Grand Rapids, August 2023 – Best-selling author and theologian Mike Nappa’s “Reflections for the Grieving Soul,” (Zondervan), released on July 18, has vaulted to the #1 position in Amazon’s highly-competitive “New Release Christian Devotionals” category.

A testament, Nappa hopes, to the impact it’s having on readers seeking solace as they navigate the challenging journey of loss and grief.

“I’m grateful to hear it’s reaching people who need grace during a time of grieving. My prayer is that God will be noticeably near to every grieving soul, as he has proven Himself close to me in the midst of my own sorrow.”

A longtime literary agent and the author of over five dozen books, Nappa served in ministry and co-authored a number of those books with Amy, his wife of 30 years, before losing her to cancer in 2016.

The book’s placement on the platforms of two key figures such as Ann Voskamp and Sarah Young have significantly contributed to the book’s rising influence within the realm of Christian devotionals.

“Reflections for the Grieving Soul is an essential read for the heavy-hearted. Mike personally extends a hand to the reader by walking us through his own struggles and prayers, all the while leading us toward the hope we can find in Christ,” said Tiffany Curtis, Faith Editor at Crosswalk.com, “This is an honest look at the mourning process and will help a grieving heart at any stage to feel deeply understood.”

The book is available for purchase on Amazon and at all booksellers.

For media inquiries, review copies, or interview requests with Mike Nappa, please contact:
Jones Literary
bookings@jonesliterary.com
512.720.2996

Friesens was pleased to hear of the joint venture between Timsons Engineering and CPI Corporation with the intent to build Timsons presses again.

Friesens presently operates 2 Timsons presses, a T32 and a T48, which have been workhorses in our single colour product line.  These presses have provided us with excellent quality and reliability, so we were disappointed when Timsons ceased production in 2015.

The TimsonsCPI announcement was perfect timing as we were seeking to upgrade. Friesens is thrilled to acquire the first press from this joint venture, and we look forward to its arrival in 2024.

We have a high degree of confidence in this investment, and in the venture itself. The subject matter experts we met at the factory buoyed our confidence that this was a good strategic investment and partnership.

Upgrades to the press include a new oil lubrication system in the print unit that allows for a 16% increase in speed, a new light-weight titanium chopper knife folder, new Baldwin impact Fusion blanket washing system and of course all new state of the art drives, motors, and a new operating software.

At Friesens, we help others share their best story with the world. We do this by combining caring and talented people with the latest technology to deliver a superior customer experience.

As an employee-owned business, we are committed to reinvesting in our operations. Not only for our own benefit today, but for the benefit of employee-owners of the future and the communities they call home. Our company has been in business for 115 years and we’ve never been more excited about the future!

If you have any questions about this release, please contact Byron Loeppky, Senior VP of Books at byronl@friesens.com or phone 204-319-8113.

 

CAROL STREAM, Ill. (August 9, 2023) – Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) has announced that Jeff Johnson, Chief Administration Officer, will retire on September 29, after 37 years at the company. “Jeff Johnson has been instrumental in guiding Tyndale House Publishers and the greater Christian publishing industry during his many years of executive leadership,” said Scott Mathews, CEO of Tyndale House, “We are grateful for his contributions over the years and for all his efforts in furthering the mission of Tyndale House Ministries. He will be missed.” Johnson will continue to serve on the board of Tyndale House Foundation.

Jeff Johnson began his career at Tyndale as a stock runner in 1986. Johnson became Tyndale’s director of human resources and administrative services in 1988 where he oversaw three major building projects and coordinated the initiation of the 401(k) plan to replace the pension plan model for employees. In 1998, he was promoted to vice president of publishing services, and in 2004 was named chief operating officer. In 2016, Johnson was promoted to the role of president and chief operating officer.

During his tenure at Tyndale, Johnson played a vital role in shepherding initiatives that helped expand Tyndale’s catalog and contributed to the financial and ministry success of the company. It was his vision to create Tyndale Español in 2005 and to acquire Hendrickson Publishing Group in 2021. Johnson also recognized the potential for the page-recognition technology behind Tyndale’s Filament-enabled Bible, which earned a patent from US Patent and Trademark Office in 2021. Additionally, he helped lead a cross-departmental, company-wide effort to bring the product to market, and it continues to be one of Tyndale’s leading Bible lines today. Johnson’s vision also included the development of Tyndale’s e-commerce websites and the internal publication management system that manages the company’s daily operations.

In addition to his work at Tyndale, Johnson brought his expertise and experience to the ECPA board of directors for many years, serving as vice-chair and providing counsel and direction to this important Christian publishing consortium. “Jeff has always had a heart for service,” notes Sharon Heggeland, COO of Tyndale House. “He has always been mindful of Tyndale’s mission legacy, encouraging all of us at THM to serve one another.”

“My focus as a leader at Tyndale has always been on completing the Great Commission,” offered Johnson. “It is my hope that all publishers will honor the call to supply products and support authors and organizations that help fulfill this command from our Lord and Savior.”

A retirement reception to celebrate Jeff Johnson’s contributions will be held at Tyndale during the last week of September.

For media inquiries, please contact Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@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.

 

Race to Kindness to Release May 2024

Grand Rapids, MI – August 8, 2023 – Zonderkidz is pleased to announce that 12-year-old Orion Jean, the 2021 TIME Magazine Kid of the Year, will publish a children’s picture book titled Race to Kindness, releasing May 7, 2024.

Illustrated by Darshika Varma, the book is inspired by Orion’s accomplishments of getting over a half million books donated to children and collecting over 100,000 meals for the food insecure in his community and across the country, all beginning when he was 9.

The book shows a boy who takes on small acts of kindness – like a smile or a wave – to bigger actions – where everyone matters and everyone can make a difference. Based on Orion’s Be K.I.N.D. initiative, the characters in the book use the letters in the word kind to “Keep your eyes open,” “Include others,” think about how “Nothing is too small” and to“Do something about it” when someone is struggling or facing a challenge.

This one book deal with Jean was acquired by Katherine Easter, Acquisitions Editor for Zonderkidz/HarperCollins, for world rights.

“Orion’s story was so inspiring to us and we want to help him reach more young readers with this message of kindness to do what they can, from wherever they are. Working with Orion and his family has been a true joy! His passion fits our publishing mission so well,” says Megan Dobson, Vice President and Publisher of Zonderkidz.

More information on Jean and the new book can be found here:  www.racetokindnessbook.com  His profile as the 2021 TIME Kid of the Year when he was 11 can be found here:  https://time.com/6144632/kid-of-the-year-2021-orion-jean/ Orion makes his home in Mansfield, Texas where he looks forward to attending 8^th grade this fall.

The book is now available for pre-orders wherever books are sold. Advance review copies of the book and media interviews are available upon request; please contact Publicity Director Jessica Westra at jessica.westra@harpercollins.com. A full media tour is planned for May 2024.

About the book:
Race to Kindness
Author: TIME 2021 Kid of the Year Orion Jean
Illustrator: Darshika Varma
9780310152552
Hardcover picture book, ages 4 – 8 (will also be available in audio and e-book)
Release date: May 7, 2024
Publisher: Zonderkidz

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

Story of Abraham Lincoln’s Tenacious, Hilarious Son Releases Oct. 3, 2023
Perfect for Thanksgiving/Holiday Round-Ups

Grand Rapids, Mich. (August 9, 2023) — New York Times bestselling author, respected broadcast journalist and producer Raymond Arroyo continues his Turnabout Tales series with The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln, releasing Oct. 3, 2023, from Zonderkidz. The story of Abraham Lincoln’s rambunctious son is the second heartwarming, historic picture book in the series, following The Unexpected Light of Thomas Alva Edison, which debuted in March.

Ushering in the fall season, The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln introduces readers to the youngest son of the 16th President of the United States — a largely forgotten, but historically significant boy, who is responsible for an enduring national holiday tradition. Tad, who had a cleft palate that sometimes made his speech difficult to understand, was known for pulling pranks and wreaking havoc in the White House. This is the unknown story of the boy whose joyous presence became a source of comfort to his father during the nation’s darkest moments. Aimed at children, ages 4-8, and the young at heart, this keepsake picture book — illustrated by Jacqui Davis — captures the hilarious White House mischief of Tad Lincoln and reminds us of the importance of one child in the life of a father — and a nation.

Filled with Tad’s imaginative hijinks, The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln also paints the portrait of a doting, grieving father, who after losing his oldest son to a deadly fever, grows even more attached to young Tad. Against the backdrop of the Civil War, the 8-year-old provides moments of joy, laughter and hope to his father on his darkest days. In turn, his dad subtly teaches Tad important life lessons about mercy and forgiveness as he pardons real-life soldiers, toys and even a Thanksgiving Day turkey at the insistence of his son. In this “Turnabout Tale,” Arroyo explores how Tad’s beloved “Paw,” as Tad called the president, recognized wisdom in his son’s innate mercy and how, together, they created a national tradition that continues to this day.

“As his father reviewed pardons in his office, late into the night, Tad would often fall asleep next to his desk. Lincoln’s cabinet famously hated pardon requests to reach the president personally. He had a soft spot for those in distress — a sensitivity his personal losses only deepened,” Arroyo observes of the president, who granted pardons for more than 82% of the requests he received over the course of his four years in office. “His generosity and mercy, even amid a bloody war, is a constant theme of his presidency and a huge part of Tad’s story.”

It was Tad and President Lincoln who began the tradition of the White House Thanksgiving turkey pardon — a custom U.S. presidents still observe to this day — after Tad begged his father not to let the kitchen staff cook the bird he had adopted as a friend and playmate. Lincoln established Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863, that same momentous year, which also saw the esteemed president sign the Emancipation Proclamation and deliver the Gettysburg Address.

The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln is the second installment in Arroyo’s Turnabout Tales series, which is slated to feature pivotal moments in more historic lives, each revealing “Challenges Faced, Paths Changed, History Turned.” Additional books in the series will be announced soon. This series was acquired by Zonderkidz Publisher Megan Dobson and Senior Acquisitions Editor Katherine Jacobs, from agent Chip Flaherty of Bamtrey Strategies.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln
By New York Times bestselling author Raymond Arroyo
Illustrated by Jacqui Davis
Hardcover w/ Jacket, $18.99
978-0310793823 October 3, 2023 On Sale

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 national reports for Fox News and appears across the network. He is also a former CNN contributor.

As founding News Director, Managing Editor and Lead Anchor for EWTN News, he is seen in more than 400 million homes on six continents each week and heard on more than 600 AM/FM affiliates and a stand alone Sirius channel throughout the U.S. and globally. 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. Arroyo has also worked for the Associated Press, The New York Observer and the political columnist team of Evans and Novak.

He is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. He has acted and directed in New York and London. Arroyo has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Erin Burnett OutFront, 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 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 Contacts:
Jessica Westra, Director of Publicity, Zonderkidz, Jessica.westra@harpercollins.com
Velvet Kelm, the media collective, velvet@themcollective.com, (615) 591-7989, themcollective.com

Former Executive Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at InterVarsity Press will begin new position on September 5, 2023

TEMPE, ARIZ., (August 14, 2023) – The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) announces that Sally Sampson Craft will join its staff as Manager of Member Care. In that position, Craft will serve existing, new, and potential voting members and small press, international, and industry affiliates to foster strong member engagement and retention and to enhance the services ECPA offers to its community. She will also partner with other ECPA staff to launch a new quarterly onboarding webinar for new members.

“I am delighted that at a time when ECPA needed to fill this strategic position, someone with Craft’s experience in publishing and knowledge of ECPA was ready to make a change,” Cynthia Helblig, Executive Administrator and Office Manager, said. “Our entire staff is looking forward to working with Sally as together we serve our membership.”

During more than 35 years in Christian book publishing at IVP, Craft led a number of innovative turns, including launching the company’s website, shaping its digital publishing program, and nurturing its Every Voice Now initiative. Additionally, she was recognized for collaborating cross-departmentally on process improvements and for establishing and strengthening cross-organization partnerships. For the past several years she has served as a member of ECPA’s recognition committee.

“I’m looking forward to partnering with Sally Craft and to seeing the contributions she will make to our community, especially in the area of member care,”  Jeff Crosby, ECPA president and CEO, said. “Her 35 years of publishing experience at multiple levels of our industry, from copywriter to the executive level, has given her a strong background to understand and meet the needs of our community.”

Craft said, “It was a joy to work with Jeff Crosby during his years in leadership at IVP and, more recently, to work with the ECPA staff team and other publisher representatives as a member of the recognition committee. I look forward to this new chapter in my Christian publishing career, and I hope to serve ECPA and its members well in the years ahead.”

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit trade organization comprised of member companies that are involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that our members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. ECPA.org

Media Contact:  Jeff Crosby, ECPA president and CEO, 630.989.0222 or jcrosby@ecpa.org

The trials of life can wear us down. Unexpected events force us to face a new reality and unanswered prayers lead us to a growing frustration about why God doesn’t intervene. But only in the hard seasons and storms of life are vital spiritual disciplines developed.

Grace Wabuke Klein, former pastor of leadership development at a 10,000-member church and co-leader of the national ministry focus412, knows that there is purpose in our darkest days and seasons of waiting. In Flourish: Finding Purpose in the Unknown and Unexpected Seasons of Life, (Worthy Publishing, August 8, 2023 ISBN: 9781546004301) Grace meets the reader in their heartache, disappointment, and pain and gives encouragement and a fresh perspective on the winter seasons we all go through, as well as practical steps to not just survive but to find purpose in the unknown and unexpected.

Drawing insight from her own winter seasons– of being asked to leave a church because of the color of her skin, waiting two decades for the man God had for her, experiencing the shock and sudden loss of her dad, and having a hysterectomy long before she was able to have children–Grace reveals the divine purpose in each season of our lives. She explains how:

• Fall is a time of release—a necessary season of letting go of offenses, unhealthy relationships, hurts, bad habits, toxic friendships, pride, unforgiveness and other heart issues before we can ever move on to the next season.
• Winter is a time of unexpected challenges and unknown futures—yet lessons learned in life’s storms are deep and full of growth to shape us and makes us stronger.
• Spring is a time of new things that require us to be open to new experiences, people, ideas, and perspective—stepping out into the unknown and uncomfortable.
• Summer is a time when everything is flourishing—we clearly see how each season cultivated a deeper level of faith and spiritual muscles, developing our character and perseverance.

Grace discovered there is value and unseen gifts in each season. Flourish connects with the reader in the tension and storms to bring a word of hope.

Everyone has dreams. Usually, they look like a set of achievements: a dream house, a dream job, a dream family, a dream vacation. However, in pursuing them, we often become disgruntled and disheartened as challenge, setback, and opposition come in our way. We blame God for what he hasn’t provided yet, instead of asking what he has in store for us today.

Nick Nilson, Associate Pastor at Lakewood Church, offers a tool to overcome these challenges: the power of perspective. As Christians, what if we stopped focusing on what we lack, and instead on the fresh and ever-present power of God in our lives? What would change if we truly believed that God was in the middle of our troubles, woes, and heartache? How can we reaffirm our confidence that He is always working all things for our good?

With a foreword by Joel Osteen, charming anecdotes and scriptural analysis, You Can Live the Dream: Trading Disappointment and Discontentment for Peace, Joy and Fulfillment (FaithWords, August 8, 2023, ISBN: 9781546004660) outlines how readers can harness the power of a God-perspective in every aspect of their lives. The dream awaits!

Nick Nilson is an Associate Pastor at America’s largest church, Lakewood Church. His authenticity and charisma help him share the hope of Jesus everywhere he goes. His work as a leader and communicator has given him the opportunity to help people to realize their full potential in every area of their life. He is happily married to his wife Summer, and they pastor at Lakewood Church in Houston, TX, where they also reside with their children, Haven, Denver and their spoiled dog Harley.

Journalist Sarah Stankorb presents a full, layered portrait of where Christian extremism stands in the twenty-first century, and how women from within are challenging that standing.

A generation of women were told never question the men in their families or their pastors. They were also told to remain sexually pure and if a man was tempted, it was their fault. Some of these girls were abused and assaulted. Some made to shrink down so small they became a fraction of themselves. To question their leaders was to question God himself. All the while, their male leaders built fiefdoms from megachurches and sprawling ministries and influenced political leaders and policy.

In her new book, DISOBEDIENT WOMEN (Worthy Publishing, August 8, 2023, ISBN: 9781546003809), Sarah Stankorb gives long-overdue recognition for these everyday women as leaders, voices for a different sort of faith by bringing abuse stories to national attention. She weaves together names readers know now—Rachel Held Evans, Josh Duggar, Billy Graham, Joshua Harris, even Amy Coney Barrett and People of Praise—with new names readers will never forget.

DISOBEDIENT WOMEN is not just a look at the women who have used the power of the internet to bring down the religious power structures that were meant to keep them quiet, it’s also a picture of the large-scale changes that are happening within evangelical culture regarding women’s roles, ultimately underscoring the ways technology has created a place for women to challenge the traditional power structures from within.

SARAH STANKORB has written hundreds of reported articles and essays, which have appeared in publications, including: The Washington Post, The New York Times, Vogue, Marie Claire, Glamour, and VICE. She was born near Youngstown, Ohio, and as a kid, often found escape in books. She studied religion and philosophy at Westminster College, and ethics and South Asian religion and history at the University of Chicago’s Divinity School. Her beat spans religion, politics, gender, and power, but is informed by questions of basic morality. This means investigating wrongdoing; it can mean reporting on how people find the strength to prevail. Sarah lives in Ohio with her husband and two children.

COMING OCTOBER 2, 2023 FROM MARTY MACHOWSKI!

Best-selling author Marty Machowski takes young readers on an exciting biblical voyage to discover the treasure of the God’s love revealed in Luke’s letters to Theophilus—Luke and Acts.

In the tradition of his well-loved bestsellers The Ology and WonderFull, Machowski weaves a study of the Bible with a fictional story. The Treasure follows the adventures of Mira and Theos who discover a sea captain’s personal journal which offers clues to a hidden treasure. They can only solve the riddle of the treasure by studying two ancient scrolls, the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. Young readers will journey with the siblings as they solve their puzzle and the discover the captain’s treasure—Christ!

While these New Testament books are often thought of as two separate books telling different stories, they are really two halves of one greater story recorded by Luke. Through Luke’s retelling of Jesus’s work on earth and the Spirit’s work in growing the church, we see the Father’s love on full display. The Treasure will help children grow in their knowledge and love of God.

• Vivid, full-color illustrations by Flavia Sorrentino.
• Written for elementary age and includes a study guide that can also be used with older children.
• Encourages families to study the Bible together and develop regular family devotions.

The Treasure: Ancient Story Ever New of Jesus and His Church
By Marty Machowski
October 2, 2023 / Retail Price: $29.99
Print ISBN 978-1-64507-316-1
Religion / Christian Education / Children & Youth
Read a Preview

Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, PA, where he has served on the pastoral staff for over thirty years. He is the author of a number of family devotionals, curricula (including the Gospel Story for Kids), children’s books, and parenting titles. His latest releases include Darkest Night Brightest Day, The Light Before Christmas, The Treasure, and Angels on Your Side. He and his wife, Lois, have six children and several grandchildren, and reside in West Chester, PA.

Flavia Sorrentino lives and works as a freelance illustrator in Rome, where she grew up. She loves her city and the figure of speech, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” which inspires her each day to seek new ways of communication and expression. She has worked hard on her technique which has taken her across the globe, from France to America and beyond!

For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com