Winning Episode Features Baseball Great Darryl Strawberry and Oklahoma City Bombing Survivor Amy Downs

NASHVILLE, TENN. (October 17, 2021)  The Jesus Calling Podcast received an international Gold Award for Digital Excellence as a part of the 16^th Annual w3 Awards selected by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts. The Jesus Calling Podcast, which has garnered more than 8 million downloads, was created as a result of the success of the bestselling daily devotional Jesus Calling and is produced by Four Eyes Media.

Episode 248 of the Jesus Calling Podcast, “Starting Over After Our ‘Wake Up Call’ Moments with Darryl Strawberry and Amy Downs,” was honored with a Gold Award in the “General Series—Lifestyle” category. The w3 Awards honor outstanding websites, marketing, video, mobile, social and podcasts created by some of the best digital content creators across the industry. More than 3,000 entries were submitted worldwide to the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (www.w3award.com)

The Jesus Calling Podcast launched in 2016 and consistently ranks as one of the top Christian podcasts in the US and internationally. Each weekly podcast episode features two guests who share personal stories of faith. Guests include beloved entertainers, athletes and authors including Dolly Parton, Max Lucado, Reba McEntire, Christine Caine, Cathie Wood, Kristin Chenoweth and Tony Dungy. Beginning September 2021, the Jesus Calling Podcast will publish a weekly bonus episode featuring multiple guests who share thoughts on a single subject, such as “Coping with Loss.”

Michael Aulisio, Vice President and Publisher of the Jesus Calling Brand, considers the w3 award a win for the entire Jesus Calling product line: “It is an honor to receive a w3 award for the Jesus Calling Podcast, which recognizes the exceptional content and production of the podcast and this particular episode focused on finding hope in spite of all odds. The Jesus Calling Podcast and Jesus Calling devotional books continue to deliver spiritual encouragement to millions of lives.”

Jesus Calling, a daily devotional authored by Sarah Young, has become one of the most successful devotionals of all time. The Jesus Calling family of books has sold more than 35 million units across more than 30 languages, and now includes children’s devotionals, Bible storybooks, journals, and seasonal books. Jesus Listens (October 2021) is the latest devotional in the line featuring prayers written by Sarah Young from the reader’s perspective to strengthen their relationship with Jesus. Readers also enjoy devotional content via the “Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith” television program (via Circle Network, reaching a monthly audience of nearly 150 million), the Jesus Calling print and digital quarterly magazine, and the Jesus Calling app (for Apple and Android). www.jesuscalling.com.

About Sarah Young: Sarah Young’s devotional writings are personal reflections from her daily quiet time of Bible reading, praying, and writing in prayer journals. With sales of more than 35 million books worldwide, Jesus Calling has appeared on all major bestseller lists. Sarah’s writings include Jesus Calling^®, Jesus Listens, Jesus Today^®, Jesus Always, Jesus Lives™, Dear Jesus, Jesus Calling^® for Little Ones, Jesus Calling^® Bible Storybook, Jesus Calling^®: 365 Devotions for Kids, and Peace in His Presence – each encouraging readers in their journey toward intimacy with Christ. Sarah and her husband were missionaries in Japan and Australia for many years. They currently live in the United States.

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

Contact: Robin Richardson, Senior Marketing Director, 615-902-1886, robin.richardson@harpercollins.com

LAKE MARY, FL—Today the church is living in times of great discrimination. There is a rise of interest groups who speak out against Christianity, and Christians are drawing inward for prayer in privacy. In her latest book, Pray Out Loud: Your Voice Can Change the Atmosphere (ISBN-13: 978-1-62999-762-9, Charisma House), bestselling author Kimberly Daniels is reassuring Christians to boldly confess their prayers out in the open.

Daniels says, “People have turned from reading their Bibles and spending time with God to spending time with Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms. Please don’t misunderstand me because I see that these can be great platforms to win souls; but I’m afraid we may be losing more souls than we are winning.”

Daniels shares that she sees now is the time for the Church to rise up from mediocrity and fully take charge of their relationship and power in Christ. This, she believes, comes best through prayers, praises, declarations, repentance, and knowledge of the Word of God, topics which she explores in her book. She advocates that this kind of intimacy with God can come from a first step of “commanding the morning.”

“When we rise early in the morning, it is all about dominion,” Daniels says. “God gave us dominion over everything he created. The morning provides a mountain-moving platform for intercession. The light shakes darkness from the four corners of creation, and the dayspring gets in place to move every mountain of rebellion.”

Daniels hopes that this book will train and equip readers to overcome their intimidations, command their mornings, and receive impartation to intercede with power. She highlights the declarations and decrees throughout Pray Out Loud to inspire and participate with readers in their spiritual growth.

Many people believe prayer should be offered up only in the privacy of sanctuaries or the seclusion of prayer closets. This book defies that idea, and as Daniels writes, “we as believers can open our mouths and proclaim the good news. We cannot be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, ‘for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Rom. 1:16).’”

Pray Out Loud is released by Charisma House, which publishes books that challenge, encourage, teach, and equip Christians.  For additional information, including a free sample chapter, visit: Charisma House.

KIMBERLY DANIELS is a former city council member in Jacksonville, Florida, and currently is a member of the Florida House of Representatives. She is a sought-after conference speaker and preacher and the pastor of Spoken Word Ministries in North Florida. She graduated from Florida State University and has a Master’s Degree in Christian Education and a Doctorate in Christian Counseling from Jacksonville Theological Seminary. She is the author of several books including From a Mess to a Miracle and Prayers That Bring Change.

Keep in touch with Kimberly Daniels: kimdanielsministries.com | Facebook: @ApostleKimberlyDaniels

Contact:  To interview Kimberly Daniels or for a review copy of ‘Pray Out Loud,’ contact  klosterman@tkomarketing.net or chelsey@tkomarketing.net.

WESTMONT, IL—Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver, the first title to release from IVP Kids on October 12, has won the 2021 Bronze Moonbeam Children’s Book Award in the picture book category for ages four to eight.

Launched in 2007, the Moonbeam Awards are intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators, and to celebrate children’s books and lifelong reading. The purpose of the Moonbeam Awards is to highlight books that encourage children to be generous, compassionate, and to stand up for the rights of themselves and others.

This year’s judges chose gold, silver, and bronze medalists in forty-five categories, covering the full range of styles and genres in English and Spanish. The awards attracted nearly 1,500 entries from around the world, and medals will go to authors, illustrators, and publishers from thirty-four US states, four Canadian provinces, and seven countries overseas. 

“We are so excited to launch IVP Kids this month, bringing IVP to a new generation of readers. And this recognition just adds to our excitement!” said IVP Kids editor, Elissa Schauer. “Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver is a wonderful story of outlandish generosity that is motivated by deep faith in the ultimate Giftgiver. Our hope is that this book become a classic, and that it is read and reread by families at Christmastime and all the time!”

Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver tells the story of a very kind bishop whose generosity was motivated by his devout faith. That generosity has inspired people all over the world for generations and gave birth to the legend of Santa Claus.

Author and illustrator Ned Bustard said, “I have been working on it on and off for over two decades—writing and rewriting it to try and get the balance right. I love church history, and I love stories of enchantment, and in this book I have sought to combine them both together. My hope is that Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver will stir together history and legends in such a way as to provide wonder.”

Bustard is a graphic designer, children’s book illustrator, author, and printmaker, and he has lectured at colleges, schools, churches, conferences, and bars. Some of the books he has written, illustrated, or edited include It Was Good: Making Art to the Glory of God, The Chronicles of Narnia Comprehension Guide, Bede’s History of ME, History of Art: Creation to Contemporary, Reformation ABCs, and Revealed: A Storybook Bible for Grown-Ups.

Bustard said, “Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver embraces both the truth and the legends swirling around Bishop Nicholas to form a fresh story that is historical, theological, and magical. My illustrations are all hand-carved block prints to give the book a rooted, historic feeling. Fantastic yet grounded in reality, Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver is a brand new–old story that features a jolly old man with a sack of gifts he carries on his back, but it centers on the greatest Giftgiver . . . and his amazing gift of his Son, Jesus Christ.”

For a complete list of children’s titles from IVP, visit IVPKids.com.

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

Bellingham, WA—Lexham Press is pleased to announce a lineup of new books from its trade imprint, Kirkdale Press.  Three key titles are scheduled for early 2022, with others planned for later in the year.

Jesus and Gender: Living as Sisters and Brothers in Christ by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Eric Schumacher promotes a Christ-centered vision for gender that emphasizes unity and mutual support.

Faith in the Wilderness: Words of Exhortation from the Chinese Church edited by Hannah Nation and Simon Liu is a collection of encouraging messages with unique insights on perseverance and suffering for today from Chinese pastors.

Endure: Building Faith for the Long Run by Daniel Ritchie encourages readers with habits to foster a vibrant and enduring faith in the face of adversity.

Trade editor Deborah Keiser oversees acquisitions for the imprint. Keiser is an industry veteran with more than two decades of experience. Keiser said, “​​I’m delighted by the quality and innovative Christian resources that Kirkdale Press is producing.”

Kirkdale Press operates within a broadly Protestant, Confessional, and Evangelical perspective. Kirkdale addresses the needs of everyday Christians with transformational titles that grow the reader’s relationship with God and their neighbor, increase biblical literacy, and put the Word into action in their life. In contrast with Lexham Press, which primarily serves academic and ministry audiences, Kirkdale serves the trade customer with individual and group study, faith formation, and spiritual growth titles. Part of Faithlife LLC, Kirkdale Press benefits from the well-established audience of millions served by Logos Bible Software, the leading digital tool for Bible study.

Kirkdale Press seeks new and diverse voices as well as established authors who share the goal of strengthening the church and God’s people. We are actively seeking titles from agented and unagented authors. To submit a proposal, please email submissions@kirkdalepress.com.

For more about Kirkdale Press, visit www.kirkdalepress.com.

Contact: Lindsay John Kennedy, Publicity Strategist, lindsay.kennedy@faithlife.com

Grand Rapids, MI – Oct. 2021 – Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is proud to announce the release of the NRSV C.S. Lewis Bible. Originally published in 2010, this much beloved Bible has been re-typeset in Zondervan’s exclusive NRSV Comfort Print® typeface.

The NRSV C. S. Lewis Bible features readings composed of selections from author C.S. Lewis’s celebrated spiritual classics including Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Problem of Pain, Miracles, A Grief Observed, The Weight of Glory, and The Abolition of Man, as well as letters, poetry, fiction, and Lewis’s less-familiar works. Lewis, one of the most thought-provoking and influential Christian writers of his day, provides insight and inspiration for readers with features including:

• The text of the New Revised Standard Version (Protestant canon), vetted by an ecumenical pool of Christian academics and renowned for its beautiful balance of scholarship and readability
• Over 600 selections from C.S. Lewis’s writings, placed next to Scripture for contemplation and devotional reading
• Essays on C.S. Lewis’s view of Scripture and journey of faith
• Indexes to C.S. Lewis’s writings
• Double-column format
• Exclusive Zondervan NRSV Comfort Print typeface
• 10-point print size

Set in Comfort Print typeface, this New Revised Standard Version Bible offers a smooth reading experience that complements the foremost Bible translation vetted by Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Evangelical, and Jewish scholars. Renowned for its beautiful balance of scholarship and readability, the NRSV faithfully serves the church in personal spiritual formation, in the liturgy, and in the academy.

The NRSV C.S. Lewis Bible is now available:

• 9780310454397  NRSV, The C.S. Lewis Bible, Hardcover, Comfort Print, $39.99
• 9780310454403  NRSV, The C.S. Lewis Bible, Leathersoft, Brown, Comfort Print, $59.99

About C.S. Lewis
Clive Staples Lewis was born in 1898. Known as “Jack” by his friends, Lewis and his good friend J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of trilogy, were part of a writer’s club, The Inklings, who would meet at the local pub to discuss story ideas. Lewis’s fascination with fairytales, myths, and ancient legends coupled with inspiration drawn from his childhood led him to write The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, one of the best-loved books of all time. Six further books in the immensely popular Chronicles of Narnia followed, and the final title, The Last Battle, received the Carnegie Award, one of the highest marks of excellence in children’s literature.

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.

About Comfort Print
Zondervan Bibles teamed up with 2K/Denmark, the world’s foremost Bible typeface foundry, to create exclusive Comfort Print Bible fonts. Comfort Print Bibles are easy to read at any size because the typeface was designed to be both efficient and readable. Zondervan Bibles believes that the beauty of the message should be reflected in the physical form of the book. Choosing the right typeface is one significant element in creating beautiful Bibles.

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

Boy moms Victoria Duerstock and Bethany Jett offer encouragement, life lessons and inspirational anecdotes to equip young men for success in Navigating Minefields

“This book is the blueprint that can impact the social, moral and ethical well-being of young men as a whole. Through this book the young men will ultimately build their character, their self-worth and their overall external relationships with the world and society.”
– Antwan Houser, Pastor, Author, Educator, Community and Youth Activist, Public Speaker and Youth Mentor

NASHVILLE, Tenn., October 2021 – It’s not easy growing up in today’s culture. In addition to the regular challenges and pressures of growing up and learning how to navigate life, career and move in into adulthood successfully; our children are also facing numerous epidemics including loneliness, mental health struggles, pornography, and addiction.

In their new book, Navigating Minefields: A Young Man’s Blueprint for Success on Life’s Battlefield (October 11, 2021), Victoria Duerstock and Bethany Jett use their experience as boy moms to help young men of all ages and stages of life find their God-given identity and equip them with tools necessary to fight life’s battles.

“From anger to laziness, dating to sex, work ethic and diligence, we cover a wide berth of subjects that we as parents long for our sons to listen and understand,” says Victoria Duerstock. “Our goal is to share what we’ve learned with other families and that resource will equip and inspire young men at this pivotal time in their lives.”

Duerstock and Jett, who have both raised sons, share a wealth of practical life lessons that will encourage young men crossing over into the world of adulthood. Written in a format boys will find engaging and easy to read, Navigating Minefields is filled with inspirational thoughts, quotes and applicable life lessons that will make the perfect gift for any young man.

Duerstock and Jett are available for interviews and can speak to:

• The mother’s heart: how to navigate healthy relationships with your sons
• 4 keys to helping young men control their aggression
• The importance of teaching your child to apologize
• The 3 villains of leadership for men
• Seasoned advice for navigating dating relationships in a digital world
• 5 practical ways to deal with temptation and lust
• Tips for understanding time management and staying focused on goals

“Navigating Minefields is all of the life advice you want your sons to have, but kids don’t always listen to parents the first…or second…or fiftieth time,” says Bethany Jett. “We want to come in and layer this message onto the wisdom parents have already bestowed. Sometimes having another voice helps things ‘click’.”

About the Authors:

Victoria Duerstock is a multi-passionate creative and entrepreneur fueled mostly by coffee who pursues her dreams with verve and intensity. Wife and mom of three, Victoria divides and conquers the never-ending to-do list while working to maintain her sanity and pleasant demeanor. Her writing journey plunged her deep in the social media landscape and she enjoys sharing her tips and tricks for growth and engagement with others. Recipient of the 2020 Selah Nonfiction Book of the Year, Duerstock has authored six titles, with more on the way. She is the founder and president of End Game Press, a traditional publishing house where ordinary people accomplish extraordinary things. Learn more at www.victoriaduerstock.com.

Bethany Jett is an award-winning author and award-winning ghostwriter, along with co-owning two companies in the writing and publishing realm: Serious Writer, Inc and Platinum Literary Services. She is a proud military spouse and homeschool momma-of-boys who is determined to keep her priorities in line: God, Family, Career, which is often an un-balanced juggling act of extremes on her quest to #LiveBrilliant. Bethany speaks across the country at conferences, retreats, moms’ groups, youth groups, women’s events, and writer’s conferences and would love to be your next keynote presenter or workshop leader. Connect with her at www.bethanyjett.com.

About End Game Press
Launched by award-winning author Victoria Duerstock in 2020, End Game Press is a traditional publishing house where ordinary people accomplish extraordinary things. End Game Press puts authors first, educating them on the entirety of the publishing process and providing them with the needed training to be successful. With a goal to create beauty and cultivate community, End Game Press publishes fiction, nonfiction, and children’s titles into both general and Christian markets. Learn more at www.endgamepress.com.

Media Contact: Shanon Stowe, shanon@iconmediagroup.com

The size of your stature is not the measure of your heart. For one tiny Dachshund, this was a mighty big lesson.

Nashville, Tenn., October 2021 – Bestselling and award-winning children’s author Michelle Medlock Adams and beloved illustrator Ana Sebastian team up to bring children Dachshund Through the Snow (End Game Press, October 12, 2021), an adorable holiday story with a heartfelt message.

Dachshund Through the Snow tells the story of Crosby, a teeny-tiny dachshund who’s known for his size but wishes he were known for his many talents. When his entry to the Arctic Olympics, where he plans to compete to make a name for himself as the top burrower, goes terribly wrong, he frantically burrows away. He burrows so fast and so hard that when he finally comes up for air, he realizes he’s caught in a snowstorm—the same storm that’s left Santa and his reindeer stranded and desperate for Rudolph’s bright nose to guide them home. If only they could get to Rudolph.

The perfect dog for the job, Crosby springs into action and burrows all the way to the North Pole to alert Rudolph of the situation at hand. The two fly back to the cave, rescue Santa and the stranded reindeer, then jet off to save Christmas. When Crosby wakes up on Christmas morning wondering if it was all a dream, he notices a gift from Santa—a gold medal praising him for his ginormous heart and a note thanking him for saving Christmas.

Dachshund Through the Snow is a beautifully illustrated, sweet reminder that it’s what is on the inside—in our hearts—that really matters this Christmas. The book was recently awarded the prestigious 2021 Firebird Book Award in the Holiday category. 

Michelle is available for interviews on topics including:

• October: National Bullying Prevention Month
• How to talk to your kids about the true meaning of Christmas
• The big lesson our kids can learn from a tiny Dachshund
• Meaningful ideas to connect with your kids this Christmas
• Why sometimes the best things come in small packages
• It’s what’s on the inside that really counts

In conjunction with an educational expert, Michelle has created a packet of free lessons and companion activities for elementary school teachers, librarians, and homeschoolers. The packet can be downloaded HERE.

Michelle Medlock Adams is a New York Times bestselling ghostwriter, bestselling author of more than 100 books, and an award-winning journalist of more than 80 industry accolades, including top honors from the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, to name a few. She is President of Platinum Literary Services, a premier full-service literary firm; Chairman of the Board of Advisors for Serious Writer, Inc.; an online instructor for the Serious Writer Academy; and a much sought-after speaker at writers’ conferences and women’s retreats all over the United States. When not working on her own assignments, Michelle ghostwrites articles, blog posts, and books for celebrities, politicians, and some of today’s most effective and popular ministers. Michelle is celebrating the recent release of her newest children’s book, Dachshund Through the Snow (End Game Press). To learn more, visit www.michellemedlockadams.com or connect with her at INwritergirl on all social media platforms.

Media Contact: Shanon Stowe, shanon@iconmediagroup.com

Washington, D.C.—The Salem Books imprint of Regnery Publishing announced on August 23 that Julie Jayne has been promoted from Senior Sales Executive to Associate Publisher. Julie has worked for Regnery for over five years and has proven to be an invaluable source for the company. In her role as Senior Sales Executive, Julie was responsible for selling titles into the biggest accounts ranging from the East Coast to the Midwest, including Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, Ingram, and Baker & Taylor. She has been an integral part of some of Regnery’s biggest successes, including Fault Lines, Johnny Cash, One Vote Away, Irreversible Damage, and others.

“I am pleased that Julie Jayne has joined our Salem Books team as a full-time member. She brings a wealth of publishing knowledge and experience. Over the past three years, Salem Books has grown over 50% in revenue, and we have developed the ability to bring books to market in less than six months.  The addition of Julie as Associate Publisher will help us continue our rapid growth trajectory and nimble publishing strategy and will ensure that our authors have the best experience possible,” Publisher Tim Peterson says.

In addition to her role with Regnery, Julie has worked in the publishing industry for 34 years, primarily overseeing sales for publishers including Abingdon Press, Thomas Nelson, and HarperCollins Christian. She has contributed to the success of bestselling books such as Heaven is For Real, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, and Life’s Little Instruction Book just to name a few. Julie will report to Salem Books Publisher Tim Peterson and will be acquiring projects, managing book schedules, and overseeing the marketing publicity team.

“I am excited and honored to have this new role with the Salem Books team,” Julie says. “I look forward to working with our team and authors—current and future—to bring meaningful books to readers.”

Salem Books Publishing is the evangelical Christian imprint of Regnery Publishing, a Salem Media Group Company. Founded on biblical principles, Salem Books seeks to enrich the lives of Christians and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus to the world through the written word. Learn more at www.salembooks.com.

Salem Media Group is America’s leading multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content, with properties comprising radio, digital media and book, magazine, and newsletter publishing.

Contact: Katie.Anderson@SalemBooks.com

Carol Stream, IL. (October 8, 2021) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) will release The One Year Life Recovery Prayer Devotional by Stephen Arterburn and Nick Harrison on January 11, 2022. The One Year Life Recovery Prayer Devotional is a resource for those battling addictions, dependencies, anxieties, depression, or difficult relationships that require healing. By spending time each day with the living God, readers can grow in biblical wisdom and spiritual depth in order to overcome what seeks to control them. Each day of this new devotional will prompt weary strugglers to look to God for strength when they are weak and for hope when all feels hopeless.

Stephen Arterburn is the founder and chairman of New Life Ministries, the nation’s largest faith-based broadcast, counseling, and treatment ministry. He is also the author of numerous books including the Life Recovery Bible, the #1 selling recovery Bible, which has sold more than 3 million copies.

The One Year Life Recovery Prayer Devotional by Stephen Arterburn and Nick Harrison
ISBN: 978-1-4964-5712-7
Softcover: $14.99
January 2022 release

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Isabella Graunke, isabellagraunke@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 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.

WESTMONT, IL— IVP expands its reach to kids ages four to eight with the October 12 release of the new children’s picture book, Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver by Ned Bustard. This marks the first of seven children’s books IVP will publish over the next twelve months within the new IVP Kids imprint. 

With a little over seventy days until Christmas 2021, the release of Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver helps kids and parents alike better understand why we give gifts at this time of year, sharing a message of discipleship and explaining the history and legend of a man who was moved to action by his faith. 

“Ned Bustard has a great gift for joining whimsy and gravity in a way that appeals to both children and grownups alike. This wonderful book will serve parents well as they seek to preserve the mystery of Christmas for their children without grounding it in fantasy. And any time spent with Ned’s brilliant illustrations is time well spent,” says Russ Ramsey, pastor and author of Rembrandt Is in the Wind: Learning to Love Art Through the Eyes of Faith.

Through his own unique illustrations and poetic rhyme, Bustard seeks to spark a conversation between children and caregivers about the greatest gift ever given and the greatest gift ever received. In his closing letter to his readers that encourages this kind of dialogue, Bustard writes, “We love because God—the greatest Giftgiver—first loved us.”

IVP Kids is an imprint that presents themes like justice, spiritual formation, and discipleship, that have always been cornerstones of IVP throughout its nearly seventy-five years. These topics are now being offered in a kid-friendly way.

While this is the first dedicated kids’ line in the history of IVP, a few IVP books were published for children in the late 1970s, namely John White’s Archives of Anthropos series and John Bibee’s Spirit Flyer books. With more than ten million in print, the well-known and beloved booklet My Heart, Christ’s Home by Robert Boyd Munger was also turned into My Heart, Christ’s Home Retold for Children in 2010.

New IVP president and publisher, Terumi Echols, said of the new children’s imprint, “IVP Kids is a critical part of our future. It would be my hope to increase the line to reach other age groups and languages. This new line is a much-needed resource for parents who are reading to and teaching their children about who they are as Christians, their place in God’s kingdom, and the impact they can have on our culture.” 

“IVP Kids is a natural brand extension of our vision of Christian discipleship in all of life,” said Justin Paul Lawrence, IVP senior director of sales and marketing. “Children’s books go much further and can often reach into smaller specialty stores. We’ve seen greater focus on books on hard topics in the mainstream book market, and I believe that IVP Kids books can enter into some of those conversations with the riches of God’s story supporting our words.”

IVP Kids will release three additional titles in 2021 with access to online downloadable activities for families. 

• The O in Hope by Luci Shaw, November 2, 2021
• The Celebration Place by Dorena Williamson, November 9, 2021
• Isaiah and the Worry Pack by Ruth Goring, November 9, 2021

Three more titles are slated to be published in 2022:

• Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit by Esau McCaulley, May 10, 2022
• Little Prayers for Ordinary Days by Flo Paris Oakes, Katy Hutson, and Tish Harrison Warren, May 31, 2022
• All Will Be Well by Lacy Finn Borgo, October 4, 2022.

IVP Kids editor, Elissa Schauer, said, “IVP inhabits a unique space in the world of publishing, and we hope that IVP Kids is able to do so as well. Everyone at IVP is looking forward to sharing these books with our readers! Our hope is that children and families would enjoy reading together, and that the content of these books would spark meaningful conversations for years to come.”

Contact: Tara Burns | 630.734.4059 | tburns@ivpress.com