“I wrote this book to help children and youth see the Bible as one continuous story of God’s love for man and His faithfulness to His Word,” remembers Dorla Schlitt.
That simple mission—connecting hearts to the unbroken thread of God’s redemption—has guided Dorla’s life as both an educator and author. Over the years, she’s shared that vision in classrooms, Sunday schools, and through beloved children’s resources from publishers like Lifeway and Thomas Nelson. But it all comes together in her latest work, The Adventure of the Scarlet Thread: The Promise Fulfilled a visually rich and theologically grounded book that traces the “scarlet thread” of God’s promise from Genesis to the arrival of the Savior.
“In the book,” she explains, “the ‘scarlet thread’ is a symbol of the temporary provision God made for His Old Testament covenant people, which led to the fulfillment of the promise in the New Testament with the coming of the Savior.”
Dorla and her husband—Petra frontman John Schlitt—couldn’t be more excited about how the book has been received.
“I am so proud of Dorla!” says John. “She is in her element when she is teaching or writing. She’s amazing!”
“I am so excited to share The Adventure of the Scarlet Thread: The Promise Fulfilled with children and youth, as well as their parents and teachers,” Dorla adds. “It’s a simple presentation of the profound truth of God’s eternal plan of salvation through His Son, Jesus.”
Released in January 2025 by Fitting Words and Nana Books, the title quickly became an Amazon best-seller, winning over readers with its stunning illustrations by Kory Miller (Park Street Studio, LLC) and its gentle-yet-bold presentation of Scripture’s grand narrative. The book has proven to be a favorite among Christian families, homeschoolers, churches, and ministry leaders looking for a tool to help kids understand how the Bible connects as one complete, Spirit-breathed story.
But now, Dorla is building on that momentum.
This spring, she released a brand-new Educator’s Guidebook—a full companion resource designed to help teachers of any skill level bring The Scarlet Thread to life in group settings like Christian schools, homeschool co-ops, Sunday school classrooms, and VBS programs. Whether you’re a veteran educator or a wide-eyed volunteer wondering what to say to a room full of wiggly second graders, this guide was made for you.
“As a teacher and a parent, myself, I am so thrilled the Educator’s Guidebook to The Adventure of the Scarlet Thread: The Promise Fulfilled is now available!” Dorla says. “The user-friendly guide will enable anyone who wants to extend and enrich their student’s learning experience. Everything you would want to assist you, and more is at your fingertips!”
The new guidebook is packed with step-by-step lessons, creative openings and closings, and multisensory activitiesdesigned to engage children with the truth of God’s Word. Each lesson is rooted in Scripture and crafted to reach every learning style by involving all five senses—touch, taste, sight, sound, and movement.
“It’s built to touch all five senses,” Dorla explains, “because that’s how kids remember. That’s how they connect. It’s not just hearing truth—it’s experiencing it.”
And just like the book, the guidebook doesn’t water anything down. It helps leaders walk kids through the deep, beautiful message of redemption with clarity, joy, and reverence. By connecting the dots from the earliest pages of Genesis to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, The Adventure of the Scarlet Thread offers a powerful view of salvation history—one that kids can grasp and never forget.
It’s theology for tiny hands. And it’s handled with the kind of care that only comes from someone who’s spent her life walking this road—praying over lesson plans, fielding tough questions from curious minds, and quietly pointing the next generation toward Christ.
Of course, Dorla isn’t the only Schlitt making an impact in ministry. John continues to tour and inspire as one of Christian rock’s most iconic voices. But behind the scenes, Dorla’s voice has been shaping lives in a different—but equally eternal—way.
So, whether you’re looking for your next Sunday school curriculum, a new homeschool favorite, or a Christ-centered gift for the young readers in your life, The Adventure of the Scarlet Thread and its companion Educator’s Guidebook are worthy additions to any bookshelf.
The Adventure of the Scarlet Thread is guiding the next generation to build a faith that truly goes Beyond Belief.