COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. (February 2, 2023)— Every year, Discipleship.org compiles a list of the best books for disciplemaking published in the past year. This year, two NavPress titles were included in the list: Following Jesus: A Year of Disciplemaking and Movement-Building in the Gospels by Peter Roennfeldt and How to Save the World: Disciplemaking Made Simple by Alice Matagora.

“A great Bible study for a small group/discipleship group” is how Discipleship.org founder Bobby Harrington describes Peter Roennfeldt’s Following Jesus. Roennfeldt lives in Australia and trains Christians throughout the world in disciplemaking and church-planting movements. His book takes readers through five phases on display in the Gospels—from preparing people to be disciplemakers to multiplying leaders and ultimately galvanizing disciplemakers into a movement. Originally published in Australia, the fifty studies that make up the book are highly interactive with the goal of helping readers grasp a disciplemaking ethos and put it into practice.

How to Save the World is the debut book from Navigators leader Alice Matagora and draws on recent research conducted by The Navigators with the Barna Group. Ed Stetzer praises the book’s “honesty and humility,” while Navigators president Marvin Campbell calls it a “practical and holistic worldview of disciplemaking.” It made the list at Discipleship.org for being “practical, readable and helpful for those who desire to be more effective at disciple making.”

“We’re always grateful to see our releases resonate with friends such as the folks at Discipleship.org,” said NavPress publisher David Zimmerman. “The Great Commission call to make disciples is the privilege of every follower of Jesus, and a transformed world is its great promise. We’re proud to work with authors like Peter and Alice who help people find their way into this participation in God’s mission for us.”

Discipleship.org is a collaborative community of men and women committed to the discipleship lifestyle—being disciples of Jesus and making disciples of Jesus.

NavPress is the book publishing arm of The Navigators. With a rich catalog of bestselling books, ministry resources, and The Message® Bible, NavPress supports readers as they know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same.®  Since 2014 NavPress has been in a publishing alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, one of the largest independently owned Christian publishers in the world. NavPress resources are sold, distributed, and marketed worldwide through Tyndale House Publishers.

For media inquiries, please contact: Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com.

 

“Indescribable Activity Book for Kids: 150+ Mind-Stretching and Faith-Building Puzzles, Crosswords, STEM Experiments, and More About God and Science!” hits shelves April 4.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 2023) – For years, bestselling author and founder of the Passion movement Louie Giglio has encouraged kids to discover the wonders of the universe with his massively popular Indescribable Kids series, which has sold nearly one million copies. Now he is expanding the award-winning series with a new book Indescribable Activity Book for Kids: 150+ Mind-Stretching and Faith-Building Puzzles, Crosswords, STEM Experiments, and More About God and Science! releasing on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

A follow-up to the bestselling kids’ devotionals Indescribable, Indescribable for Little Ones, How Great Is Our God and The Wonder of Creation, the Indescribable Activity Book for Kids invites children to embark on an interactive journey to learn more about God and the Bible in the series’ first activity book. The educational guide weaves together faith and science with key biblical truths, fun scientific facts, exciting STEM-based activities, beautiful photography, and vibrant illustrations.

“The Indescribable series was born out of a desire to share the Creation story in a way that kids could grasp the magnitude of the Lord’s greatness and grace. My hope is that this new activity book will provide kids with a hands-on resource to explore, discover, and engage with God and science,” says Giglio.

In the Indescribable Activity B­ook for Kids, children will explore the wonder of God’s creation at a whole new level! With more than 100 activities, this book includes:

• mazes, puzzles, riddles, and logic games
• word searches, crosswords, and complete-the-story exercises
• STEM projects for kids
• simple science projects and at-home activities
• ideas for helping your community and people around the world
• maps and diagrams
• coloring and drawing prompts and much more!

With bright, kid-friendly artwork by Lynsey Wilson and Nicola Anderson, this activity book is perfect for families looking for a faith-based, educational homeschooling resource, an activity to cure boredom at home, a fun diversion on car rides, and a healthy alternative to screen time.

Indescribable Activity Book for Kids: 150+ Mind-Stretching and Faith-Building Puzzles, Crosswords, STEM Experiments, and More About God and Science! (ISBN: 9781400235889) releases on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, everywhere books are sold.

More information about Louie Giglio can be found at louiegiglio.com. To learn more about the Indescribable Kids series, podcast, and to access free downloadable activity sheets and educator guides, visit www.indescribablekids.com.

About Louie Giglio
Louie Giglio is Pastor of Passion City Church and the Original Visionary of the Passion movement, which exists to call a generation to leverage their lives for the fame of Jesus. Since 1997, Passion Conferences has gathered collegiate-aged young people in events across the US and around the world. Most recently, Passion hosted 50,000+ in Mercedes-Benz Stadium and 1 million people joined online. Louie is the national-bestselling author of over a dozen books including his newest release, Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table, as well as Goliath Must Fall, Indescribable: 100 Devotions about God & Science, The Comeback, The Air I Breathe, I Am Not But I Know I Am, and others. Louie and Shelley make their home in Atlanta, Georgia.

About Tommy Nelson
Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson publishes a wide variety of high-quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson’s award-winning products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit https://www.tommynelson.com/.

Media contacts:
Megan Wordsworth, Publicity Manager, 615-902-1747, megan.wordsworth@harpercollins.com
Jen Roberts, Senior Marketing Director, 615-902-1190,  jen.roberts@harpercollins.com

 

Agile Christian Retailers Have the Advantage

(February 2, 2023) – Today, the Parable Group released its 2023 State of Christian Retail report, providing data and insights into the current climate within the Christian retailing industry. The report, titled Agile Not Fragile, draws on over 3 billion rows of data from over 220 U.S. Christian bookstores—and represents over $84 million in sales data, 2.3 million consumer receipts, and nationwide survey results. Important industry findings are explored to help strengthen business and ministry in the year ahead.

The report highlights surprising key findings: In 2022, sales showed a slight decrease from 2021—but a significant increase when compared to 2019, indicating that stores are performing better than they were pre-pandemic. Overall, same-store sales were up 12% over 2019. Additionally, a January 2023 nationwide survey revealed that 83% of Christian retailers indicated a positive outlook for the future.

Other report highlights include an analysis of Q4 sales, comparisons of bestsellers across channels, leading trends in product categories, and an exploration of Christian retailers’ agility in the marketplace.

Despite three years since the start of the pandemic, Christian retailers faced pandemic-related challenges in 2022—namely inflation, labor shortages, and soaring gas prices. Retailers that beat the year’s challenges leaned heavily on their resourcefulness: 89% of survey responders answered that they adapted their Christian retail ministry to combat challenges in 2022. 56% of retailers adjusted their inventory mix; 52% increased their prices, and 40% increased their digital marketing to attract both new and existing customers.

Generally speaking, retailers across the country reported similar trends: the return of customers to in-store shopping led to stable, not stellar, sales compared to 2021; stores are hosting more in-person and community events again; and many customers are feeling a pinch in their pocketbooks as the price of goods continues to rise.

“While 2022 fell short of 2021’s banner numbers and record-breaking holiday season, Christian retailers continue to demonstrate their agility and resolve,” stated Greg Squires, President of The Parable Group. “The retail leaders in our industry are meeting customers’ needs by drawing on their purpose-driven drive, resilience, hard work, and resourcefulness—it’s inspiring work with great kingdom impact.”

To view the report, click here. For a guided tour of the report, join The State of Christian Retail webinar, to be held on February 16th at 9 am PST. Register here.

The Parable Group helps Christian retailers, publishers, and ministries magnify their mission by connecting them to engaged Christian consumers, pastors, and church leaders. The San Luis Obispo, CA. based data-driven marketing agency and media group has served over 1000 Christian organizations since 1985. For more information, contact sally.ross@parable.com or visit www.parablegroup.com.

Contact: Sally Ross, (805) 329-4020, sally.ross@parable.com

A devotional reading Bible designed to give daily insight into the peace of God

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 2023 — Thomas Nelson, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, announces its partnership with author, pastor, and New Testament scholar Jeremiah J. Johnston, PhD, to release the NKJV Peace of God Bible. The project is scheduled for release in November 2024.

“If I were to describe the story of the Bible in a single word, I would use the word – peace,” says, Dr. Johnston, pastor of apologetics and cultural engagement at Prestonwood Baptist Church. “The concept of living in the peace of God appears nearly 600 times in Scripture, even more frequently than faith, love, and grace. It is God’s will for every believer to experience His constant peace, to flourish moment-by-moment, even in the midst of adversity and affliction.”

A daily reading Bible with dated devotions, the Peace of God Bible offers insight into the peace God provides and teaches readers how they can experience it in their lives. It includes hundreds of notes and introductions to every book, highlighting this topic’s presence in the text.

 “I’ve known Jeremiah for several years and was excited to learn of the work he’s done to teach on this key biblical topic,” said Philip Nation, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Thomas Nelson. “This Bible will be an invaluable resource for generations because of Jeremiah’s ability to take the reader by the hand and teach them the discipline of God’s peace through the lens of the realities they face.”

Trusted by millions of believers around the world, the New King James Version (NKJV) is a bestselling modern “word-for-word” biblical translation. It balances the literary beauty and familiarity of the King James tradition with an extraordinary commitment to preserving the grammar and structure of the underlying biblical languages. While the translator’s relied on the traditional Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic text used by the translators of the 1611 King James Version (KJV), the comprehensive translator notes offer important insights about the latest developments in biblical manuscript studies.

Jeremiah J. Johnston, PhD, (MDX, Oxford, UK) is the author of several books including Unanswered, Unimaginable, and Unleashing Peace. He serves as an Associate Pastor of Apologetics & Cultural Engagement at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, TX, and Dean of Spiritual Development at Prestonwood Christian Academy. Johnston also ministers internationally as the president of the Christian Thinkers Society.

About Thomas Nelson:
Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational products for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson, is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com

Contact:  Amy Bigler, Senior Public Relations Manager, amy.bigler@harpercollins.com 

Holcomb Finished 2022 Strong with her First Christmas Book, Sounding Joy, landing at No. 4 ECPA Christian Juvenile Bestsellers, Christmas 2022

NASHVILLE, TENN. (JANUARY 24, 2023) Author and singer/songwriter Ellie Holcomb has achieved the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) Bronze Award for selling more than 100,000 copies of her debut children’s book, Who Sang The First Song, (B&H Publishing, 2018). The book hit the ECPA juvenile bestseller list and was a finalist for the 2019 Christian Book Award in the children’s category.

Illustrated by Kayla Harren, Who Sang the First Song? is an engaging board book with whimsical art, where Holcomb asks a childlike question and answers with a lovely lyrical tale that shows young readers that God our Maker sang the first song and created us all with a song to sing.

Holcomb has also authored two additional children’s books, Don’t Forget To Remember, and most recently her Christmas book, Sounding Joy, which landed at No. 4 on ECPA’s Christian Juvenile Bestsellers, Christmas 2022 list. With each of these children’s releases, she has simultaneously released original music with their own EPs. She also won the GMA Dove Award for “Children’s Album of the Year” in 2020 for her album, Sing: Remembering Songs. In addition, she has released a bestselling devotional, Fighting Words: 100 Days of Speaking Truth into the Darkness, which was released in 2021.

This year, she is kicking off the year with a new song, “Bones,” with her husband Drew Holcomb that was released this month. This precedes their “Drew & Ellie Residency Tour” that kicks off on February 9th hitting markets such as Atlanta, Dallas, New York City, Knoxville and Seattle. Tickets are on sale here.

About Ellie Holcomb:
For eight years, Ellie recorded and toured full-time with her husband’s band, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, before stepping off the road when her first child was born. Her solo debut, As Sure As The Sun (2014), landed her a Top 10 hit and a GMA Dove Award for “New Artist of the Year.” Her critically-acclaimed sophomore LP, Red Sea Road, followed in 2017. In subsequent years, Holcomb has released three children’s books – each with a companion EP of original music written specifically for kids. The second of which debuted at the top of the Billboard Kids chart and earned her a Dove Award for “Children’s Album of the Year,” in 2020. In 2021, she released her third full-length solo project, Canyon, to much acclaim as well as earning her a second Top 10 radio single with the song, “I Will Carry You.” Her first adult book and devotional, Fighting Words: 100 Days of Speaking Truth into the Darkness, has spent many months on the ECPA Bestseller list. For more information visit: ellieholcomb.com

Leyland, UK – From February 2023, Reformation Lightning, a growing publisher dedicated to Christian writing for young readers, will be owned and operated by 10ofThose’s publishing house, 10Publishing.

Founder of Ref Light, Jonathan Pountney believes this partnership will put more gospel-inspired fiction into young hands.

“Since its formation, our heart at Ref Light has been for young people to have access to quality stories that help them experience the truth and beauty of the gospel,” he said. “We’re delighted to be partnering with 10ofThose so this can be a reality for more kids around the world.”

Pountney, who holds a PhD in Literature and came into publishing on the back of an early career in academia, established the imprint after seeing a gap in the market. “Middle Grade and YA fiction is hugely popular. Walk into any chain bookstore and you’ll see shelves dedicated to the genre. We are missing something similar in the Christian trade space. Kids absorb so much of the world around then, why not let them absorb fictional worlds created with a biblical worldview?”

He continued, “The market is growing, which is exciting to see. We want to be at the heart of that growth and be flag-bearers for artistically robust and Christ-honouring creative writing.”

Reflecting on the future partnership, Jonathan Carswell, CEO of 10ofThose said, “10Publishing have a passion to reach a wide range of people with the good news of the gospel. To do that well we want to point to Jesus faithfully, but to do it with quality writing that engages, grips and leaves the reader coming back for more. That’s what we have liked about Reformation Lightning: They have built an imprint with those qualities—and that’s why we are delighted that we’ve been able to bring Reformation Lightning into 10Publishing and we hope we can expand the reach of their range.”

Ref Light’s ever-growing list of titles will be available to purchase from 10ofThose from February. The most notable recent additions are the Middle Grade adventure tale The Marble Curse by Emeritus Professor Richard Vincent, and The First Skyrider by H.R. Hess – the second instalment in the popular Young Adult fantasy series, the Callenlas Chronicles.

“Your children will want a shelf full of books like The First Skyrider,” Nate Morgan Locke, Creative Director of Speak Life, has said about the new release.

About 10ofThose
10ofThose is a publisher, distributor and retailer, and provides the bookstores for many major conferences. They are based in Leyland, UK and Louisville, KY.  Their publishing imprints include 10Publishing, Evangelical Press and Reformation Lightning.

Contact: sales@10ofthose.com

Carol Stream, Ill. (January 26, 2023) —Tyndale House Publishers, in partnership with Axis, is set to release the next five guidebooks in their series designed to help parents bridge generational gaps in conversation with their teens. These booklets will release for individual purchase on March 7, 2023, and the Parent Guides to Finding True Identity bundle of all five booklets can be purchased on April 18, 2023.

A Parent’s Guide to Teen Identity

“I am who I decide to be.” Teens strongly believe in a world where self-expression, uniqueness, and differences are welcome. Dig deep into Gen Z’s identity formation by uncovering false beliefs and steering your teen toward a healthy sense of self.

Features:

• Lies culture tells you about identity formation
• Biblical truths about finding your real identity
• Practical ways to live out your true self
• Self-reflection questions for parents
• Engaging discussion questions for teens

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A Parent’s Guide to LGBTQ+ and Your Teen

Today’s teens rely on the Internet, dislike labels, and love their LGBTQ+ friends. How can you discuss this hot-button topic with compassion when you don’t understand what the letters mean or how it’s become part of daily conversation?

Features:

• Bible passages about sexual identity
• Ways the church has responded poorly to the LGBTQ+ community
• Practical tips for preparing to discuss the topic with your teen
• Discussion questions to dive deep into your teen’s understanding of sexuality
• List of terms and definitions (asexual, cisgender, queer, etc.) and triggering phrases to avoid

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A Parent’s Guide to Body Positivity

When movies and media flash airbrushed models across our kids’ screens, it’s hard for them not to compare themselves negatively. Gain valuable insight into the body positivity moment—how it began, its pros and cons, and why it deeply influences teen mental health.

Features answers to questions including:

• Where does body shame come from?
• What does the Bible say about body image?
• How can I help my teen have a healthy view of their body?
• And more!

Plus, enjoy discussion questions and advice specific to fathers and mothers to help curb your teen’s body negativity.

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A Parent’s Guide to Eating Disorders

It’s heartbreaking to watch your teen willfully destroy their body. Get a solid overview of the types of eating disorders, what causes them, and how to seek professional help. Plus, gain time-tested strategies to discuss this triggering topic with compassion.

Enjoy a balanced Christian perspective on how to find true healing with answers to questions including:

• Why are eating disorders on the rise?
• How can I tell if my child has an eating disorder?
• How can I help my child fix it if they don’t think it’s a problem?
• And more!

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A Parent’s Guide to Fear and Worry

Today’s teens fear terrorism, school shootings, debt, cyberbullying, and more. It’s no wonder Generation Z has the highest rates of mental health conditions in history. Unravel your teen’s fears and worries with this easy-to-read guide featuring:

• Reasons why today’s teens are overwhelmed with fear and worry
• Tips to console stressed teens and ways to live without a spirit of fear
• Encouraging Bible verses to combat fear and worry
• And more!

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Jesus never guaranteed a hardship-free life, but he does offer peace. This book guides parents and teens toward an ongoing conversation about living a balanced life.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Keilah Jude, keilahjude@tyndale.com.

A Parent’s Guide to Teen Identity | ISBN: 978-1-4964-6734-8 | Softcover: $4.99
A Parent’s Guide to LGBTQ+ and Your Teen |ISBN: 978-1-4964-6738-6 |Softcover: $4.99
A Parent’s Guide to Body Positivity |ISBN: 978-1-4964-6742-3 | Softcover: $4.99
A Parent’s Guide to Eating Disorders | ISBN: 978-1-4964-6746-1 | Softcover: $4.99
A Parent’s Guide to Fear and Worry | ISBN: 978-1-4964-6750-8 | Softcover: $4.99
March 2023
Tyndale.com

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT) and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a substantial portion of annual revenue—millions of dollars per year—through corporate donations and the work of Tyndale House Foundation. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Contact: Keilah Jude, keilahjude@tyndale.com, 630.784.5088

Audiobooks are emerging as a new reading trend in South Korea. It is expected that the characteristics of being able to use audiobooks while doing other things and the synergistic effect of changing consumption trends will gradually expand the market size.

A leading Christian publisher Urim Books, an international member of ECPA, which started audiobook publishing in 2021, produced many audiobook bestsellers in a mega bookstore chain in South Korea in 2022.

In June 2022, “Spirit, Soul and Body” (Vol 2) and “Heaven” (Vol 2) ranked on the comprehensive monthly bestseller list in the audiobook category in Kyobo Book Center which is one of the largest bookstore chains in South Korea.

In December 2022, Urim Books published five different audio titles of thematic sermon collections in Korean. “Worship in Spirit and Truth,” “Keep Watching and Praying,” “Faith: The Assurance of Things Hoped for,” “God the Healer,” and “My Father will Give to You in My Name” have been published.  “Keep Watching and Praying” and “God the Healer” were ranked 1st and 2nd respectively in the monthly bestseller list in December in the religion section of Kyobo Book Center. “Faith: The Assurance of Things Hoped for” was ranked 4th, and “My Father will Give to You in My Name” and “Worship in Spirit and Truth” were ranked 8th and 9th respectively.  Johnny Kim, CEO of Urim Books, recited these 5 audiobooks.

In the year 2023, Urim Books is planning more active literary missions in line with current publishing trends, including paper books, audiobooks, and e-books.

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1st “Keep Watching and Praying”
https://ebook-product.kyobobook.co.kr/dig/epd/ebook/E000005054726

2nd “God the Healer”
https://ebook-product.kyobobook.co.kr/dig/epd/ebook/E000005054666

4th “Faith: The Assurance of Things Hoped for”
https://ebook-product.kyobobook.co.kr/dig/epd/ebook/E000005047813

8th “My Father will Give to You in My Name”
https://ebook-product.kyobobook.co.kr/dig/epd/ebook/E000005055637

9th “Worship in Spirit and Truth”
https://ebook-product.kyobobook.co.kr/dig/epd/ebook/E000005045999

 

Beaumont, Texas (January 27, 2023) – Popular Christian artist and songwriter Micah Tyler released his debut book on January 24th, “Walking Free: Taking Small Steps To A Big God” (K-LOVE Books). He celebrated the book’s release day at the new Mardel Christian Store in Beaumont, Texas, near his hometown. He treated fans to book signing, photos, three acoustic songs and discussion about the book.

Over 150 people packed the bookstore; Mardel employees reported that they sold out of all books on hand for the event and that it was their first author book signing since opening in December 2022.

“Walking Free,” inspired by Tyler’s hit song of the same name, applies Scripture and Biblical wisdom alongside personal stories and questions for both personal reflections and group discussions. It is also Tyler’s desire to support and encourage believers to experience the mercy and mission of a closer connection with God and to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus, regardless of external circumstances.

Tyler shares, “I want to invite you on a 42-day journey as we take small steps away from the things of this world and all the empty promises it offers and walk toward the good things of God and the knowledge of knowing Jesus more deeply and meaningfully. We’ll take these steps together, working toward trusting the Lord because we don’t follow each other, we follow Him. As we walk this journey, we want to celebrate God’s love for us, discovering the heights that His freedom brings into our lives. Some steps will be beautiful and some will be difficult, but this road will lead somewhere amazing. One step at a time!”

“The pastoral heart of Micah is so well expressed through a message like ‘Walking Free,’” said Dave Schroeder, Publisher of K-LOVE Books. “We are excited to see not only his fans but new people become exposed to his teaching and encouragement.”

Tyler will continue to promote the book alongside his new music when he hits the road beginning March 2 with MercyMe for their Always Only Jesus Tour.

ABOUT MICAH TYLER:
Songwriter and recording artist Micah Tyler writes, performs, and lives out “battle-tested” music that gives glory to his God. He is the recipient of multiple Dove and K-LOVE Award nominations and has written four BMI Top 25 Christian Songs. His journey has taken him from small-town youth pastor to delivery truck driver, to touring alongside big-name artists such as MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, and Phil Wickham. He will be joining MercyMe again for their spring 2023 Always Only Jesus Tour. Tyler is best known for numerous hit songs such as “Never Been a Moment,” “I See Grace,” “Even Then,” and “Walking Free.” His newest project, Walking Free: Taking Small Steps to a Big God, is his first book. For more information, go to MicahTyler.com and his social links below.

ABOUT K-LOVE BOOKS:
K-LOVE Books, an imprint of EMF Publishing, has published bestselling books such as The Way of the Father by Michael W. Smith, Out of the Dark by Mandisa, and most recently On Our Knees by Phil Wickham and Believe for It by CeCe Winans. Educational Media Foundation (EMF) is the parent organization of K-LOVE and Air1 radio and the AccessMore podcast network.

New book on bravery will help kids face 2023 with courage

Bryson the Brave Bison: Finding the Courage to Face the Storm releases June 27, 2023

Grand Rapids, MI – January 10, 2023 – Zonderkidz is pleased to announce a new picture book from debut authors Nate Davenport and Luke Freshwater titled, Bryson the Brave Bison: Finding the Courage to Face the Storm releasing June 27, 2023 with illustrations from New York Times bestselling illustrator Richard Cowdrey.

This inspiring picture book ideal for children ages 4 – 8 focuses on a bison that faces a terrible storm and helps his bison friends to be brave and learn to face the storm. It’s rollicking rhyme tells a fascinating story for kids that’s based on how real bison intentionally run straight through oncoming storms rather than turning and running away.

“Both Nate and I are committed to building brave kids and families intentionally; we are friends and fathers who love to collaborate on projects that inspire families,” said Luke Freshwater, who served as a former Army bomb squad leader in Afghanistan.  “We are thrilled that Zonderkidz caught the vision for this book: encouraging kids to be fearless and have the  courage to be leaders.”

Nate Davenport adds, “In this world of challenges, we all need a hero, and here is a lovable character we created that shows his entire bison herd that you can get through anything with a little bravery and self-confidence. Courage is a choice and it’s in all of us.”

“Richard Cowdrey, illustrator of the Zonderkidz Fiona the Hippo series of books, introduced us to Nate and Luke, and we were so taken with their message and with Richard’s early sketches of this brave bison. This book is a fun, humorous take on the way bison behave when faced with storms, but with a solid message about character and bravery that will resonate so well with children and their families, as well as with teachers and librarians,” says Megan Dobson, Vice President and Publisher of Zonderkidz.

      “Their path through the storm seemed awful at best,

      But Bryson the Brave was up to the test.

      He carried them through – he went all the way,

      And his story of courage is still told today!”

About the Authors:

Nate Davenport resides in Huntington, West Virginia, whose city mascot is the bison! He and his wife have two children. Nate’s passion for literature and writing comes from his father who is also an author. He is a youth ministry graduate of Cedarville University in Ohio, where he first met co-author Luke Freshwater. He currently works as a sales leader in the medical space.

Luke Freshwater resides in the greater Columbus, Ohio area with his wife and five children. He is an aspiring bison farmer and is currently a sales leader. Luke served as a forest firefighter in Idaho and as an Army bomb squad leader in the war in Afghanistan. He went to NC State University and Cedarville, where he played baseball with his co-author Nate Davenport.

About the Illustrator:

Richard Cowdrey is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of the beloved picture book series Fiona the Hippo, based on the world’s most famous hippo, Fiona of the Cincinnati Zoo. His favorite things to do are to draw and paint the things that reflect the awesomeness of creation. Richard’s fine attention to detail attracts fans to his books, like Legend of the Candy Cane; Bad Dog, Marley and all of the Fiona the Hippo picture books. He resides outside of Mt. Vernon, Ohio with his wife.

The book is now available for pre-orders wherever books are sold. Advance copies of the book and interviews are available upon request; please contact Publicity Director Jessica Westra at jessica.westra@harpercollins.com.

Bison the Brave Bison: Finding the Courage to Face the Storm
Authored by Nate Davenport & Luke Freshwater
Illustrated by Richard Cowdrey (Fiona the Hippo)
Hardcover w/Jacket, $18.99
9780310153108
On Sale June 27, 2023
www.brysonthebison.com

Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imaginative, innovative and educational resources that represent a Christian worldview and build up God’s children and teens. For additional information, please visit www.zonderkidz.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’s offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Media Contact:  Jessica Westra, Director of Publicity, Zonderkidz, Jessica.westra@harpercollins.com