rush-to-press
The Week's News in Christian Publishing
  • Industry News
  • Milestones
  • Media Announcements
  • Product News
  • Other News

InterVarsity Press announces launch of IVP Kids

WESTMONT, IL—InterVarsity Press has announced the launch of a new line of books, IVP Kids, with the first titles releasing in October 2021. The current list of authors for IVP Kids includes Ned Bustard, Dorena Williamson, Luci Shaw, Ruth Goring, Lacy Finn Borgo, Esau McCaulley, Flo Paris Oakes, Katy Hutson, and Tish Harrison Warren.

Cindy Bunch, associate publisher and director of editorial at IVP, said “IVP Kids picture books will emphasize and build on key areas of strength for InterVarsity Press: justice and spiritual formation. The initial lineup of authors and topics has seemed to flow quite naturally out of these commitments. I am looking forward to the launch of the line.”

The first IVP Kids book is scheduled to release on October 12 and is titled St. Nicholas the Giftgiver by Ned Bustard. This book tells the story of Saint Nicholas, a very kind bishop whose generosity was motivated by his devout faith. That generosity has inspired people all over the world for generations and gave birth to the legend of Santa Claus.

Bustard said, “I am thrilled that IVP is launching IVP Kids and honored that my work is one of the first stories to grace the line. Additionally, it is a joy to have this particular story of mine chosen. I have been working on it on and off for over two decades—writing and rewriting it to try and get the balance right. I love church history, and I love stories of enchantment, and in this book I have sought to combine them both together. My hope is that St. Nicholas the Giftgiver will stir together history and legends in such a way as to provide wonder.”

Bustard is a graphic designer, children’s book illustrator, author, and printmaker, and he has lectured at colleges, schools, churches, conferences, and bars. Some of the books he has written, illustrated, or edited include It Was Good: Making Art to the Glory of God, The Chronicles of Narnia Comprehension Guide, Bede’s History of ME, History of Art: Creation to Contemporary, The Reformation ABC’s, and Revealed: A Storybook Bible for Grown-Ups.

The second book from IVP Kids, releasing on October 26, is The Celebration Place by Dorena Williamson. This fully illustrated book casts a prophetic vision for what the worshiping church, the body of believers, is intended to be. With a special mention of the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, The Celebration Place reminds us that the unity and diversity of God’s kingdom is not only a heavenly manifestation but something to be joyfully lived out now. Williamson has a passion for all children to hear the message of God’s diverse kingdom. She writes children’s books that adults need too and is the author of ColorFull, ThoughFull, GraceFull.

Williamson said, “I am honored to partner with the new publishing venture IVP Kids! In 1995 I said yes to God’s call and planted a multiracial church with my husband. For twenty-five years, I’ve experienced the joy of worshiping and doing life with people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The Celebration Place is an expansive view of that beauty and a taste of God’s kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven!” 

Other titles that are scheduled for IVP Kids include


The O in Hope by Luci Shaw and illustrated by Ned Bustard (November 2021)

Shaw’s poem uses the letter O to point to examples of hope and love. Paired with Bustard’s art, these words and illustrations will bring delight to readers of all ages.


Isaiah and the Worry Pack by Ruth Goring (November 2021)

One evening when Isaiah admits that he can’t sleep because his mind is cluttered with his fears and worries, his mom uses a guided-imagery activity to help him recognize the relief and joy of trusting Jesus with all of our cares.


All Will Be Well by Lacy Finn Borgo (Spring 2022)

Borgo tells the story of a young girl, Julian, whose beloved grandmother is dying. Julian’s interaction with her grandmother is an opportunity to learn more about Julian of Norwich and that we can trust God with all things because he loves us.


(Tentative title) Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit by Esau McCaulley  

In this story, Josey and her dad spend a Saturday in preparation for a special Sunday at church. In the process, Josey learns about the goodness and beauty of God’s design of diversity in his kingdom.


(Tentative title)  Little Common Prayers by Flo Paris Oakes, Katy Hutson, and Tish Harrison Warren

This collection of short prayers for all occasions and experiences (play time, rest time, car rides, school days, joy, sadness, wonder, etc.) is meant to help children and parents in their everyday family faith formation together. These prayers are simple with thoughtful language that is honoring to both the child who prays and to God who listens. Oakes and Hutson are forming members of the children’s band Rain for Roots.

Jeff Crosby, IVP’s publisher, said, “Throughout our seventy-three history, InterVarsity Press has maintained a unique commitment to meet readers in their undergraduate years and walk alongside them with the publication of thoughtful Christian literature throughout the rest of their life. It’s always been our desire to nurture a commitment to lifelong reading, and at various times in the past we have published books for younger readers, including John White’s Archives of Anthropos series and John Bibee’s Spirit Flyer books. However, IVP Kids represents a new direction as we seek to share with children content regarding things that matter deeply to God, things like discipleship, formation, and how to live lives of mercy, justice, and peace in a world desperately yearning for that. I am delighted by the titles we have lined up for the early months of IVP Kids and look forward to the effect these books will have on young readers for years to come.”

Check out this video to learn more about IVP Kids:

Sign Up To Receive Industry News Each Week

Subscribe

This Month’s Bestsellers

VIEW BY GENRE
1 JESUS CALLING
SARAH YOUNG
2 PRACTICING THE WAY
JOHN MARK COMER
3 THE 5 LOVE LANGUAGES
GARY CHAPMAN
4 FORGIVING WHAT YOU CAN'T FORGET
LYSA TERKEURST
5 LIVING FEARLESS
JAMIE WINSHIP
6 HOLY SPIRIT
DAVID DIGA HERNANDEZ
7 NEW MORNING MERCIES
PAUL DAVID TRIPP
8 THE RUTHLESS ELIMINATION OF HURRY
JOHN MARK COMER
9 THE CASE FOR CHRIST
LEE STROBEL
10 IMAGINE HEAVEN
JOHN BURKE
View All
1 SINCERELY, STONEHEART
EMILY WILSON HUSSEM
2 SLOW BURN
DAWNCHERE WILKERSON
3 BLESSED ARE THE SPIRALING
LEVI LUSKO
4 EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE
KYLE IDLEMAN
5 THE FIGHT FOR US
REBEKAH LYONS AND GABE LYONS
6 NEVER GIVE UP
MAX LUCADO
7 THE SUMMER OF YOU AND ME
DENISE HUNTER
8 JESUS LISTENS LARGE TEXT WITH FULL SCRIPTURES
SARAH YOUNG
9 UNLOCK YOUR DELIVERANCE
KATHRYN KRICK
10 TWO SECONDS TOO LATE
DANI PETTREY
View All
1 WHERE SECRETS LIE
COLLEEN COBLE AND RICK ACKER
2 THE SUMMER OF YES
COURTNEY WALSH
3 REDEEMING LOVE
FRANCINE RIVERS
4 WHEN CRICKETS CRY
CHARLES MARTIN
5 HINDS' FEET ON HIGH PLACES
HANNAH HURNARD
6 VANISHED
DAVID JEREMIAH WITH SAM O'NEAL
7 THE HIDDEN PRINCE
TESSA AFSHAR
8 THE SHACK
WILLIAM PAUL YOUNG
9 A LINEAGE OF GRACE
FRANCINE RIVERS
10 WHAT NOT TO DO ON VACATION
RACHEL MAGEE
View All
1 JESUS CALLING
SARAH YOUNG
2 PRACTICING THE WAY
JOHN MARK COMER
3 THE 5 LOVE LANGUAGES
GARY CHAPMAN
4 FORGIVING WHAT YOU CAN'T FORGET
LYSA TERKEURST
5 LIVING FEARLESS
JAMIE WINSHIP
6 HOLY SPIRIT
DAVID DIGA HERNANDEZ
7 NEW MORNING MERCIES
PAUL DAVID TRIPP
8 THE RUTHLESS ELIMINATION OF HURRY
JOHN MARK COMER
9 THE CASE FOR CHRIST
LEE STROBEL
10 IMAGINE HEAVEN
JOHN BURKE
View All
1 THE ACTION BIBLE
SERGIO CARIELLO
2 THE BEGINNER'S BIBLE
THE BEGINNER'S BIBLE
3 THE JESUS STORYBOOK BIBLE
SALLY LLOYD-JONES
4 GREAT AND SMALL PRAYERS FOR BABIES
PAMELA KENNEDY
5 THE WORLD NEEDS WHO YOU WERE MADE TO BE
JOANNA GAINES
6 THE COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED CHILDREN'S BIBLE
JANICE EMMERSON
7 GOD GAVE US YOU
LISA TAWN BERGREN
8 MOSTLY WHAT GOD DOES IS LOVE YOU
SAVANNAH GUTHRIE
9 THE BIGGEST STORY BIBLE STORYBOOK
KEVIN DEYOUNG
10 WHEREVER YOU GO, I WANT YOU TO KNOW...
MELISSA B. KRUGER
View All
1 THE HARBINGER: A GRAPHIC NOVEL
JONATHAN CAHN
2 SINGLE, DATING, ENGAGED, MARRIED
BEN STUART
3 LIVE ON PURPOSE
SADIE ROBERTSON HUFF WITH BETH CLARK AND TAMA FORTNER
4 THE 5-MINUTE BIBLE STUDY FOR TEEN GIRLS
CAREY SCOTT
5 DO HARD THINGS
ALEX HARRIS AND BRETT HARRIS
6 GOD IS WITH YOU EVERY DAY
MAX LUCADO
7 THE CASE FOR CHRIST STUDENT EDITION
LEE STROBEL WITH JANE VOGEL
8 FLOURISH
COMPILED BY BARBOUR STAFF
9 OUTDATED
JONATHAN POKLUDA AND KEVIN MCCONAGHY
10 INTERCESSORY PRAYER
DUTCH SHEETS
View All
1 THE GOSPEL STORY
MARY WILEY
2 ONE-MINUTE INSIGHTS FOR MEN
JIM GEORGE
3 365 READ-ALOUD BEDTIME BIBLE STORIES
DANIEL PARTNER
4 KNOW YOUR BIBLE
PAUL KENT
5 ONE-MINUTE INSPIRATIONS FOR WOMEN
ELIZABETH GEORGE
6 3-MINUTE DEVOTIONS FOR MEN
COMPILED BY BARBOUR STAFF
7 BIBLE PROMISE BOOK - KJV
BARBOUR PUBLISHING
8 199 PROMISES OF GOD
PUBLISHING, BARBOUR
9 77 MEMORY VERSES EVERY KID SHOULD KNOW
CHRISTIAN ART KIDS
10 BIBLE PROMISES FOR MOMS
HEIDI ST JOHN
View All
1 KJV GIANT PRINT FULL SIZE BIBLE
CHRISTIAN ART PUBLISHERS
2 ESV CHURCH BIBLE
CROSSWAY
3 NIV ADVENTURE BIBLE, Hardcover
ZONDERVAN
4 KJV LARGE PRINT PERSONAL SIZE REFERENCE BIBLE
HOLMAN BIBLE PUBLISHERS
5 CSB SHE READS TRUTH BIBLE, GREY
RAECHEL MYERS AND AMANDA BIBLE WILLIAMS
6 NIV THE WOMAN'S STUDY BIBLE
THOMAS NELSON
7 NKJV PERSONAL SIZE LARGE PRINT REFERENCE BIBLE
THOMAS NELSON
8 ESV STUDY BIBLE
J. I. PACKER, MARK DEVER AND JOHN PIPER
9 NLT LARGE PRINT PREMIUM VALUE THINLINE BIBLE, Brown
TYNDALE
10 ESV JOURNALING BIBLE
CROSSWAY BIBLES
View All
1 ESV ECONOMY BIBLE
CROSSWAY
2 ESV ECONOMY HOLY BIBLE FOR KIDS
CROSSWAY
3 NIV LARGER PRINT HOLY BIBLE, ECONOMY EDITION
ZONDERVAN
4 ESV LARGE PRINT ECONOMY BIBLE
CROSSWAY
5 NLT LARGE PRINT HOLY BIBLE ECONOMY OUTREACH EDITION
TYNDALE
6 KJV GIFT & AWARD BIBLE
THOMAS NELSON
7 NIV ECONOMY BIBLE
ZONDERVAN
8 NIV GIFT & AWARD BIBLE, Pink
ZONDERVAN
9 NIV OUTREACH BIBLE STUDENT EDITION
ZONDERVAN
10 NLT ECONOMY TEXT BIBLE
TYNDALE
View All
1 English Standard Version
2 New International Version
3 King James Version
4 New Living Translation
5 New King James Version
6 Christian Standard Bible
7 Reina Valera
8 New International Reader's Version
9 Nueva Version International
10 New American Standard Bible
View All
1 LOS 5 LENGUAJES DEL AMOR EDICION REVISADA
GARY CHAPMAN
2 PERDONA LO QUE NO PUEDES OLVIDAR
LYSA TERKEURST
3 UN ANO CON DIOS
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
4 UNA VIDA CON PROPOSITO
RICK WARREN
5 UNA MUJER SABIA
WENDY BELLO
6 EL PODER DE LA MUJER QUE ORA
STORMIE OMARTIAN
7 JESUS TE LLAMA
SARAH YOUNG
8 EL DESAFIO DE 30 DIAS DE ORACION PARA HOMBRES
JESS MACCALLUM
9 DESTINADO AL EXITO
DANTE GEBEL
10 VIVIENDO SU VOLUNTAD
SEBASTIAN FRANZ
View All
1 RVR1960 BIBLIA PARA REGALOS Y PREMIOS, Negro
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
2 RVR1960 BIBLIA PARA REGALOS Y PREMIOS, Negro tapa dura
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
3 RVR1960 BIBLIA LETRA GRANDE TAMANO MANUAL EDICION TIERRA SANTA
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
4 RVR1960 BIBLIA DEL PESCADOR LETRA GRANDE, Caoba
LUIS ANGEL DIAZ-PABON
5 RVR1960 BIBLIA PARA REGALOS Y PREMIOS, Rosa
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
6 RVR1960 BIBLIA PARA REGALOS Y PREMIOS, Turquesa
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
7 RVR1960 SANTA BIBLIA EDICION PORTATIL CON CREMALLERA
RVR 1960- REINA VALERA 1960
8 RVR60 SANTA BIBLIA LETRA SUPERGIGANTE CON CIERRE
RVR 1960- REINA VALERA 1960
9 RVR1960 BIBLIA DE APUNTES
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
10 RVR1960 BIBLIA LETRA GRANDE TAMANO MANUAL CON INDICE
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
View All
1 LA GRAN HISTORIA DEL EVANGELIO
B&H ESPANOL EDITORIAL
2 PREOCUPATE MENOS Y ORA MAS
DONNA K. MALTESE
3 365 HISTORIAS BIBLICAS PARA LA HORA DE DORMIR
COMPILED BY BARBOUR STAFF
4 EL SECRETO DE LA PAZ PERSONAL
BILLY GRAHAM
5 DEVOCIONALES DE 3 MINUTOS PARA HOMBRES
COMPILED BY BARBOUR STAFF
6 UN HOMBRE CONFORME AL CORAZON DE DIOS
JIM GEORGE
7 JESUS SALVA AL MUNDO
VIDA
8 DEMASIADO BENDECIDA PARA ESTAR ESTRESADA
DEBORA M. COTY
9 ESTRESATE MENOS, ORA MAS
DONNA K. MALTESE
10 3:16 EVANGELIO DE JUAN
MAX LUCADO
View All

Upcoming Events

ECPA webinar: Communicating Appreciation in the Workplace
August 8 | 10 am central
ECPA Asia Rights & Export Fair
September 1-2, 2025 | Bangkok, Thailand
ECPA C-Suite Symposium
September 7-9, 2025 | Tucson, Arizona
The Christy Award® Finalist Reveal Webcast
September 19 | 10 am central
ECPA PubU Online
Oct 31 through Nov 14, 2025

Career Center

Marketing Manager, Trade NonFiction
Baker Book House Company, Ada, Michigan (Hybrid)
Senior Designer
Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois
ECPA LOGO
submit icon

Submit a News Item

Submit industry related news releases to rushtopress @ecpa .org for consideration. Rush to Press is sent every Monday and eligible releases must be received by end of day Friday prior to the Monday’s publication.

announce icon

Career Posts

To announce a job opening in Rush to Press, post it first at the ECPA Career Center and your announcement will appear in the next issue.

subscribe icon

Subscribe

To receive Rush to Press, along with other industry updates from ECPA, please follow the instructions here to create or modify your ECPA community profile. To subscribe to Rush to Press without using a profile, subscribe here.

unsubscribe icon

Unsubscribe

If you would like to be removed from the Rush to Press distribution list, please edit your ECPA profile preferences or email info @ecpa .org.

advertise icon

Advertise

If you would like to reach over 3,300 industry subscribers and media contacts each week, consider advertising in Rush to Press. Contact sponsorship @ecpa .org for more information.

More news at RushtoPress.org. #RushtoPress @ECPA
This is a publication of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. For more information about ECPA, contact info@ecpa.org or visit ECPA.org.
Copyright © 2025 · ECPA