“That’s What Heroes Do” teaches kids about the importance of everyday heroes

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 17, 2026) – Former U.S. Representative and current political commentator and New York Times bestselling author Adam Kinzinger announced today his first children’s book, That’s What Heroes Do (ISBN: 9781400252725), a heartfelt picture book designed to help young readers understand the true meaning of heroism, releasing May 5. Drawing from his own experiences in the Air Force, Kinzinger takes children on an imaginative journey across the United States to discover that heroes are all around.

The book shares the story of a young boy whose father flies him through the air to give a thirty-thousand-foot-view of the variety of heroes in his community and across the country making a difference every day. In addition to detailing heroes like servicemembers, first responders, and teachers, the book also highlights facts about organizations and groups lending a helping hand, including the Mayo Clinic, Chicago’s Tuskegee NEXT program, 911 dispatchers, prosthetics researchers, and more.

“During a time when empathy can feel optional and division is too often taking center stage, it’s important we pause to remember and honor the very best among us,” said Kinzinger. “The men and women who sacrificed everything in service to our country exemplify the highest ideals of courage and selflessness. As we approach Memorial Day, I’m honored to share a story that reflects the true meaning of heroism and reminds readers that our nation is lifted every day by those who believe in doing good.”

“We need to empower the next generation to understand they don’t have to wait to make a difference—service can start early. As a dad, it’s a privilege to give my son the tools to build an identity rooted in responsibility and compassion. I hope other parents find that just as meaningful,” added Kinzinger.

Featuring vibrant illustrations by Katie Melrose, That’s What Heroes Do is a perfect resource for educators, librarians, and parents for honoring holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran’s Day.

That’s What Heroes Do (ISBN: 9781400252725, ages 4–8) will be available May 5, 2026, everywhere books are sold. For more information, or to receive a review copy, contact Sarah Van Cleve, Publicity Manager, at sarah.vancleve@harpercollins.com

About Adam Kinzinger:  Adam Daniel Kinzinger is an American former politician and senior political commentator for CNN. He retired from the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after 20 years of service. During his military career, he flew missions in South America, Guam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His final overseas deployment was in Iraq, where he flew the RC-26, a surveillance aircraft. Kinzinger later served as a United States Representative from Illinois from 2011 to 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he initially represented Illinois’s 11th congressional district and later the 16th congressional district.

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 www.tommynelson.com.

Media contact:
Sarah Van Cleve, Publicity Manager, (615) 902-1184, Sarah.VanCleve@harpercollins.com

Abilene, TX — Weariness and spiritual exhaustion are rampant.

Over the past two decades, Bob Chisholm has encountered Christians worldwide who feel burned out or stagnant in their faith. To help them, he began curating a remarkable collection of Christian writings from church fathers, devotionals, the writings of saints, and theologians.

Volume One of the Spiritual Journey series, Path of Divine Beginnings, offers a fresh curriculum based on spiritual classics to help you examine your life honestly. This unprecedented collection of Scriptures, key questions, prayers, hymns, and core readings is designed to enrich your daily quiet time and seamlessly integrate it into a stimulating small group discussion.

Join Bob as he guides you with these beautiful words from both ancient and modern sources. Get ready to be challenged to view your spiritual journey from a new perspective. Each week’s readings also include a hymn, sample prayers, and space for you to document your growth and the changes you plan to make.

“The Spiritual Journey series by Bob Chisholm is a significant offering. Bob has compiled a rich work; drawing from both classic and contemporary writings in Christian spirituality. Embedded within this weighty collection is an arrangement that ensures the reading will move from the head to the heart. The reader has at their disposal a liturgy for each week, readings centered around a topic of spiritual formation, and thoughtful questions on which to reflect on the given theme. I will certainly use this work myself and recommend it as a tool for those longing for a deeper relationship with God.”
—Dr. Jackie Halstead, CEO of Selah Center for Spiritual Formation, author of Leaning into God’s Embrace

Bob Chisholm serves as the minister of spiritual formation at Prestoncrest Church of Christ in Dallas. He conducts retreats and provides spiritual direction for individuals and groups in the US, Germany, Croatia, Cambodia, Singapore, Brazil, and Ghana.

Path of Divine Beginnings (Vol. 1)
By Bob Chisholm
February 2026, Softcover
256 Pages, $19.99
ISBN: 9781684264131

Media Contact:  Kaylin Graves, publicity@leafwoodpublishers.com

February 2026 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is thrilled to announce that four IVP titles have received 2026 Illumination Book Awards. The honored titles include Front Porch Wisdom, Charlie Can’t Sleep!, Abigail and the Waterfall, and Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World.

The Illumination Christian Book Awards celebrate the best new Christian books from both independent and traditional publishers. The awards recognize outstanding works that thoughtfully explore faith, Scripture, and spiritual themes in today’s world.

Front Porch Wisdom: Navigating Leadership Pressures and Barriers as a Woman of Color by Froswa’ Booker-Drew was named a 2026 Outstanding Book of the Year by the Illumination Book Awards. Front Porch Wisdom is a powerful guide for women of color navigating the complex landscapes of leadership. With wisdom accumulated from a lifetime of leadership and community engagement, Dr. Booker-Drew offers a safe and reflective space for thinking, learning, and growing as a leader.

“It was a tremendous joy to work with Froswa’ Booker-Drew on Front Porch Wisdom!” said Nilwona Nowlin, IVP’s associate trade editor. “Drawing from the well of her faith, business acumen, and lived experiences, Booker-Drew created a book that readers have described as a ‘balm.’ Yet it’s so much more. In a world where women of color continue to be simultaneously ignored and exploited, Booker-Drew reminds us that God sees us and that we are precious in God’s sight. This book is both a balm and a research-based, ‘pocket-sized’ leadership coach.”

Front Porch Wisdom is also an ECPA Top Shelf Book Cover Award winner.

Charlie Can’t Sleep! Trusting God When You’re Afraid of the Dark by Rachel Joy Welcher won a gold medal in the Christian Children’s Book category. Beautifully illustrated by Breezy Brookshire, this bedtime story not only acknowledges a child’s fear but also equips them with a comforting biblical approach to tackle it. Charlie Can’t Sleep! reassures little ones that even in the quiet, scary moments, God sees them, hears their prayers, and stays by their side.

Charlie Can’t Sleep! is also the recipient of a 2026 Independent Press Award and a 2025 Moonbeam Book Award.

Abigail and the Waterfall: Loving God’s Good Earth, written by parent and university professor Sandra L. Richter, won a silver medal in the Children’s Picture Book category. Brought to life with illustrations by Michael Corsini, this story follows Abigail and her family as they hike through the lush landscapes of Appalachia. On their adventure, Abigail encounters fascinating animals, marvels at a big, beautiful waterfall, and learns about caring for creation. Abigail and the Waterfall is an invitation for families to discuss what the Bible says about caring for the environment, animals, and the beautiful world around us.

Sandra L. Richter (PhD, Harvard University) is the Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College. She is best known in the church for The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament, the video courses that have grown from that project, and Stewards of Eden: What Scripture Says About the Environment and Why It Matters.

Abigail and the Waterfall is also an Independent Press Award winner.

Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World: God Hears Every Prayer, written by Helen Lee and illustrated by Shin Maeng, won a bronze medal in the Children’s Picture Book category. This book follows Kaylee and her grandfather, Halbi, as they read the morning newspaper. While reading they look for ways to pray for the children of the world. Featuring a Korean American family, this story gently guides children to recognize the brokenness in our world and to turn their hearts to God with the assurance that He hears every prayer—even when words feel hard to find.

Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World is also a SOLA Network’s 2025 Asian American Book Awards winner, a recipient of a 2025 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, and winner of a 2026 Independent Press Award.

For a complete list of IVP award winners visit ivpress.com/award-winners.

Contact:  Anna Tjernstrom, atjernstrom@ivpress.com

February 18, 2026 | Cindy Riggins, Owner and President of Riggins Rights Management (RRM), has been semi-retired for over a year.  During that time, Riggins Rights Management’s vice president, Mr. Jade Doyel, assumed responsibility for key aspects of the company’s management. Jade just celebrated his seventh year with the company. As Cindy considered full retirement, it was a priority to continue with someone experienced in rights management for our clients, licensing partners, and team, rather than to be acquired or managed by someone unfamiliar with the unique aspects of rights management in Christian publishing.

Jade expressed interest not only in the company’s complete management but also in ownership.  It became evident that this was the best option to ensure a smooth business transition.  The team was advised of the offer in December, and all team members reiterated their commitment to stay and serve our clients and publishing partners.

In January, we began transition planning.  RRM also began notifying our clients in confidence.  The client response has been extremely supportive of the transition.  They appreciate that the company will continue with the same team and services.

Our proprietary rights management system will continue to be utilized, target cross-media marketing, event attendance, and licensing management will continue as usual.

The ownership change will result in a name change to Petradi International Rights Services d/b/a Petradi Rights Management. Petradi comes from the Greek root word for rock, “Petra”, and Petradi means a small stone, or more aptly, a “gemstone”.

The new company ownership will be official as of April 1, 2025.  Cindy Riggins will officially retire and become a board member of Petradi.  She will be available for consultation and work a few hours a week to ensure a smooth business transition for at least the remainder of the year.

ABOUT RIGGINS RIGHTS MANAGEMENT
Riggins Rights Management has served as the rights department for Christian organizations and publishers since 2003. We have issued almost 10,000 licensing agreements in 75 languages, resulting in at least 12 million copies being published and more than 20 million lives impacted worldwide. In 2017, we began adding Indigenous rights managers with publishing experience to key regions worldwide. Our in-territory rights managers are unique to Christian publishing.

ABOUT JADE DOYEL
Jade began his publishing journey in Korea, where he worked to acquire English-language titles for translation and publication. Having also worked in China and Spain, his international experience, coupled with a passion for bringing faith-based literature across borders, has shaped his career in rights management for over two decades. His educational credentials include a BA from Iowa State University and an MS in Intellectual Property Law from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois. Jade has worked at Riggins Rights Management for seven years.  He will now become President and Owner, Petradi International Rights Services, Inc. (formerly Riggins Rights Management).

February 2026 | WESTMONT, IL—Outreach magazine has named three IVP titles 2026 Resources of the Year. The honored books include Remissioning Church by Josh Hayden, Nailing It by Nicole Massie Martin, and Global Christianity and Islam by Wafik W. Wahba. Now in its twenty-third year, the 2026 Outreach Resources of the Year honors the past year’s best books that emphasize outreach-oriented ideas that churches and organizations of all sizes can use.

Church 2026 Resources of the Year

Remissioning Church: A Field Guide to Bringing a Congregation Back to Life was one of two Resources of the Year in the Church category. This title was also recently named the 2025 Englewood Review of Books Readers’ Best Award Winner.

For church leaders longing to bring their declining churches back from the brink, Remissioning Church outlines the path of inside-out transformation through discipleship while focusing on serving your neighbors and the world.

“Here’s the book that is needed by about 90 percent of all churches and 100 percent of all clergy in North America,” said Will Willimon, professor of the practice of Christian ministry at Duke Divinity School. “Josh Hayden’s book is an enthusiastic invitation to today’s congregations to refit themselves for vital participation in Christ’s mission. Practical, proven, biblical, and very wise, Remissioning Church is destined to help scores of churches find their way into the future.”

Leadership and Calling 2026 Resources of the Year

One of two honored titles in this category, Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender challenges leaders of all ages to crucify their ministry idols and nail outdated leadership practices to the cross. Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin walks through seven areas of traditional leadership that need to be reframed: power, ego, speed, performance, perfection, loyalty, and scale.

“We desperately need new models of leadership, ones grounded in the humanity and flourishing that Jesus invites us into. Nicole Massie Martin offers just that in Nailing It, rejecting abuses of power and toxic egos in favor of collaboration and mutuality,” said Sandra Maria Van Opstal, author, pastor, and executive director of Chasing Justice. “With experience leading in corporate, nonprofit, and church settings, Nicole brings her invaluable wisdom at a much-needed moment for today’s leaders. This book is a powerful call to rethink leadership for a more just and thriving future.”

Missions and Cross-Cultural 2026 Resource of the Year

Global Christianity and Islam: Exploring History, Politics, and Beliefs provides a comprehensive overview of Christianity and Islam. Wafik W. Wahba highlights key points of similarity and difference and particular factors that contributed to divergence between the Western world and the Muslim world. Exploring the various narratives that have shaped both Christianity and Islam, he argues, is crucial to understanding current trends in Christian-Muslim interactions and their impact on future relations between the two communities globally.

Kenneth R. Ross, professor of theology and dean of postgraduate studies at Zomba Theological University in Malawi, said, “In our fragmented and polarized world, mutual respect and understanding between Muslims and Christians are more important than ever. To navigate the terrain where they encounter one another, you could not hope for a more trustworthy interpreter than Wafik Wahba. Fair, balanced, sympathetic, patient, irenic, concise, and clear—this is an indispensable guide for all who travel the frontiers of Christian-Muslim relations.”

The Outreach Resources of the Year aims to highlight valuable resources for church leaders and bring deserved attention to tools that can help churches better engage in effective outreach to share the gospel and reach their communities for Christ.

For a complete list of IVP award-winning titles, visit ivpress.com/award-winners.

Contact:  Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com

NASHVILLE, TN (February 18, 2026) – HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) today announced that five of its titles have been selected as2026 Resources of the Year by Outreach magazine. An additional title was also recognized as a recommended resource.

Step Into a Captivating Poetic Conversation with Beloved Christian Poets that Spans Centuries

Orleans, MA – February 19, 2026 – The Role of the Moon by D.S. Martin has been awarded a Gold Medal in the 2026 Illumination Christian Book Awards in the “Poetry” category.

As the world experiences a renewed interest in poetry as a source of solace and reflection, award-winning poet D.S. Martin offers The Role of the Moon—a striking new collection that revives the depth and beauty of metaphysical poetry for today’s readers. This collection draws from the timeless themes of faith, loss, transcendence, and renewal, engaging in a vivid dialogue with literary giants such as John Donne, George Herbert, and Gerard Manley Hopkins.

In an era marked by uncertainty and spiritual searching, The Role of the Moon provides a literary sanctuary—offering thought-provoking verse that echoes both the struggles and aspirations of the modern soul. The book arrives at a time when contemporary poetry, particularly works exploring faith and existential meaning, is experiencing a surge in readership. Amidst this revival, Martin’s work uniquely bridges past and present, reinterpreting the traditions of Milton, Shakespeare, and Dickinson, and many others through fresh, evocative language. A “new metaphysical” voice emerges, connecting the past to the present with wit, poignancy, and striking originality.

Sydney Lea, former Vermont Poet Laureate (2011–2015), praises the collection as “a moving homage to the Metaphysicals, using metaphor as they did to grapple with supernal truths.”

Likewise, Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury (2002–2012), calls it “a formidable achievement” in its profound conversation with John Donne and his legacy.

About the Poet

D.S. Martin is a Canadian poet, Series Editor for the Poiema Poetry Series, and Poet-in-Residence at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario. The most recent of his previous poetry books are Angelicus (2021) and Ampersand (2018). ISBN: 9798893480177 |On Sale 10.14.2025 | 5.5 x 8.5 | 128 pp. | Paperback | $21.00

Praise for The Role of the Moon

“The Role of the Moon comprises D.S. Martin’s moving homage to the Metaphysicals, using metaphor as they did to grapple with supernal truths. Almost arbitrarily, I’d call especial attention to “Prayer,” the uncanny opening poem of its fourth section, because the sequence synopsizes so much of what this luminous collection offers: it is at once humble and ambitious, vernacular and high-rhetorical. Most importantly, like the book at large, it epitomizes the example the poet means to follow. In a headnote he writes of the Metaphysicals that, because they “were deeply dedicated to their Christian faith … much of their poetry expresses their wrestlings with God, and with their own weaknesses.” Few beside Martin himself could, without the least pretension, undertake to emulate such grand predecessors. We readers are blessed that Martin did.” Sydney Lea, Vermont Poet Laureate (2011—2015) 

“Don Martin writes as always with an impressive blend of unobtrusive technical skill and a wonderfully innovative imagination. But the most distinctive gift of this collection is the sustained conversation with John Donne and the tradition he represents, producing a series of witty, poignant, searching interactions that bear many re-readings. A formidable achievement.” Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury (2002—2012)

“D. S. Martin’s The Role of the Moon is a conversation with the tradition of English-language Christian poetry—a strikingly creative one, because many are the books that play off of earlier poets, but few are those that, as here, achieve real originality and relevance. In vivid dialogue with Thomas Traherne, Gerard Hopkins, Christina Rossetti, Emily Dickinson, and many others, above all John Donne, Martin engages them in our world. Notable for agilely shifting tones, phrase-making ability, and an inventive combination of freedom and formality, these are alert and profound, memorable, often quotable poems. For instance, “New Life” is spurred by “The Windhover” (and also “God’s Grandeur” and “Spring” and even “No worst, there is none”) to say this: “Try your best to imagine the worst…/…the doom & dust passes, the fireweed / blueberries & grasses thrive   the hopeless vacuum fills / with new desire…” And so for Martin, along with Hopkins, ‘there lives the dearest freshness deep down things.’ A. F. Moritz, Griffin Poetry Prize Winner

Media Contact:  Danielle Bushnell, danielleb@paracletepress.com

Align Insight, an imprint of PRH Christian Publishing Group has signed actor Kellan Lutz— “Emmett Cullen” in the Twilight Saga—and his wife, former model, actress, and podcast host Brittany Gonzales Lutz’s for “WEATHERING TOGETHER,” offering encouragement and advice to couples for building a new life and resilient, faith-filled marriage despite past struggles, for publication in Spring 2027.

World rights went to Susan Tjaden at Align Insights, in an exclusive submission by Esther Fedorkevich at the Fedd Agency.

For rights inquiries, contact Denise Cronin decronin@penguinrandomhouse.com.

Align Insight is an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.

New Book Invites Women to Break Free from Financial Unease and Embrace Their True Worth

ATLANTA, Feb. 10, 2026—Although 94% of women anticipate being personally responsible for their finances at some point in their lives, only 28% feel empowered to take action. Bethany Frymire can empathize. In her debut book, Women of Worth: A Faith-Based Guide to Financial Wisdom (Harvest House Publishers), Frymire sits down with readers like a friend bringing a cup of coffee, dismantling the shame often associated with feeling ill-equipped to make wise financial decisions. Written with compelling and personal stories to illustrate her points, Frymire speaks directly to women who feel unworthy or unsure.

“This book doesn’t just tell you what to do,” said Kirsten Watson, author, speaker, Paterson LifePlan Guide, and author of the foreword in Women of Worth. “It reminds you who you are. This book isn’t just about money. It’s about courage. It’s about calling. It’s about standing up in your life, however messy or uncertain it may feel, and saying, ‘Yes, Lord. Use me here. Use me now.’”

Frymire’s authority on the subject wasn’t just learned in a classroom or as a financial advisor; it was forged in the fire of experience. In Women of Worth, she recounts several impactful stories including surviving Hurricane Katrina just months after buying a home with her husband and subsequently losing all of their earthly possessions. That experience taught her that while money can be a tool, a test and a testimony, it is never a measure of self-worth.

“For women who have ever doubted themselves, I see you,” says Frymire. “If faith, identity, finances and professional or at-home roles seem to be a challenge, join me as we walk through this together. My hope is that women come away realizing their worth and learning to confidently tackle any financial unease.”

Frymire’s affable writing speaks directly to the heart, teaching financial wisdom through stories but also moving past spreadsheets to ask the questions that drive behavior:

• What unspoken messages guide my actions and views of myself?
• What is God calling me to?
• How do I find the courage to faithfully follow God’s plans for me and my life?

For Frymire, self-worth begins intentionally with purpose and encouragement. She invites women to discover who God has called them to be and then apply that wisdom and confidence to their finances.

With practical insight into budgeting, reducing debt, investing wisely, and living generously, readers will come away with immediate, actionable strategies. Written in straightforward language, Frymire invites readers into her own story with prompts to help direct their path. Furthermore, as a mother and financial advisor, she equips readers to guide the next generation in biblical financial wisdom with a dedicated resource on how to teach children about money.

Women of Worth: A Faith-Based Guide to Financial Wisdom (Harvest House, ISBN: 0736993304) is available March 10, 2026. Paperback: $14.99.

Bethany Frymire is a financial advisor for Blue Trust’s Everyday Steward® division and serves clients who seek objective advice based on biblical principles through financial planning, investment management, strategic giving, estate planning, and trust services. Frymire earned her bachelor of science in marketing from the University of Florida. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®). (The CFP Board owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® in the U.S.)

Blue Trust believes women have a critical voice in the financial world. For more than 45 years, it has served and championed women—intentionally inviting them into the planning process and equipping them with financial knowledge. Blue Trust provides wealth management strategies and trust services based on biblical principles to help people make wise financial decisions, live generously, and leave a lasting legacy.

MEDIA NOTE:  For more information about Women of Worth: A Faith-Based Guide to Financial Wisdom, to request an excerpt or to arrange an interview, contact Christine Cape at 404.545.0085 or Adrienne Brown at 404.998.1106.

CONTACTS:
Christine Cape, 404.545.0085
Adrienne Brown, 404.998.1106
Addison Peevy, 678.230.1925

AVAILABLE APRIL 6, 2026

While we live in a culture that tells us to look for happiness and fulfillment in ourselves, there is only one path to true contentment and satisfaction—walking with Jesus.

We’ve all felt the sting of disappointment, unmet expectations, and even grief. Sometimes it seems like we should just give up hope on things getting better. Our hearts are prone to sinful desires and seeking things that ultimately disappoint, but we were created with longings that only Christ can satisfy.

In You Are Satisfied, Joanna Kimbrel guides women on a 40-day journey designed to bring them to God’s Word to find peace, encouragement, and wisdom in the middle of life’s highs and lows. Each week focuses on a different way God shapes and satisfies our desires by exploring themes such as God’s promises, provision, plan, and presence. As we grow in our knowledge and love of God, he will transform our desires. If we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we will be satisfied.

• Women will discover hope in challenging circumstances and encouragement to deepen their faith.
• Easy-to-follow 40-day format includes Scripture readings, reflections, and application questions and is suitable for individuals or small groups.
• Part of the Gospel Truth for Women series, helping busy women of all ages and stages to identify their struggles and go to Scripture to meet God.

You Are Satisfied: Devotions for Your Longing Heart
Gospel Truth for Women series
by Joanna Kimbrel
April 6, 2026 / Retail Price: $19.99
Print ISBN: 978-1-64507-587-5
Religion / Christian Living / Devotional

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