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

Orlando, Fla.– Embolden Media Group recently announced the signings of USA Today best-selling author Bunmi Laditan and Hollywood actor and filmmaker Gaius Charles as part of its strategic talent acquisition plan for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Laditan, the humorist behind the social media phenomenon The Honest Toddler is the author of Help Me, God, I’m a Parent: Honest Prayers for Hectic Days and Endless Nights (Zondervan, 2022) as well as a regular contributor to Parenting.com and Mothering.com. Laditan has also appeared on ABC Network’s Good Morning America and CBS Sunday Morning.

She stated, “I’m thrilled and excited to be a part of the Embolden Media Group family. Their passion, dedication, and kindness made me feel at home.” She also added, “I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Best known for his portrayal of Brian ‘Smash’ Williams in the Emmy- nominated television drama, Friday Night Lights, Charles’ deal will also include representation for both book publishing and other content development.

The powerhouse storyteller and actor is also the national voice of Lexus USA. Additionally, Charles will be featured in a premier role in AMC’s The Walking Dead spin-off Isle of the Dead in 2023. He said, “I am so grateful to work with Embolden Media Group. I’m excited to be partnering with them as I share my books with a global audience.”

Jevon Bolden, Founder and CEO of Embolden Media Group commented on the signings.

“We are fully committed to EMG being a market leader and partner to publishers. The writings of both Bunmi Laditan and Gaius Charles are powerful in their ability to stir dialogue, effect change, and inspire readers,” Bolden said. “The ethos of Embolden Media Group is to help amplify the voices of new and diverse authors to both CBA and ABA markets which these signings firmly establish.”

Embolden Media Group is a boutique literary agency and publishing consulting firm representing some of the most engaging, transformative, and authentic voices in our culture including several USA Today, Publishers Weekly and ECPA best-selling authors. Founded in 2017, Embolden Media Group is a market leader in cultivating and amplifying the works of inspirational women, authors of color, and diverse creators through written, audio, and visual content.

For more information on Embolden Media or to schedule an interview, please contact: woodley.auguste@theawarenessagency.com

 

Iron Stream Media (ISM) is excited to announce four winners at the Golden Scroll and Christian Market awards. Awards were announced at the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) banquet on August 14, 2022.

ISM’s 2022 Golden Scroll Awards were as follows:

The Memoir of the Year
Orphans No More
Sandra Flack
Brookstone Publishing

EPA Higher Goals Award
Lockdown Lessons: How the Pandemic Reshaped My Understanding of the Church
Mabel Ninan

ISM’s 2022 Christian Market Awards were as follows:

Christian Market Nonfiction Book of the Year
Victor! The Final Battle of Ulysses S. Grant
Dr. Craig von Buseck

Children’s Nonfiction Book of the Year Honorable Mention
Puppy Dog Devotions
Michelle Medlock Adams and Wendy Hinote Lanier

The Jennifer Kennedy Dean Award went to Lee Ann Mancini. This award is named for the late Jennifer Kennedy Dean, a prolific ISM author. It is presented to someone who carries the light with excellence to a hurting world.

Eva Marie Everson, a longtime ISM author and editor, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. She runs Word Weavers International, is one of the original members and a founding board member of AWSA, and is the director of the Florida Christian Writers Conference. She shares her industry knowledge and experience with other authors and maintains a full speaking calendar at writers conferences, women’s groups, and congregations. We are extremely honored to work with her so closely.

Iron Stream Media derives its name from Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This sharpening describes the process of discipleship, one to another. Iron Stream Media provides a variety of solutions for churches, missionaries, and nonprofits that include in-depth Bible study curriculum, Christian book publishing, and consultative services. Iron Stream Media is the home of Iron Stream, Iron Stream Fiction, Iron Stream Harambee Press, Iron Stream Kids, and Brookstone Publishing Group. Through the popular Life Bible Study and Student Life Bible Study imprints, they also provide web-based, full-year, and short-term Bible study teaching plans as well as printed devotionals, Bibles, and discipleship curriculum.

Book these authors as guest speakers or for book signings by contacting Kim McCulla at kim.mcculla@ironstreammedia.com.

A limited supply of giveaway copies is available for special events and interviews. Books can also be ordered through your distributor or through www.ironstreammedia.com.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich, Aug. 2022 – Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is proud to announce the release of the NASB Grace and Truth Study Bible, 1995 Text, with General Editor Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

Dr. R. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and one of the foremost voices for evangelicals worldwide, headed up the editorial team for the NASB Grace and Truth Study Bible – a group of scholars and pastors committed to delivering a trustworthy and approachable guide to Scripture.

“We are honored to expand the impact of this insightful study Bible,” says Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan. “Dr. Mohler and the entire team of contributing scholars developed rich study notes that help readers understand and be formed by Scripture. This Bible will be a significant offering, impacting readers for many years to come.”

Universally recognized as the gold standard among word-for-word translations, the New American Standard Bible, 1995 Text, is now easier to read with Zondervan’s exclusive NASB Comfort Print® typeface. The NASB Grace and Truth Study Bible gives readers the translation celebrated for faithfulness to the original biblical languages in an easy-to-read format. Features include:

• The full text of the New American Standard Bible, 1995 Text
• Insightful and practical bottom-of-the-page study notes faithfully illuminate Scripture passage-by-passage
• Bible Book introductions invite readers into the Scripture text without overwhelming technical terms or outlines
• Center-column cross reference system for deeper study
• NASB concordance
• Words of Jesus in red
• Elegant two-color page design
• 16 pages of full-color Bible maps
• Project leadership by general editor Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
• Exclusive Zondervan NASB Comfort Print typeface

This is the second edition of the Grace and Truth Study Bible; Zondervan released the NIV Grace and Truth Study Bible in 2021.

The NASB Grace and Truth Study Bible, 1995 Text, is available now:

• 9780310447672    NASB, The Grace and Truth Study Bible, Hardcover, Green, $49.99
• 9780310447689    NASB, The Grace and Truth Study Bible, Cloth over Board, Gray, $59.99
• 9780310088493    NASB, The Grace and Truth Study Bible, European Bonded Leather, Black, $79.99
• 9780310088479    NASB, The Grace and Truth Study Bible, European Bonded Leather, Black, Thumb Indexed, $94.99
• 9780310447702    NASB, The Grace and Truth Study Bible, Leathersoft, Navy, $79.99
• 9780310447696    NASB, The Grace and Truth Study Bible, Leathersoft, Navy, Thumb Indexed, $94.99
• 9780310447726    NASB, The Grace and Truth Study Bible, Premium Goatskin Leather, Brown, Premier Collection, $289.99
• 9780310088516    NASB, The Grace and Truth Study Bible, Large Print, Hardcover, Green, $69.99
• 9780310461173    NASB, The Grace and Truth Study Bible, Large Print, European Bonded Leather, Black, $89.99
• 9780310461180    NASB, The Grace and Truth Study Bible, Large Print, European Bonded Leather, Black, Thumb Indexed, $104.99
• 9780310088417    NASB, The Grace and Truth Study Bible, Large Print, Leathersoft, Maroon, $89.99
• 9780310088448    NASB, The Grace and Truth Study Bible, Large Print, Leathersoft, Maroon, Thumb Indexed, $104.99

Review copies, reprint permission and interviews are available. Contact Amy Bigler, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, amy.bigler@harpercollins.com

About Zondervan: Zondervan, a worldwide leading Christian publisher of books and Bibles, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Its publications include a variety of Bible translations for all ages; books in different genres and subject areas for the general reader; curriculum for individual and group Bible study; books for children and young adults; academic resources including textbooks and reference books; ministry resources; and books on faith and culture. Zondervan is located in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, visit www.zondervan.com.

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

Featuring the work of artist, Joshua Noom

Grand Rapids, Mich., Aug. 2022 – Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is excited to announce the release of the limited editions of The Jesus Bible Artist Edition, NIV, and The Jesus Bible Artist Edition, ESV, both in green calfskin leather. The limited editions feature cover designs by award-winning designer and illustrator, Joshua Noom.

Each Bible features one-of-a-kind cover designs by Florida-based artist, Joshua Noom. Noom, a 2021 Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) Top Shelf Book Cover Award Winner, specializes in bold illustrations with organic-feeling typography. Readers may be familiar with his work from past collaborations with brands: Old Spice, Burton Snowboarding, Sony Music and Warner Music Groups.

These beautiful special editions feature:

• Introduction by Louie Giglio
• Limited edition featuring cover art by Joshua Noom imprinted onto a green calfskin cover
• The complete text of the New International Version or the English Standard Version
• 66 book introductions highlight the story of Jesus in every book
• Six compelling essays on the grand narrative of Scripture guide you to treasure Jesus and encourage you to faithfully follow him as you participate in his story
• Over 300 full-page articles and nearly 700 sidebar articles reveal Jesus throughout all of Scripture
• Room for notes and journaling throughout
• Concordance
• Three satin ribbon markers
• Exclusive Zondervan Comfort Print typeface (NIV-only)

The Jesus Bible Artist Edition, NIV, are available now:

• 9780310461838  The Jesus Bible Artist Edition, NIV, Genuine Leather, Calfskin, Green, Comfort Print
• 9780310461845  The Jesus Bible Artist Edition, NIV, Genuine Leather, Calfskin, Green, Thumb Indexed, Comfort Print

The Jesus Bible Artist Edition, ESV, will be available on September 27, 2022:

• 9780310461807  The Jesus Bible Artist Edition, ESV, Genuine Leather, Calfskin, Green
• 9780310461821  The Jesus Bible Artist Edition, ESV, Genuine Leather, Calfskin, Green, Thumb Indexed

About Zondervan:
Zondervan, a worldwide leading Christian publisher of books and Bibles, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Its publications include a variety of Bible translations for all ages; books in different genres and subject areas for the general reader; curriculum for individual and group Bible study; books for children and young adults; academic resources including textbooks and reference books; ministry resources; and books on faith and culture. Zondervan is located in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, visit www.zondervan.com.

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

Bedtime…with books!

Reading books at bedtime is a win-win. You’re opening the wonderful world of books to the minds of your littles while slowing them down with snuggles to prepare for sleep.

Introducing a new pair of books that impart faith into the hearts of your children during this precious time together, Bedtime with Mommy along with its brand-new companion Bedtime with Daddy, are wonderful additions to your bedtime routine.  Both books feature animal babies around the word with their parent tucking them into bed. From babies to toddlers (and even bigger ones, too!) kids will identify with their favorite animal pairs.

Bedtime with Mommy includes elephants on the grasslands, pandas in the bamboo forest, and camels in the desert.   Bedtime with Daddy features penguins in Antarctica, peacocks in the bushland, and reindeer on the tundra. And more!And did we mention faith? These animal mommies and daddies sing hymns, read the Bible, and pray with their young ones as they say goodnight. Each book even features the parent praying a blessing over their child. As your children hear these prayers and blessings read to them, they’re sent off to sleep knowing their parent loves them and so does God. Isn’t that a wonderful way to say goodnight to your child?

Another benefit of these adorable padded board books is that they give examples to young parents of ways to impart a foundation of faith and prayer into the hearts of the next generation. As they see animal mommies and daddies taking time to pray and read the Bible and sing a hymn together with their little ones at bedtime, they’ll be inspired to do the same.Written with lyrical, rhyming text, the full color illustrations capture the love and tenderness between each mommy or daddy and child.

Here is an example when the daddy yak puts his child to bed.

It’s bedtime on the HIGH PLATEAU.

All day I’ve had such fun.

My daddy played and raced with me.

But now the day is done.

I thank God for my daddy.

He’s faithful, strong, and true.

He shows me what it’s like to know

God as my Father, too.

The final pages of each book show a real mommy or daddy tucking their child into bed. With snuggles and hugs and kisses in these books showing them sending their little ones off to bed, there will be lots of love shared with your own child as you read the books together.

Testimonies are already coming in where parents share that these titles are their toddler’s must-have-book and favorite part of their bedtime routine.

Grandparents and others are purchasing multiples to gift at birthdays and baby showers to family members, co-workers, neighbors, and friends.

Even families who do not necessarily follow any certain faith are letting us know that these books touch them and their children in meaningful ways.

Bedtime with Mommy and its companion Bedtime with Daddy are delightful new additions to every family’s bedtime routine!

Book 2 in the award winning Bedtime Board books series features many of the same characteristics as Book 1-Bedtime With Mommy but with all new animal families! All around the world, it’s bedtime, and daddies are tucking little ones into bed. From the penguins in the Arctic to the lions of Africa, it’s time for snuggles, prayers, songs and bedtime kisses. This adorable board book features a daddy and baby animal in eight different habitats getting ready for bed. The final spread features Daddy playing a guitar and putting his son to bed. Celebrate your baby’s bedtime routine with this special book today!

All around the world, it’s bedtime, and Mommies are tucking little ones into bed. From the elephants on the grasslands to the camels in the desert to the polar bears in the Arctic, it’s time for snuggles, prayers, and bedtime kisses. This adorable board book features a Mommy and baby animal in 8 different habitats getting ready for bed. And the final spread is when Mommy tucks a child into bed. “I love bedtime with Mommy When we turn off the light. Her kisses, snuggles, prayers, and hugs Are special every night!”

End Game Press books are distributed/managed by Iron Stream Media.

Best-selling authors Justin and Lindsey Holcomb tackle the often-dreaded question in a common sense, biblical way

“Where do babies come from?” This common question all too often leaves parents perplexed about what to say and when to say it. When children ask “where do babies come from?,” they ask because they are curious about where THEY came from. The question is not about sex.  In God Made Babies: Helping Parents Answer the Baby Question, Justin S. Holcomb and Lindsey A. Holcomb offer an answer to the often-dreaded, sometimes awkward question in a common sense, biblical way.

“The baby question is a healthy and normal part of a child’s development. Many children around the age of three or four start to notice pregnant women, which then sparks their curiosity and questions. Children can understand that reproduction is a natural part of life, and that God made all living things to reproduce,” Justin Holcomb explains.

Drawing from the story of creation and how God made the living world to reproduce, God Made Babies helps children ages 4-9 to understand the gift of reproduction in the light of God’s goodness and care. The authors write, “God likes making things so much that he made living things able to make more things like themselves. The word for this is ‘reproduction.’ God made living things that can make offspring. It means that God’s creatures can join him in making other creatures like themselves.”

The Holcombs help parents start the conversation with their children about reproduction by giving them the basic tools to guide them—including specific biblical content and age-appropriate ways of talking to children at different stages. They explain the literal birds and bees that help make new flowers before moving into an explanation of how some animals such as turtles and birds lay eggs while other animals carry babies inside the mom. Then, God Made Babies introduces how people are made in the image of God and the stages of development for a human baby in the womb.

Instead of leaving this conversation to “experts” or to the culture, God Made Babies equips parents to answer questions about sex in the right way at the right time. “Please don’t treat this topic like a one-time conversation—such as ‘The Talk’—that you never revisit with your child. Instead, make an open-ended invitation for them to ask you questions, and for you to ask what they know and think,” encourages Lindsey Holcomb. “The younger the child, the less detail they need. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to become their main source for this information. Being open, safe, available, and prepared when they want to talk is very important.”

God Made Babies is part of the God Made Me Series, which equips parents to have important, impactful conversations with their children, helping them to grow in understanding of God, themselves, and others. The series now includes nine titles, including three written by the Holcombs (God Made All of Me, God Made Me in His Image, and God Made Babies). Each book in the series illustrated by Trish Mahoney contains a special section just for parents and caregivers that provides biblical guidance and offers additional information and resources for continuing the conversation. The back section of God Made Babies offers ten things to consider when answering the baby question.

Elyse Fitzpatrick writes, Don’t let those precious conversations with your little ones get away from you because you’re not prepared, over prepared, or wishing it wasn’t time for ‘the talk.’ My friends Justin and Lindsey are masters at helping you tell your children what they need to hear. Pick up a few copies of this book to give to your friends and your pastor. And then read yours to your sweeties. You’ll be glad you did!”

God Made Babies: Helping Parents Answer the Baby Question
by Justin S. Holcomb and Lindsey A. Holcomb, Illustrated by Trish Mahoney
September 19, 2022 / Hardback / Retail Price: $15.99
Print ISBN 978-1-64507-223-2
Religion / Christian Education / Children & Youth

About the Authors and Illustrator

Justin S. Holcomb, PhD, is a minister and professor of theology at Reformed Theological Seminary and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He has authored, coauthored, or edited more than twenty books on numerous topics, including abuse, biblical studies, and theology. Justin and his wife, Lindsey, coauthored the award-winning children’s book God Made All of Me, God Made Me in His Image, and God Made Babies.

Lindsey A. Holcomb, MPH, works in non-profit development and is an advocate for survivors of abuse. She is a former case manager at a sexual assault crisis center and a domestic violence shelter and is the cofounder of REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade). Lindsey is also the award-winning coauthor of God Made All of Me, God Made Me in His Image, God Made Babies, Is It My Fault?, and Rid of My Disgrace.

Lindsey and Justin, conduct a variety of training seminars on parenting topics such as child sexual abuse prevention, body image, and how to talk about sex. They also provide trainings on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to child, sexual, and domestic abuse. The Holcombs live in Orlando and are parents of two daughters.  Learn more at justinholcomb.com. Justin can also be found on Facebook (@justinholcomb), Twitter (@JustinHolcomb) and Instagram (@justinholcomb).

Trish Mahoney is a graphic designer and illustrator in Salem, OR where she runs The Mahoney Studio with her husband, Patrick, also a designer and illustrator. They have two children—both budding artists too. Trish illustrated The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible and is also the illustrator for the God Made Me series.

For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com – 903.874.8363

 

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Suggested Interview Questions

In the introduction you write that contrary to popular thought, when kids ask about where babies come from, they aren’t asking about sex. If that’s the case, what are they asking about?

You also make the point that the book is about reproduction rather than sex. Why is that distinction important?

What makes God Made Babies unique in how it approaches the answer to the baby question?

God Made Babies eases into talking about human babies. What progression does the book take to get to humans?

Scripture is incorporated throughout the book, even in middle of describing development in the womb. How can parents take advantage of the opportunity to go deeper into God’s Word with their children?

What are some things a parent can do to create a safe atmosphere for their children to always come to them with questions?

Can you tell us more about the back section of God Made Babies that is written to parents?

When a child comes to a parent with a question, why is it important for a parent to ask their child some questions, both before and after the conversation?

One of your tips is to not make things weird when these kinds of questions come up. Here’s a question kids of all ages can appreciate: What can parents do to be less weird?

God Made Babies is part of the God Made Me series. Can you tell us more about the series and other books that are available?

 

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What Others Are Saying 

“A delightful and engaging book that captures the attention of young children who look out into their world and raise questions about the life surrounding them. The authors elegantly attend to the concrete world of their young reader and establish a refreshingly balanced view and foundation that relates faith with life, skillfully and clearly setting the stage for conversations about childbirth. Most importantly, the book creates a springboard for establishing positive and ongoing conversations for parents to speak with their children about sexuality.”
~ John T. Chirban, Clinical psychologist at Harvard Medical School at The Cambridge Health Alliance; professor of psychology emeritus, Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology; author of How to Talk With Your Children about Sex and Collateral Damage: Guiding and Protecting Your Child through the Minefield of Divorce

“Yet again Justin and Lindsey have created a resource that guides parents and caregivers to spark the most important conversations with their kids. As God Made Babies helps you connect with your kids and establish a foundation for many more conversations, your own eyes will be lifted to a Creator who shaped and formed you in his image and for his purposes.”
~ David Robbins, President and CEO of FamilyLife

 “Now this is the ‘birds-and-the-bees’ book I wish I’d had as a kid—or as a parent of my four nearly grown children.  Not only hitting the main biblical emphases, it’s really practical in answering the actual questions kids ask. God Made Babies is definitely best in its class.”
~ Michael Horton, Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary, California; author of The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way and Core Christianity

Strong like Water Releasing in March 2023

Carol Stream, Ill. (September 9, 2022) — Tyndale Refresh, an imprint of Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse), will release Strong like Water in March 2023, the newest book from Aundi Kolber, leading voice in trauma-informed healing, and critically acclaimed author of Try Softer (January 2020) and The Try Softer Guided Journey (October 2021).

Strong like Water is the exploratory deep dive into a new framework for true flourishing, one centered on a more expansive definition of strength. Could strength mean more than pushing on and pushing through pain, bearing every heavy burden on our own? What if, instead, it were more like the tide: soft and bold, fierce and gentle, moving together as one powerful force? A different, more expansive way of healing, wholeness, and possibly—especially—strength is possible. Aundi guides readers through various practices, rhythms, and resources to support themselves through challenging circumstances with compassion and hope, helping them become strong like water.

Since the release of Try Softer, Aundi has become a leading voice and highly sought-after trauma therapy expert on podcasts such as The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, The Lazy Genius with Kendra Adachi, Typology with Ian Morgan Cron, The Next Right Thing with Emily P. Freeman, and That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs, among many others.

Commenting on this important new release, senior acquisitions editor Jillian Schlossberg shared, “Aundi Kolber didn’t just write Strong like Water—she has lived Strong like Water. These words are hard-won truth from a woman who lives to bridge her clinical knowledge with her lived experience, and we all benefit from her vulnerability and wisdom. What an honor it’s been to walk alongside Aundi as she worked to bring this important and timely message to the page.”

Early endorsers of Strong like Water include Dr. Alison Cook, Shannan Martin, and author and host of The Next Right Thing, Emily P. Freeman, who said, “In Strong like Water, Aundi Kolber emerges as one of the most trusted and approachable voices at the intersection of faith, trauma, and body-centered therapy. The practices alone are worth reading this excellent, well-researched, heartfelt book.”

Aundi Kolber is a licensed professional counselor (LPC), speaker, and author of the groundbreaking book Try Softer and its companion, The Try Softer Guided Journey. Aundi is the owner of Kolber Counseling, LLC, established in 2009. In addition to her MA in community counseling, she has received additional training in her specialization of trauma- and body-centered therapies, including the highly researched and regarded eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.  As a survivor of trauma and a lifelong learner, Aundi brings hard-won knowledge around the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God with us in our pain. She is happily married to her best friend, Brendan, and is the proud mom of Matia and Jude.

Aundi is represented by Don Gates of The Gates Group.

For more information or an advance reader copy of Strong like Water, contact Amanda Woods, amandawoods@tyndale.com, 630-784-5125. 

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.

Media Contact:  Amanda Woods, amandawoods@tyndale.com, 630.784.5125