The guidebooks are the first in an ongoing series intended to equip and encourage parents to engage in meaningful conversations with teens.

Carol Stream, Ill. (September 23, 2022) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) and Axis have partnered together to publish a series of guidebooks designed to help parents bridge generational gaps in conversation with their teens. Each guide will translate teen culture in ways parents can easily understand, equipping them with the vocabulary to navigate difficult conversations with both biblical wisdom and cultural savvy. The first five guides in the Axis series are scheduled to release for individual purchase November 22, 2022.

These guides will also be available for purchase as a bundle titled Parent Guides to Social Media, scheduled to release on February 7, 2023. Each booklet focuses on a culturally relevant topic: teen FOMO (“fear of missing out”), social media influencers, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Future guides in the Axis series will address identity, mental and sexual health, and other complex topics.

The Axis organization aims to equip parents to confidently have productiveconversations about the core issues facing today’s teens, in light of the gospel. Axis educates parents on how to begin a lifelong conversation that builds trust and transparency with their teens, making it less intimidating to discuss difficult subjects.

“Tyndale is thrilled to be partnering with Axis to strengthen families and build strong, lasting lines of communication between parents and their teens,” says Linda Howard, associate publisher, Tyndale House Publishers. “We are grateful to help bring these resources to families at this time when they are so needed.”

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

Parent Guides to Social Media:

• Teen FOMO, Influencers, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube by Axis
• ISBN: 978-1-4964-7406-3 | November 22, 2022 | 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.

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

The Unexpected Light of Thomas Alva Edison releases March 2023

Grand Rapids, MI – September 23, 2022 – Zonderkidz is pleased to announce that New York Times bestselling author, broadcast journalist and producer Raymond Arroyo will publish a new children’s picture book series titled Turnabout Tales, with the first book arriving in stores on March 21, 2023, titled The Unexpected Light of Thomas Alva Edison. Illustrated by Kristina Gehrmann, the book will be for children 4-8 and beyond who will enjoy learning how small moments and events in one’s life can create a big change, much like Edison’s life did.

Based on the younger years of inventor Thomas Alva Edison, the book highlights the support of his mother, Nancy Edison, who understood Thomas had a special curiosity and went on to school him at home to help expand his worldview and understanding of all things nature and science. Edison’s curiosity often got him into trouble, but also led to his love of chemistry, the mechanics of the telegraph and more. His struggle with deafness at an early age also compelled him to become a compulsive reader. Edison’s mother was his biggest advocate, and he opened up an “invention factory” in 1876 to honor her after her unexpected death.

The Turnabout Tales series will feature pivotal moments in other historic lives, each revealing  challenges faced, paths changed and history turned.  More books will be announced later in 2023. This series was acquired by Zonderkidz Publisher Megan Dobson and Senior Acquisitions Editor Katherine Jacobs, from agent Chip Flaherty of Bamtrey Strategies.

“Zonderkidz is happy to bring these unique stories from Raymond to a wide audience who will appreciate history and the hidden backstories of characters that can inspire children and their families even today,” says Megan Dobson, Vice President and Publisher of Zonderkidz. “We seek to highlight tales that bring light and joy while also delivering inspiring yet little-known stories that bring history to life for kids in an all-new, fun way. Acquiring this series fits perfectly within our mission.”

“We often forget that talent is nurtured by love and belief. I was drawn to Edison when I read a comment where he attributed his entire career as an inventor to his mother,” says Arroyo, host of the global news program The World Over Live on EWTN, and a Fox News Contributor. “At a critical point, when he was tossed from school, it was Edison’s mother who recognized his spark and changed the trajectory of his life.  My hope is that the whole series will inspire kids and their families to be open to the direction of their children’s gifts and interests. Often it is by looking back that we can see the best way to go forward –and that’s what I hope to do with Turnabout Tales.”

The book includes an author note and bibliography for further reading. A Teaching Guide and Activity Guide will also be available for free download to parents and educators at www.zonderkidz.com.

“…the light of the invention within Tom might have never illuminated the world, had it not been for a mother who first saw the glow of curiosity in her Al.” – The Unexpected Light of Thomas Alva Edison

Advance copies of the book and interviews are available upon request; a multi-city media tour in several U.S. cities in the spring featuring visits to media and schools is in process. Please contact Publicity Director Jessica Westra at jessica.westra@harpercollins.com for more information.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

• The Unexpected Light of Thomas Alva Edison
• By New York Times bestselling author Raymond Arroyo
• Illustrated by Kristina Gehrmann
• Hardcover w/Jacket, $17.99
• 9780310799238
• March 21, 2023 On Sale

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:
“This moving, hidden story of one of our great inventors, in Raymond Arroyo’s skillful hands, becomes a lesson in the power of love and family.  This Turnabout Tale will touch any parent who has ever defended or encouraged their child and inspire any student who has been underestimated.  There’s true light in this tale.” – Kathie Lee Gifford, Best-selling author and 4-time Emmy award winning entertainer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Raymond Arroyo is an internationally known, award-winning journalist, producer, and New York Times bestselling author.  As a Fox News Contributor and Editorial Advisor to the top-rated, The Ingraham Angle, he has created the popular “Seen and Unseen” and “Friday Follies” segments that have become audience favorites.  He regularly files reports for Fox News and appears across the network.

As founding News Director, Managing Editor and Lead Anchor for EWTN News, he is seen in more than 350 million homes on six continents each week and heard on more than 500 AM/FM affiliates and a stand alone Sirius channel throughout the U.S.  Arroyo established EWTN News and The World Over Live in 1996, which he hosts from Washington D.C. each week.

Known for his penetrating interviews, Arroyo has interrogated the leading figures of the day.  Highlights include: The first exclusive, sit down interview with Mel Gibson about his film, “The Passion of the Christ”;  Mother Teresa of Calcutta; Placido Domingo; Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump, a groundbreaking interview with comic legend, Jerry Lewis, and the first and only English language interview with Pope Benedict XVI.

Before coming to EWTN, Arroyo worked for the Associated Press, The New York Observer and the political columnist team of Evans and Novak.  Arroyo is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. He has acted and directed in New York and London.

In addition to his work at EWTN, Arroyo has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN Headline News, Access Hollywood, and NPR.  His work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Newsweek, Time Magazine, The New Yorker, and elsewhere.

Five of his adult books, including his biography of Mother Angelica, were all New York Times bestsellers.  His first picture book, The Spider Who Saved Christmas, was also a New York Times bestseller.  Additionally, he is author of the bestselling Will Wilder series for young readers.  In 2015, Arroyo founded Storyented.com, a literacy initiative to inspire reading by connecting the world’s great authors and their readers.  Arroyo resides in New Orleans and Washington D.C. with his wife Rebecca and their three children.

• https://raymondarroyo.com/
• https://twitter.com/raymondarroyo
• https://www.facebook.com/ArroyoRaymond
• Literary Initiative: storyented.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, 616.403.6628

HE STILL SPEAKS TO KIDS by Wayne Drain & Tom Lane

(Dallas-Fort Worth, TX – September 19, 2022) Gateway Publishing is pleased to announce the release of He Still Speaks to Kids: Teach Children and Young Adults to Hear God by Wayne Drain and Tom Lane on September 23, 2022.

Parents, grandparents, and pastors want the children, teens, and young adults in their lives to know God, but sometimes they’re unsure how to help that relationship grow. They believe God still speaks today, but want to know, How do I teach someone to hear His voice? Wayne Drain and Tom Lane are passionate about creating a lasting legacy of faith in the next generation. In this book designed for parents and anyone with a heart for the next generation, they teach readers how to lead kids to Jesus and develop environments for hearing God.

Through decades of prophetic ministry, Pastors Wayne Drain and Tom Lane have learned an incredible truth: God has something to say to everyone. “We believe the young and the young at heart can learn to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd just like grown-ups can. There is no junior Holy Spirit!” said Pastor Wayne. “Today, we are seeing a new generation of children

interested in hearing God. They love to hear their parents’ and grandparents’ ‘back-in-the-day’ stories of hearing God. It has been encouraging to witness a growing hunger among young people who want to have an encounter with God themselves.” Pastor Tom added, “One word from God changes everything in our personal lives and in our children’s lives as well.”

He Still Speaks to Kids follows the authors’ first book together, He Still Speaks: Embracing the Prophetic Today, a resource that lays a solid biblical foundation for the role of prophecy in the Church today.

Robert Morris, Senior Pastor of Gateway Church and best-selling author of more than 19 books, has been close friends with the authors for many years. He says, “There are no two men better suited to encourage and guide parents in teaching their kids about hearing God than Wayne Drain and Tom Lane. Their passion for prophetic ministry comes from a deep understanding of our heavenly Father’s heart to speak to us and from recognizing the divine appointments available to us in our everyday lives.” One of Pastor Robert Morris’ greatest desires is for the next generation to understand that God wants to speak directly to them. He writes in the foreword of He Still Speaks to Kids, “This wonderful book provides clear, easy-to-understand instructions for parents to help their children ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord’ (2 Peter 3:18).”

Wayne Drain is the founding senior pastor of City Church (formerly Fellowship of Christians) in Russellville, Arkansas. His call is to pastor and prophesy to the nations, and he has ministered in 48 states and 39 nations to date. A local pastor for 45-plus years, Wayne has also ministered nationally and internationally through speaking, worship leading, consulting, and participating in prophetic presbyteries. Drawing from his perspective on hearing from God through prophecy, Wayne has articles published in Charisma, Worship Together, Compass, Proclaim, and Cross Rhythms magazines. He is also a worship leader and songwriter associated with Integrity Music and Capital Music Group/EMI. Wayne has been married to his wife, June, since 1972. They have three married children and four grandchildren.

Tom Lane serves as the executive pastor of the Tom Lane Executive Leadership Institute at Gateway Church in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX. Over the last 20 years, he’s served as apostolic senior pastor, executive senior pastor, and the Dallas campus pastor. As an elder, he provides spiritual governance for Gateway’s ministries. Tom has experience in a variety of church leadership roles, including business administrator, administrative pastor, executive pastor, and senior pastor. As a pastor to pastors, Tom is a long-standing, trusted Christian leader. He’s authored several books, including Tested and Approved, Foundations of Healthy Church Government, and Heritage. Tom and his wife, Jan, have been married for more than 50 years. They have four married children and 15 grandchildren.

For more information, to receive a copy of He Still Speaks to Kids, or to schedule an interview with Wayne Drain and Tom Lane, please contact: Peyton Sepeda, publishing@gatewaypeople.com, 855.712.5774, GatewayPublishing.com

Available now at GatewayPublishing.com, Amazon, store.gatewaypeople.com, and on all eBook retailers.

Bloomington, Minn. (September 13, 2022)—Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce that American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) selected three Bethany House fiction titles as Carol Award winners in their respective genres—The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden (Historical Romance), All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese (Romance), and A Texas Christmas Carol, part of the Under the Texas Mistletoe novella collection (Novella). The award presentation took place on September 10 during the annual ACFW conference gala in St. Louis, Missouri.

ACFW is a professional organization devoted to the craft of Christian Fiction. Its mission is to help authors tell their stories by inspiring them to partner with God in the creative process, learn the craft, and find their audience. The Carol Awards were created by ACFW to recognize the best Christian fiction published in the previous calendar year. For the complete list of winners, please visit https://acfw.com/acfw-announces-2022-christian-fiction-and-industry-awards/.

Winners:

The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden
(Bethany House; ISBN 9780764232138; Ebook 9781493429974; $15.99)
Luke Delacroix’s hidden past as a spy has him carrying out an ambitious agenda—thwarting the reelection of his only real enemy. But trouble begins when he falls for Marianne Magruder, the congressman’s daughter. Can their newfound love survive a political firestorm, or will three generations of family rivalry drive them apart forever?

All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese
(Bethany House; ISBN 9780764234965; Ebook 9781493429929; $16.99)
Molly McKenzie has made social media influencing a lucrative career but nailing a TV show means proving she’s as good in real life as she is online. So, she volunteers with a youth program. Challenged at every turn by the program director, Silas, and the kids’ struggles, she’s surprised by her growing attachment. Has her perfect life been imperfectly built?

A Texas Christmas Carol
(Under the Texas Mistletoe novella collection) by Karen Witemeyer
(Bethany House; ISBN 9780764239311; Ebook 9781493433681; $14.99)
A town’s wealthy, Scrooge-like bachelor finds his world invaded by a woman set on earning his donation for helping the local poor, and by the penetrating questions of three mysterious visitors.

Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is part of the largest independent Christian book publisher and seeks to uplift readers’ families, faith, and free time with our library of industry-leading fiction and bestselling Christ-centered nonfiction.

Contact:  Anne Van Solkema, (616) 676-9185 x152,
avansolkema@bakerpublishinggroup.com

WESTMONT, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) has announced that Nilwona Nowlin will serve as its new associate editor.

Cindy Bunch, IVP Vice President, Editorial, said, “Nilwona Nowlin comes to IVP with strong recommendations from several of our authors. Her breadth of ministry experience, professional training, and wide networks will be an asset to IVP. But most of all her pastoral heart will guide her as she mentors authors through the publishing process. I am looking forward to having her on the IVP team.”

Nowlin holds a master of divinity and a master of arts in Christian formation from North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago. She also has a master’s degree in nonprofit administration from North Park University. Most recently Nowlin has served as a contract chaplain for Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. She has also worked at North Park Seminary and for the Evangelical Covenant Church. Nowlin is a member of Redbud Writers Guild and serves on the board of the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA).

Nowlin frequently preaches at churches in the Chicago area and has been a speaker at Duke Youth Academy, Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE) International, Deeply Rooted Chicago, and a number of other conferences. She has also given a TEDx Talk at North Park University. Nowlin has written for CCDA, Covenant Companion, Christianity Today, the Evangelical Covenant Church, and Redbud Writers Guild.

Nowlin describes herself in this way: “I am a redemptive artist, which means that I use my creative abilities to move others toward redemption, restoration, and reconciliation with the goal of helping individuals and communities around the world experience God’s shalom. Areas of interest include leadership development, community development, intercultural competence, and helping others discover and pursue their God-given purpose.”

Serving in her new associate editor role, Nowlin will be attending both the CCDA Conference November 2 to 5 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the Mosaix Conference November 8 to 10 in Dallas, Texas.

Visit Nowlin’s website at nilwona.com, and follow her on Twitter: @nilwona.

Contact: Krista Clayton | 630.734.4013 | kclayton@ivpress.com

As America’s Addiction Crisis Intensifies, Bible Co-Edited by Stephen Arterburn Remains on Bestseller Lists, with More Than Four Million Copies Sold to Date

CAROL STREAM, Ill., Sept. 19, 2022 — Widely used in recovery groups and prisons across the country, Tyndale’s #1–selling Life Recovery Bible in the New Living Translation (NLT) marks 30 years as an important resource in providing hope for people battling addiction.

When Tyndale House Publishers introduced The Life Recovery Bible in 1992, it expected to produce 100,000 copies of the Bible resource, which is designed specifically for those battling addiction. Never did the publishing house imagine that the demand for a Bible tailored for those in Twelve Step recovery programs would grow exponentially, selling four million copies over three decades and remaining on bestseller lists to become the #1–selling recovery Bible.

Now marking 30 years of providing hope for those battling addiction, The Life Recovery Bible is needed more than ever as America’s addiction crisis intensifies. The Bible is widely used across the country not only by individuals but also in Twelve Step groups and in prisons through a partnership with Prison Fellowship.

Co-edited by Stephen Arterburn, founder of New Life Ministries, The Life Recovery Bible is a unique tool that brings Twelve Step recovery back to its original source—God’s Word. Scripture was foundational in the original development of the Twelve Steps, but over time the connection between the Bible and the Twelve Steps diminished, with the Twelve Steps becoming a more secular practice. Returning the focus of recovery to Scripture played a critical role in the formation of the Bible.

“The Life Recovery Bible was developed 30 years ago to help people break free from the grip of addiction by moving toward God. We were not trying to put the Bible into recovery, we were trying to bring recovery back to the Bible, where it all began,” said Arterburn. “Today, The Life Recovery Bible remains a crucial resource for those battling addiction, pointing people to God’s Word.”

The Life Recovery Bible has become essential for those leading recovery groups at churches or within communities, and its unique features include a facilitator’s guide, a step-by-step Life Recovery Meeting Guide, articles on addiction recovery, The 12 Christian Foundations of Life Recovery, The 12 Self-Evident Truths of Life Recovery, and other resources.

Making a Difference in the Lives of Inmates
The Life Recovery Bible has also made a significant impact on the lives of inmates in correctional facilities across the U.S., many of whom have struggled with drug and alcohol dependency and abuse. Since 2019, Tyndale has partnered with Prison Fellowship, supporting its efforts to provide Bibles to inmates requesting them. In just a few short years, Prison Fellowship has provided 237,612 English and 47,600 Spanish Life Recovery Bibles to people in prison to help them in their recovery process.

One prisoner wrote, “I’m just writing to thank Prison Fellowship and the Inside Journal for The Life Recovery Bible that I received from you. It helps me grow spiritually and also helps me keep my recovery on track.”

“I’m amazed at how God created an incredible thirst for his Word after we made The Life Recovery Bible available in prison—especially during the unprecedented pandemic,” said James Ackerman, president and CEO of Prison Fellowship. “We’re beyond excited to partner with Tyndale and celebrate the 30-year anniversary of these life-transforming Bibles. We see, firsthand, how God has used The Life Recovery Bible to impact the lives of thousands of incarcerated men and women, many of whom are struggling with the power of addiction, costing them their freedom, their health, their relationships, and their hope. But the healing power of the gospel is priceless and can bring freedom from the bondage of addiction!”

Media Opportunities:
Images of inmates who have received The Life Recovery Bible through Prison Fellowship are available to media as well as interview opportunities with:

• Stephen Arterburn, co-editor of The Life Recovery Bible
• Prison Fellowship representatives
• Tyndale House representatives

For more information, or to arrange an interview about The Life Recovery Bible, please contact Katie Dodillet at katiedodillet@tyndale.com.

About Tyndale House Publishers
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 majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

CAROL STREAM, Ill.—September 16, 2022—Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to announce that three of its novels and authors have been named 2022 Carol Award winners by ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). According to its website, ACFW is a professional organization devoted to the craft of Christian fiction. Its mission is to “help you tell your stories by inspiring you to partner with God in the creative process, learn the craft, and find your audience.” The Carol Awards honor Christian fiction published in the previous calendar year.  Tyndale’s 2022 award recipients are:

Contemporary

A Piece of the Moon by Chris Fabry
Editors—Sarah Rische and Karen Watson

Historical

The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli
Editors—Caleb Sjogren and Jan Stob

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

Dark Intercept by Andrews & Wilson
Editors—Sarah Rische and Karen Watson

Also announced during the virtual and in-person gala was the Editor of the Year award, presented to Tyndale senior acquisitions editor Stephanie Broene. In response to this, Karen Watson, publisher of Tyndale fiction, shared, “Stephanie is a dedicated and gifted editor. We are delighted by this well-deserved recognition of her talent and dedication to her craft.”

Tyndale author DiAnn Mills was also recognized as Mentor of the Year.

For more information on Tyndale titles, please visit tyndale.com.

ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) is a professional organization devoted to the craft of Christian fiction. Its mission is to “help you tell your stories by inspiring you to partner with God in the creative process, learn the craft, and find your audience.” For more information about ACFW, go to acfw.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 majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Contact: Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com, 630.784.5275

Eric Rivera reveals how Jesus’ questions can help us turn our eyes to Him in times of uncertainty, sorrow and joy

BELLINGHAM, Wash., Sept. 16, 2022 – Pastor Eric Rivera uses Jesus’s appearances after his resurrection to show readers how he meets us today in his new book, “Unexpected Jesus: How the Resurrected Christ Finds Us, Meets Us, Heals Us,” releasing Oct. 12 from Lexham Press.

Each chapter of “Unexpected Jesus” explores a question Jesus asked His followers—from Mary Magdalene in the garden and the disciples on the road to Emmaus to Thomas when he is full of doubt —to dive into the underlying heart issues he sought to heal both then and today.

“Those questions revealed something about people’s heart condition—their mess—while at the same time infusing them with the hope that only God can give,” writes Rivera. “Jesus continues to meet us in these places of grief, doubt, confusion, wandering, regret, and anger. The same kinds of questions he asked two thousand years ago are the questions he relays to us in our mess today: Why are you weeping? Do you love me? What are you doing? Why don’t you believe in me? Will you trust me? Jesus’s questions expose our underlying struggles and turn our eyes to Him.”

Rivera interweaves deep biblical truth with his own personal experiences of God showing up amid financial uncertainty, pregnancy loss, a grim medical diagnosis within his family, and the unrest and uncertainty of 2020.

“The greatest point of comfort for me, and those I minister to, is that God loves us and is near to the brokenhearted. God is present in your pain. Jesus meets you in your mess,” Rivera said. “Our struggles look different, and God ignores none of them. He invites his children to rest in Him. He invites you to do that as you read this book.”

Rivera’s insights will encourage readers as they look to meet God in their own times of uncertainty.

“Unexpected Jesus” releases Oct. 12 from Lexham Press. For more information, visit https://lexhampress.com/product/224273/unexpected-jesus-how-the-resurrected-christ-finds-us-meets-us-heals-us.

About Lexham Press
Lexham Press seeks to increase biblical literacy, thoughtful Christian reflection, and faithful action around the world by publishing a range of Bible study materials, scholarly works, and pastoral resources. For information, visit lexhampress.com.

About the Author
Eric Rivera is lead pastor and church planter, with his wife, Erikah, of The Brook, a multi-ethnic church in Chicago and ​​Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and Erikah are national speakers for FamilyLife’s Weekend To Remember marriage getaways and contributors to FamilyLife’s “The Art of Parenting” video series and “The Story of Us” couples devotional. Eric is the author of “Christ is Yours: The Assurance of Salvation in the Puritan Theology of William Gouge.”

Fiona Love at the Zoo releases November 15 and highlights the affections of Zoo animal families

Exclusive pre-order print features Fiona and her new sibling, Fritz

Grand Rapids, MI—September 13— Zonderkidz, the children’s division of Zondervan, will release a new illustrated picture book in November in partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, one of the top zoos in the nation. Fiona Love at the Zoo features artwork from New York Times bestselling illustrator, and Cincinnati native, Richard Cowdrey.

This is the sixth picture book from Zonderkidz featuring the world’s most famous hippo. The New York Times bestselling Fiona the Hippo picture book was a hit with Fiona fans around the globe. Fiona is a worldwide internet sensation and the star of the Cincinnati Zoo, thanks to her spunk and the fighting spirit that helped her overcome all odds when she was born six weeks premature.  She is now over 5 years old and much heavier than her 29-pound birthweight!

To celebrate the book, a free, exclusive pre-order print from Zonderkidz is available to the first 500 fans who order the book from their favorite retailer prior to November, 15, 2022 and fill out the form on this site:  www.fionathehippobook.com. The 5×7 colored print, drawn by Fiona book illustrator Richard Cowdrey, shows Fiona lovingly snuggling with new baby brother Fritz. Suitable for framing, the print highlights Fiona with the new baby hippo who was born this August to much fanfare worldwide.

In the latest book, Fiona is illustrated discovering how her animal friends at the Zoo have lots of little ways of showing affection to each other – like wrapping necks as giraffes do, swans water-dancing, seals booping noses, and peacocks striking dramatic poses.

“This book is a celebration of love, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect as the Cincinnati Zoo recently welcomed Fritz into their hippo “bloat” family,” says Megan Dobson, VP and publisher of Zonderkidz. “We appreciate working alongside the Zoo and helping them support their mission. And yes, Fiona the Hippo fans should be delighted to know that Fritz will be in an upcoming book in 2023…so stay tuned!”

About the book:
www.fionathehippobook.com
Fiona Love at the Zoo
Illustrated by Richard Cowdrey
On sale November 15, 2022
$18.99 Ages 4 – 8
9780310770855
From Zonderkidz, a division of Zondervan, a HarperCollins company

About the Illustrator:
Richard Cowdrey is well known for illustrating many beautiful children’s picture books, including the New York Times bestseller Fiona the Hippo and Bad Dog, Marley! Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Cowdrey graduated from The Columbus College of Art and Design. Richard’s love for family and nature overflows into his illustrations which are enjoyed by children around the world. The artist lives in Ohio with his wife and has four grown children and five grandchildren. When not painting in his studio, Richard enjoys visiting schools to share with children his love of illustration.  Richard is available for interviews, school visits and store and library story time events about Fiona.

About the Hippo:
Fiona was born January 24, 2017, six weeks before her due date. At 29 pounds she was very small for a Nile hippo. The whole world watched as Fiona learned to walk, eat and swim. Her challenges were big, but her spunk and incredible will helped her prevail time and again. Since her birth, millions of people from around the world have been pulling for Fiona to keep fighting. As she grew older, so did her social media following.
#FionatheHippo #TeamFiona #FionatheHippobook #Zonderkidz

About the Zoo:
The world-famous Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is committed to inspiring visitors to care about wildlife and wild places.  It has been rated the #1 attraction locally and one of the top zoos in the nation by Zagat Survey.  It has also received rave reviews from Child Magazine, Parents Magazine, USA Today and TripAdvisor. Over 1.6 million people visit the Zoo’s award-winning habitats, and more than 500 animal and 3000 plant species annually.

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 part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.  The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages.  For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com

Media Contact:
Jessica Westra, Publicity Director, Zonderkidz, Jessica.westra@harpercollins.com, 616-698-3208

Abilene TX—Leafwood Publishers is pleased to announce that Tamar: Rediscovering the God Who Redeems Me, has won its second award this year. After receiving the 2022 WCCW (West Coast Christian Writers) “God’s Word is Alive” award in February “for an author who has published an excellent Bible study that brings the Bible to life in a unique way,” Tamar won Second Place in the Bible Study category at the AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) Golden Scroll Awards.

Tamar: Rediscovering the God Who Redeems Me is a six-week in-depth Bible study based on the biblical account of Tamar, Judah’s daughter-in-law, the first woman listed in the lineage of Christ.

Endorsed by best-selling authors Francine Rivers, Liz Curtis-Higgs, Susy Flory, and many others, Tamar takes readers on a journey to discover that nothing can thwart God’s plan—not even you. God works behind the seen, redeeming it all for His glory.

Shadia Hrichi is a passionate Bible teacher, award-winning author and speaker who stirs the hearts and minds of her audience through personal story, illustration, and her unwavering confidence in the authority of God’s Word. She holds a master’s in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary as well as a master’s in criminal justice from the State University of New York. Shadia is the author of several Bible studies, including Tamar, Hagar, Legion, all from her “BEHIND THE SEEN: Exploring the Bible’s Unsung Heroes” Bible study series, as well as WORTHY OF LOVE: A Journey of Hope and Healing After Abortion. In addition to writing and teaching Bible studies, Shadia has served on faculty for a number of Christian Writers conferences and provides workshops, coaching and other resources for aspiring authors. Residing in northern California, Shadia is often invited to speak at churches, conferences, women’s retreats and other events, and loves to visit the ocean each week for “a date with Jesus.” Learn more at www.shadiahrichi.com

Leafwood Publishers, an imprint of Abilene Christian University Press, inspires fresh and deeper conversations about faith and life, one book at a time.  For more Leafwood titles visit www.leafwoodpublishers.com

Contact: Duane Anderson, 325-674-2720, dma09a@acu.edu