August 2022 | WESTMONT, IL—Since the launch of Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver in October 2021, InterVarsity Press (IVP) has continued to build its IVP Kids imprint. The line now includes seven picture books for children ages four to eight with five more contracted to release in 2023 and 2024.
IVP Kids editor Elissa Schauer said, “I know that I keep using the word thrilled, but it’s an accurate description of our experience this last year with IVP Kids. It’s been wonderful to see these books come to life, and to hear from all who are reading and sharing. And we really are so very excited about all that lies before us!”
The current IVP Kids titles include
- Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver: The History and Legends of the Real Santa Claus written and illustrated by Ned Bustard (October 2021)
- The O in Hope: A Poem of Wonder by Luci Shaw, illustrated by Ned Bustard (November 2021)
- The Celebration Place: God’s Plan for a Delightfully Diverse Church by Dorena Williamson, illustrated by Erin Bennett Banks (November 2021)
- Isaiah and the Worry Pack: Learning to Trust God with All Our Fears by Ruth Goring, illustrated by Pamela C. Rice (November 2021)
- Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit by Esau McCaulley, illustrated by LaTonya Jackson (May 2022)
- Little Prayers for Ordinary Days by Katy Bowser Hutson, Flo Paris Oakes, and Tish Harrison Warren; illustrated by Liita Forsyth (May 2022)
- All Will Be Well: Learning to Trust God’s Love by Lacy Finn Borgo, illustrated by Rebecca Evans (October 2022)
While this is the first dedicated kids’ line in the history of IVP, a few IVP books were published for children in the late 1970s, namely John White’s Archives of Anthropos series and John Bibee’s Spirit Flyer books. With more than ten million in print, the well-known and beloved booklet My Heart—Christ’s Home by Robert Boyd Munger was also turned into My Heart—Christ’s Home Retold for Children in 2010.
IVP Kids is an imprint that presents themes such as justice, spiritual formation, and discipleship, which have been cornerstones of IVP throughout its nearly seventy-five years. Terumi Echols, IVP president and publisher, said, “This line is a much-needed resource for parents who are reading to and teaching their children about who they are as Christians, their place in God’s kingdom, and the impact they can have on our culture.”
Forthcoming IVP Kids titles include
- Saint Patrick the Forgiver written and illustrated by Ned Bustard (February 2023)
- God, Right Here by Kara Lawler, illustrated by Jennie Poh (Spring 2023)
- When I Go to Church by Elrena Evans, illustrated by Rebecca Evans (Fall 2023)
- The Chosen One Is Born by Terry Wildman (Fall 2023)
- Zion Loves to See by Terence Lester with Zion Lester (Winter 2024)
Schauer said, “IVP inhabits a unique space in the world of publishing, and our deep desire is for IVP Kids to do so as well. Our hope is that children and families would enjoy reading together, and that the content of these books would spark meaningful conversations for years to come.”
Media Contact: Krista Clayton | 630.734.4013 | kclayton@ivpress.com
