New clothbound hardcover edition, first-ever board book, and national tour with six-time Grammy award-winning singer Amy Grant round out celebration
Grand Rapids, MI— February 7, 2017— Zonderkidz is pleased to announce that The Jesus Storybook Bible, by New York Times bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones and award-winning illustrator Jago, is celebrating it’s 10th Anniversary in 2017. The beloved children’s storybook Bible has sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 33 languages over the past decade.
To celebrate The Jesus Storybook Bible’s 10th Anniversary, author Sally Lloyd-Jones is joining up with Compassion International—a child-advocacy ministry—and her artist-friends Amy Grant and Ellie Holcomb for An Evening of Stories and Songs Tour. This national tour will pair Grant’s and Holcomb’s music with stories from The Jesus Storybook Bible for an evening of worship and celebration.
Hailed as “a very grown-up children’s Bible” by Christianity Today, The Jesus Storybook Bible retells the stories of the Bible in a way that is simple enough for a child, yet profound enough for a theologian.
“It’s wonderful to celebrate 10 years!” said author Sally Lloyd-Jones. “I know we would never have reached this exciting milestone without all of the people who have read it and spoken about it and shared it. I am so grateful to them. I am also in no doubt whatsover about who is the author of the book’s success—and I give Him all the praise.”
Lloyd-Jones’s tender prose, combined with stunning illustrations by Jago, brings treasured Bible stories alive in startlingly fresh ways.
“I’m astounded at the incredible success of The Jesus Storybook Bible and I still find it slightly hard to comprehend that the illustrations I created at my home in Cornwall have now reached people all over the world,” said Jago. “I absolutely love picture books and have so many fond and vivid memories of them from my own childhood. It’s really quite amazing to think that my illustrations might be creating similar memories now for so many children around the world. I’m very grateful to Sally and Zondervan for choosing me to illustrate this book, its success has had a huge impact on my illustration career.”
The ECPA Platinum Book Award and multi-award winning storybook Bible has had eight editions since its debut in 2007. To celebrate the 10th Anniversary, Zonderkidz released a stunning clothbound hardcover gift edition. Appealing to the youngest audience, Zonderkidz also released the first board book from this brand, called Found. The beautifully illustrated, durable, toddler-friendly book is based on Psalm 23.
“The Jesus Storybook Bible has flourished over the past decade,” said Zonderkidz Senior VP and Publisher Annette Bourland. “Sally writes in a way that is very engaging for both children and adults. Jago’s illustrations are the perfect complement to Sally’s words. Together, their work leaves all those who read The Jesus Storybook Bible amazed by God’s great love for them.”
The Jesus Storybook Bible has a passionate social media following with over 55,000 likes on Facebook and Twitter, and glowing reviews from media outlets like USA Today, Christianity Today, MTL (More to Life), Haven Today, and many others. The Jesus Storybook Bible has also been praised by a number of renowned religious leaders—from Ben Patterson to Tim Keller.
“I would urge not just families with young children to get this book, but every Christian—from pew warmers, to ministry leaders, seminarians and even theologians,” said Dr. Tim Keller, pastor of New York City’s Redeemer Church. “Sally Lloyd-Jones has captured the heart of what it means to find Christ in all the scriptures, and has made clear even to little children that all God’s revelation has been about Jesus from the beginning—a truth not all that commonly recognized even among the very learned.”
The new gift edition of The Jesus Storybook Bible, Found and all branded products are available at retailers nationwide, worldwide and online. For more information about An Evening of Stories and Songs Tour, including tour dates and cities, visit https://www.storiesandsongstour.com/.
About the Author: Sally Lloyd-Jones is a New York Times bestselling writer for children. She is the author of the ALA notable The Jesus Storybook Bible, as well as Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing, winner of the ECPA Inspirational Book award (a children’s book winning in the adult category). She has written many picture books for children, such as the critically acclaimedNew York Times bestseller How to Be a Baby: By Me, the Big Sister and Song of the Stars and the soon to be released, Baby Wren and the Great Gift. Sally was born and raised in Africa, schooled in England, and now lives in New York City. She can be found at www.sallylloyd-jones.com.
About the Illustrator: Jago is an accomplished illustrator with several prestigious awards to his credit, including a Macmillian “Highly Commended” Award for Children’s Illustration in 2003, an AOI Silver Award in 2004, and the National Literacy Association Wow! Award. Jago lives in Cornwall, England, with his family. Jago can be found at www.jagoillustration.com.
Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imagination and innovation. As the leader in Christian children’s communications, it creates products that awaken the hearts and touch the souls of kids under 14. Zonderkidz is also publisher of the NIrV (New International Reader’s Version) Bible translation, the third grade reading level edition of the NIV. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.
Zondervan is a world-leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, as part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.
