Welcome to the official carissa Figgins website!
Little bit about Carissa…
Carissa Figgins has not wandered far from the Midwest. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she moved a ton as a kid but claims Springfield, Missouri, as her hometown. Carissa is a proud member of the 1995 Texas Fightin’ Aggies. She boasts a B.S. in Sociology from Texas A&M and an M.S. in Reading Education from Texas Woman’s University. Carissa has lived, worked, played, and prayed in St Charles County, Missouri, for most of her life. She currently serves as the Local Outreach Pastor at Harvester Christian Church in St. Charles, Missouri.
Carissa is possibly a Lost Boy. She grew up in an era where “Kids Were People Too”, was taught that children Were the World, and often sang “I don’t wanna grow up, I am a Toys R Us kid.”
Carissa is passionate about kids knowing they are fearfully and wonderfully made. It is terribly important to protect every moment of free play and childhood. Her philosophy is to pour into the grownups who pour into Littles so the Littles thrive.
Uncle George’s Army, illustrated by Emily Roades, is Carissa’s first published children’s book and will be released in July 2025.
Uncle George’s Army is here!
Uncle George’s Army (illus. Emily Roades, November 2025) is Carissa Figgins’s debut children’s book, a warm and playful story about family, service to others, and the power of our words.
When Uncle George visits, he brings more than just stories—he brings an opportunity for adventure through service to others. He invites his great-nephew Riley to join his army, but not the kind you’d expect. Their campaign? A mission of kindness, creativity, and connection. Riley learns the joy of service and discovers that being part of Uncle George’s Army means looking out for one another, encouraging each other, and overcoming fear.
Filled with charming illustrations by Emily Roades, Uncle George’s Army reminds readers that sometimes the best battles are fought with a helping hand and an encouraging word—and that the strongest armies are made of love, laughter, and family.
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