SPCK Group is delighted to announce that Journey with Me for Kids written by Catherine Campbell and illustrated by Emma Skerratt, was named a winner at the 2026 ECPA Top Shelf Book Cover Awards. Pres release attached.
Published by Inter-Varsity Press, the Evangelical publishing division of SPCK Group, Journey With Me for Kids was among 11 winners in the Children’s category of the awards, organised by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) to recognise excellence in Christian book cover design.
The winning cover, illustrated by Emma Skerratt and designed by SPCK Group Art Director Mark Read, unites scenes from the Bible with those of the modern day, using images of a bridge and lighthouse to reflect the book’s central theme of journeying through life with Jesus. In their assessment of the cover, the award judges praised the relationship between the illustrations and the book’s message, as well as the use of gold foil in the typography and artwork. They commented:
“The illustration does an excellent job of illuminating the title. The juxtaposition of the biblical journey on the left with the modern scene on the right clearly communicates the book’s concept, while the lighthouse and bridge provide thoughtful visual symbolism and reinforce the title. The addition of gold foil to the typography and as accents within the artwork further elevates the cover”.
Mark Read said:
“Emma Skerratt was the perfect choice for the cover and interiors: I had kept samples of her work for a long time, waiting for the right project, and her warmth, character and eye for detail suited this book wonderfully”.
Published in August 2026, Journey with Me for Kids is a collection of 101 short and engaging devotions designed to help children ages 8 to 12 walk with Jesus every day, through all the ups and downs of life. In a world where so many voices compete for kids’ attention, this scripture-centered book – which includes a relevant Bible verse for each devotion – encourages children to listen to the one true voice of God calling them closer to Him.
The winners were announced on 4 November during the opening session of ECPA PubU, the association’s professional development conference for Christian publishing professionals, held in Nashville, Tennessee.
A total of 38 winning designs were recognised across four categories: Bibles (5), Children’s (11), Fiction (4) and Nonfiction (18).
Commenting on the awards, ECPA President Jeff Crosby said:
“Book cover design is both an art and an essential part of how publishers connect their books with readers. The Top Shelf Book Cover Awards give us an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary creativity and craftsmanship of the designers whose work helps bring the message of these books to life. These awards also remind us of the importance of thoughtful design in creating books that will engage readers and endure over time.”
The award also credits SPCK Group’s Rebecca Law as Commissioning Editor and Joy Tibbs as Project Editor for Journey with Me for Kids.
About Journey with Me for Kids
Title: Journey with Me for Kids: Bible Devotions for an Adventure with Jesus
Author: Catherine Campbell
Illustrator: Emma Skerratt
Cover Designer: Mark Read, Art Director for SPCK Group
Publisher: Inter-Varsity Press
Publication date: 21 August 2026
Format: Hardback, 112 pages
UK ISBN: 9781789745092
