrical exploration of what makes the season so colorful, magical, and personal to our hearts. In his trademark style, Matthew Paul Turner celebrates the Christmas season, particularly the colors that come with the holiday and all the memorable sensations connected to those bright hues. Christmas is RED.It''s a bright shiny sled.It''s candy canes, and toy store lanes.It''s sprinkles on sweet bread. It''s packages with bows, And Rudolph''s bright red noseIt''s pictures drawnAnd dressed-up lawnsAnd warm mittens when it snows.Matthew surrounds his readers into a whirling ribbon of the familiar reds and greens, and also other festive hues, including white, gold, blue, and brown. All the colors come together when readers are reminded that Christmas is YOU, that the holidays are nothing without being with the people we love, celebrating traditions, and making new memories--in vivid color.

A vibrant, adventurous exploration of how thanking God and others brings wonderful gifts to our own lives, from the bestselling author and illustrator of When God Made YouI’ll ask God to help me seeWhat being thankful really means.To help me know how gratitude growsAnd in my life is seen.Written in Matthew Paul Turner's signature rhyming style, When I Thank God helps kids understand the benefits of showing gratitude to God and others. Not only does it recognize everything God gives us and show love to the people God sends to bless us, but it does beautiful and amazing things in our own lives and hearts.’Cause when I thank GodA change happens in me,And I might get a glimpse of all I can be.

The best-selling favorite, now available as a board book! Whimsical rhyme and imaginative illustrations affirm that every child is God's unique creation and beloved by Him.YOU, you... God thinks about you.God was thinking of you long before your debut.From early on, children are looking to discover their place in the world and longing to understand how their personalities, traits, and talents fit in. The assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe is certain to help them spread their wings and fly. Through playful, charming rhyme and vivid, fantastical illustrations, When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God's divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves. 'Cause when God made YOU, somehow God knewThat the world needed someone exactly like you!

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The late, beloved Rachel Held Evans answers many children's first question about God in this gorgeous picture book, fully realized by her friend Matthew Paul Turner, the bestselling author of When God Made You.Children who are introduced to God, through attending church or having loved ones who speak about God, often have a lot of questions, including this ever-popular one: What is God like? The late Rachel Held Evans loved the Bible and loved showing God’s love through the words and pictures found in that ancient text. Through these pictures from the Bible, children see that God is like a shepherd, God is like a star, God is like a gardener, God is like the wind, and more. God is a comforter and support.And whenever a child is unsure, What Is God Like? encourages young hearts to “think about what makes you feel safe, what makes you feel loved, and what makes you feel brave. That's what God is like.”

In this vibrant picture book adventure, the authors of the #1 New York Times bestseller What Is God Like? invite children to learn about the Bible—what it tells us about God and what God says about us!Children have been wondering about the Bible for centuries. What do all these long-ago stories have to do with each other—and with me? This whimsical and lyrical book, inspired by the work and ideas of the late Rachel Held Evans and completed by her good friend Matthew Paul Turner, explains that the Bible is a big library of amazing stories about God, the world, and Jesus. When you read those stories, you will understand the world differently—and you can make the world different too. What Is the Bible? is a spectacular journey, guiding children to see how God's story and our own lives are delightfully intertwined. Kids and parents alike will see that God's story is big enough to be found all over the world and close enough to find in our own hearts.

USA TODAY, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, AND WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER • From the author of the bestselling When God Made You comes an illuminating message about God's design affirming young readers.With lyricism, whimsy, and heartfelt emotion, Matthew Paul Turner reveals the tender emotions connected with watching a beloved child grow up and experience the world. Paired with Kimberley Barnes's vivid and playful illustrations, When I Pray for You is a beautifully affirming book, in which children and parents will see their own stories come to life. When I Pray for You celebrates the dreams, hopes, and longings parents pray over their children, and shares with the little ones how much care and concern a loved one feels for them. This is a book you will read to your child again and again. Perfect for any occasion, as well as for milestones including baby showers, birthdays, and graduations. From the moment I saw you, I started to pray.Big prayers and small ones I have sent God's way.I prayed you felt safe,full of joy and content.When I whispered "I love you,"you knew what I meant.

A beautiful celebration of the unique, strong, and wonderful traits in every child—and how God delights in each and every one—from the bestselling author of When God Made You.I Am God’s Dream is a deeply encouraging exploration of the unique strengths, curiosities, and desires in every kid. In this deeply affirming picture book, children will see how God celebrates and adores each of us—and why we should be proud to be who we are. Kids of all faith traditions will receive in these pages the gift of empowerment, purpose, and ownership over their own faith perspective early on through Matthew Paul Turner’s lyrical phrasing: I'm playful and braveI'm a one-kid paradeI'm gonna be who I am ‘cause I'm wonderfully made In I Am God's Dream, kids will discover:• The truth that God loves us deeply, and delights in who we are• The unique strengths and traits that make up our lives• The beautiful richness in diversity Parents and children alike will be encouraged in these vivid and empowering pages.

A joyous reminder that every child was created by God with infinite beauty and purpose, told in fun-to-read rhymes with a powerful message and vibrant illustrations—from the New York Times bestselling author of When God Made YouAll that God saw when God designed you was beauty and purpose and everything true.In a loud and confusing world, every child needs to know they belong, they always have belonged, and they always will belong. This gorgeously illustrated picture book encourages children to recognize their belonging so deeply that they are free to be their most authentic selves, certain that God created everyone exactly as they are supposed to be.In You Will Always Belong, children will discover:• The truth that we matter to God and were designed with purpose• Encouragement towards acceptance and contentment• The gentle reminder that the people who truly love us love ALL parts of us

YOU, you… God thinks about you.God was thinking of you long before your debut.From early on, children are looking to discover their place in the world and longing to understand how their personalities, traits, and talents fit in. The assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe is certain to help them spread their wings and fly.  Through playful, charming rhyme and vivid, fantastical illustrations, When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God’s divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves.  ‘Cause when God made YOU, somehow God knewThat the world needed someone exactly like you!

YOU, you… God thinks about you. God was thinking of you long before your debut.From early on, children are looking to discover their place in the world and longing to understand how their personalities, traits, and talents fit in. Knowing that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe is certain to help them spread their wings and fly.      Written in playful, charming rhyme and brought to life with vivid, fantastical illustrations, young readers will be encouraged and excited to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God’s divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin create for themselves.   ‘Cause when God made YOU, somehow God knew That the world needed someone exactly like you!

From the author and illustrator of the best-selling When God Made You comes a new illuminating message about God''s design affirming young readers.''Let there be light!'' that''s what God said. And light began shining and then started to spread." Wild and creative illustrations from top children''s illustrator David Catrow pair with Matthew Paul Turner''s lyrical verse in this message of a God-made light that cuts through darkness to bring vision and hope to all young readers. This light radiates, chasing away the shadows, providing the wonder and fun of stargazing or firefly chasing. Most important, this light appears in each child--an inner God-given spark that grows and will be used to change the world.

"A JOURNEY OF PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION, BUSINESS SUCCESS & FALLING BACK IN LOVE WITH YOUR VISION"There was a time you thought The Hustle was the answer.... That if you worked hard you would eventually "figure it out".That time has passed. You now desire greater balance, freedom, and peace. You have a huge vision for your business, but don''t want it to come at the expense of your health... mental wellbeing... relationships... and Personal Transformation.But can you have both? Is it even possible in this fast-paced world?YES... and it isn''t nearly as difficult as you imagine.Beyond The Pale shows you how: a fable for today''s overworked and overwhelmed entrepreneur, influencer, and executive. It follows Ferdinand Foy, a successful Silicon Valley CEO that on the outside seems to have it all.But on the inside is beginning to question everything!... asking: is this really it... is this what I want?Ripped apart by this seemingly common question, Beyond The Pale takes you on a unique and inspiring adventure with Ferdinand, which you will relate to on so many levels if you''re:*a fast-paced, ambitious individual who''s always switched on...*forever comparing yourself to others (and future you)...*struggling to find peace in the moment, always focussed on what comes next...*pursuing real, meaningful, and long-lasting personal transformation...Through Beyond The Pale, you''ll finally ask the right questions, inspired to build a life that offers greater balance, peace, wealth, and purpose.Here are just a few topics you''ll experience with Ferdinand...- Mindset and its relationship with decision-making- Finding Flow and living life inside it each day- The eye-opening world of Psychedelics in business- Building alignment between your Mind + Body + Spirit- Overcoming Self-Doubt, Insecurity & Trust (and replacing it with love)- Defining Success on your terms and pursuing real personal transformationBeyond The Pale is the first book in a trilogy that explores the relationship between your work & life. Until now, so much of what you''ve been taught is built on outdated and incomplete beliefs.It''s time to step ''Beyond Your Own Pale'' and explore what your life could be like with Ferdinand as your trusted (if not imperfect) guide.

The bestselling author of When God Made You and When I Pray for You captures the wonder of Christmas and the joy of Jesus' birth in a lyrical exploration of what makes the season so colorful, magical, and personal. In his trademark style, Matthew Paul Turner celebrates the Christmas season, particularly the colors that infuse the holiday and all the memorable sensations and experiences—including a festive market, sledding, and nativity scene—connected to those bright hues. Matthew draws his readers into a whirling ribbon of the familiar reds and greens of Christmas, as well as other festive hues, including white, gold, blue, and brown.Christmas is RED.It's a bright shiny sled.It's candy canes,and toy store lanes.It's sprinkles on sweet bread. Christmas is BROWN It’s pinecones scattered round… It’s a cradle soft with hay And a donkey’s gentle bray.   It’s God within a baby’s skin on that very first Christmas Day.   All the colors come together when readers are reminded that Christmas is YOU—you’re a part of the story, the joy and the glory! Matthew shows us again and again that the holidays are nothing without being with the people we love, celebrating treasured traditions, and making new memories—all in vivid color.