New Growth Press Series Bringing Gospel Help and Biblical Counsel to Families

Everyone has something they struggle with from time to time, even young kids. Certain situations and circumstances can lead to big feelings that are hard to handle, but it’s never too early to learn how to turn to Jesus when things get hard. The Good News for Little Hearts series helps children apply biblical truth to whatever situations they face. This fall, the popular series is growing with three new releases helping children deal with stress, jealousy, and fitting in.

Each of the stories in this series of hardback, full-color books (written for children three to eight years old) focuses on an animal family facing real-life issues. By overcoming each struggle or hardship, the characters model hope in Jesus. Through the animal characters, colorful illustrations by Joe Hox, and situations children can identify with, young readers will be captivated throughout the stories, paving the way for Christ-centered conversations on important topics. Published in partnership with the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF), the Good News for Little Hearts series aims to provide grace-based and biblical counsel to families.

• Buster Tries to Bail: When You Are Stressed, edited by David and Nan Powlison, tells a new tale about Buster Bunny. Buster loves racing, but the more he thinks about the upcoming competition at the county fair for who will be the fastest animal in Mulberry Meadow, the more stressed he gets. No matter how hard he trains, he can’t eat or sleep, and eventually he decides he wants to quit running altogether. Buster’s parents talk with him about quieting the noise in his head so he can listen to Jesus instead of all his worries.
• Caspian Crashes the Party: When You Are Jealous, edited by Edward T. Welch, helps children learn to bring their jealousy to Jesus. Caspian’s brother, Jax, is having a birthday party, and Caspian is jealous of all the attention and presents Jax is getting. One thing leads to another until Caspian deflates the bouncy castle that all of Jax’s friends are playing in, bringing the whole party down with it. Caspian’s parents talk with him about jealousy and its bad effects, and eventually peace is restored.
• Halle Takes a Stand: When You Want to Fit In, edited by Paul David Tripp, delves into fitting in and peer pressure. Halle Hedgehog has a group of school friends she sits with at lunch and plays with at recess. One day, the whole group excludes another girl and decides to be mean to her. This bothers Halle, but she doesn’t say anything because she doesn’t want to be excluded too. Halle’s teacher, Mr. Owl, talks to her about who she really needs to fit in with, and how she can speak out against bullying because Jesus is with her.

Each of these stories help children process challenging situations through a biblical lens. Instead of moralism, each book focuses on the grace and hope we have in Jesus, not an ability to change on our own. Each character depends on Jesus and, in turning to him, lives by faith.

Parents and caretakers are encouraged to enter into meaningful conversations with their kids, teaching them to live by faith in the details of everyday life, just like the animals did. After the story, each book contains information for parents on how to use God’s Word to help children apply biblical, gospel-based truths to the specific problem addressed in the book, as well as Scripture to remember in times of trouble. Enriching for both parents and children, the Good News for Little Hearts series is based on CCEF’s model of hope and help that encourages a growing relationship with Jesus in the midst of challenging circumstances.

Visit newgrowthpress.com/good-news-for-little-hearts/ to learn about the other books in the series.

About the Editors:
David Powlison, MDiv, PhD, (1949–2019) was a teacher, counselor, and the executive director of the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He wrote many books and minibooks, including Speaking Truth in Love; Seeing with New Eyes; The Biblical Counseling Movement: History and Context; Good and Angry: Redeeming Anger, Irritation, Complaining, and Bitterness; Making All Things New: Restoring Joy to the Sexually Broken; God’s Grace in Your Suffering; and Safe and Sound. David was also the editor of The Journal of Biblical Counseling and several of the Good News for Little Hearts children’s books.

Nan Powlison loves to write and illustrate children’s books for her friends and seven grandchildren. Nan worked with her husband, David, to edit three books in the Good News for Little Hearts series: Zoe’s Hiding Place, Jax’s Tail Twitches, Gus Loses His Grip, and Buster Tries to Bail.

Edward T. Welch, MDiv, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He earned a PhD in counseling (neuropsychology) from the University of Utah and has a Master of Divinity from Biblical Theological Seminary. Ed has been counseling for nearly forty years and has written extensively on the topics of depression, fear, and addictions. His biblical counseling books include Shame Interrupted, When People Are Big and God Is Small, Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave, Depression: Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness, Crossroads, Running Scared, When I Am Afraid, Side by Side, A Small Book about a Big Problem, and A Small Book for the Anxious Heart. He edited Buster’s Ears Trip Him Up, Henry Says Good-Bye, and Caspian Crashes the Party.

Paul David Tripp, MDiv, DMin, is the president of Paul David Tripp Ministries, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life. Paul is a best-selling author of many books on Christian living, including How People Change, Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, A Quest for More, Relationships: A Mess Worth Making, Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family, New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional. He edited Halle Takes a Stand. He has been married for many years to Luella, and they have four grown children.

About the Illustrator:  Joe Hox was raised on a farm in southern Iowa, where he doodled whenever he wasn’t spading thistles or feeding pigs. Everyone knew by his crooked hay rows that he would choose art over farming. Hox earned his BA in Art and Education from Dordt Col­lege, and his MA from the University of Nebraska. Today he lives with his wife and four children in Pella, Iowa, where he illustrates and teaches art. He has illustrated all of the books in the Good News for Little Hearts series and The Moon is Always Round.

Nashville, TN (October 7, 2020) — Ingram Content Group (“Ingram”) announced the hiring of Paige Allen as the new Director of IngramSpark®, Ingram’s award-winning self-publishing platform.

Allen most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Horton Group, a web design and digital marketing agency in Nashville, TN, where she worked for four years. Prior to that, she worked as Senior Manager of Digital Content and International Communications, Customer Solutions at Asurion. Preceding Asurion, Allen was Digital Project Management Lead at Lonely Planet, building partnership with brands and developing digital marketing products.

“After nearly a decade of working in digital marketing agencies, I am eager to help authors and publishers reach their audience through IngramSpark,” said Allen.

“Paige brings great experience in content management, platform development and advertising. We are thrilled that she is joining IngramSpark,” says Kelly Gallagher, VP Content Acquisition.

Allen has a B.A. in Public Policy Studies and Political Science from Vanderbilt University. She was also part of the Owen Graduate School of Management’s Accelerator Program, Business Sales & Marketing and also attended Harvard Business School’s Summer Venture and Management Program.

Ingram is thankful for long-time IngramSpark Director Robin Cutler’s contributions and vision in building IngramSpark over the years. Robin will become an IngramSpark consultant and mentor to the team prior to her official retirement in late November.

About Ingram | www.ingramcontent.com
The world is reading and Ingram Content Group (“Ingram”) connects people with content in all forms. Providing comprehensive services for publishers, retailers, libraries and educators, Ingram makes these services seamless and accessible through technology, innovation and creativity. With an expansive global network of offices and facilities, Ingram’s services include digital and physical book distribution, print-on-demand, and digital learning. Ingram Content Group is a part of Ingram Industries Inc. and includes Ingram Book Group LLC, Ingram Publisher Services LLC, Lightning Source LLC, VitalSource Technologies LLC, Ingram Library Services LLC, and Tennessee Book Company LLC.

Media contact: Shannon Hunt, 615.321.3110, shannon@tsgnashville.com

Under the Magnolias to release in May 2021 

CAROL STREAM, Ill. (October 21, 2020)—Tyndale House Publishers (@TyndaleHouse) has acquired four novels from bestselling author and rising star T. I. Lowe (Lulu’s Café). First to release among them is Under the Magnolias, a coming-of-age story set in the 1980s on a rural South Carolina tobacco farm and appealing to readers of Where the Crawdads Sing and The Great Alone. A May 2021 publication is planned. Under the Magnolias is a gritty, yet tender and uplifting tale, reminding us that a great story can break your heart . . . then heal it in the best possible way. This stand- alone novel will be followed by the Palmetto Summer romance trilogy, expected in 2022 and expanding upon the author’s Publishers Weekly star-reviewed Carolina Coast series.

Tyndale fiction acquisitions director Jan Stob shared, “T. I. Lowe’s authentic voice and her trademark grit and grace shine in her upcoming women’s fiction release, Under the Magnolias, a compelling story that embodies the best of what readers love about Southern fiction. Tonya’s characters jump off the page and stay with you long after you finish the story. T. I. Lowe has proven to be a talented, prolific author, and we’re delighted to introduce her next four books to the marketplace.”

Additionally, publisher Karen Watson said, “T. I. Lowe is the kind of natural storyteller that a publisher prays to find at an early point in the writer’s career. We believe there are many great things ahead for this talented new voice in women’s fiction.”

The first of the four newly acquired novels to release, Under the Magnolias, introduces readers to Austin Foster, who is barely a teenager when her mama dies giving birth to twins, leaving her to pick up the pieces while holding her six siblings together and doing her best to stop her daddy from retreating into his personal darkness.

Scratching out a living on the family’s tobacco farm is as tough as it gets. When a few random acts of kindness help to ease the Fosters’ hardships, Austin finds herself relying upon some of Magnolia’s most colorful citizens for friendship and more. But it’s next to impossible to hide the truth about the goings-on at Nolia Farms, and Austin’s desperate attempts to save face all but break her.

Just when it seems she might have something more waiting for her—with the son of a wealthy local family who she’s crushed on for years—her father makes a choice that will crack wide-open the family’s secrets and lead to a public reckoning. There are consequences for loving a boy like Vance Cumberland, but there is also freedom in the truth.

I. Lowe (@tilowe) is an ordinary country girl who loves to tell extraordinary stories and is the author of nearly twenty published novels, including her debut, Lulu’s Café, a number one bestseller. She lives with her husband and family in coastal South Carolina.

The deal for World English + Audio rights was brokered by Danielle Egan-Miller of Browne & Miller Literary Associates.

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.

For more information, or to request an advance reader copy, please contact Amanda Woods amandawoods@tyndale.com, 630-784-5125.

Start a New Christmas Tradition Centered on Giving

Nashville, TN — The true spirit of Christmas often gets lost in busyness of the season. As the events of 2020 have made us slow down and shift some of our priorities, this year is the perfect time to refocus on the joy of giving and honor the real reason for Christmas: Jesus’ birth. With The Giving Manger (WorthyKids/ October 13, 2020/ISBN: 9781546034223/ $39.99), creators and sisters Allison Hottinger and Lisa Kalberer offer a faith-based interactive family tradition that encourages acts of kindness.

Each Giving Manger box set contains a hardcover picture book, a wooden manger, a bundle of straw, and a sturdy Baby Jesus figure—everything a family needs to start the tradition in their own home. The included book, The Giving Manger, uses a story to introduce families to how the tradition works and gets children excited about participating.

The Giving Manger tells the story of a family who shifts the focus of their Christmas. Young Anne and Ben always look forward to Christmas. Each year their dad makes a special wooden toy for them, but he tells them this year will be different. They are starting a new tradition, and there will be more gifts this year, starting December 1. The kids misunderstand, thinking they will be getting more gifts, but instead, the gifts are given by them to others. Initially disappointed, the children quickly change their attitudes when they see the joy that doing kind things and giving to others brings.

“This is a special story to us because it represents the same shift we’ve seen in our own families,” Kalberer shares. “The focus used to be lists and what the kids were going to receive for Christmas, but in adopting The Giving Manger the focus shifted to what we can give. Christmas is different in our homes than it used to be, and we couldn’t be happier about it!”

Once the family reads the story together, it’s time to place the empty manger in a prominent spot in the house. In the days leading up to Christmas, family members place a piece of straw in the manger each time they perform a kind deed or act of service. Filling the manger will become a fun, interactive project for the entire family, prompting even young children to look for ways to love and serve others.

As the family works together to fill the manger with straw, both hearts and home will be filled with the joy and contentment that comes not from wish lists and getting, but from giving and loving others. On Christmas Day, the family will place the baby Jesus in the manger—now full of the straw that represents the acts of love and service done in honor of Jesus’ birth.

“As we began to raise our own families, we often felt like the true meaning of Christmas and the spirit of giving was getting lost in the hustle and bustle of the season. We wanted to start making the season more about giving and showing kindness to others,” says Hottinger. “We originally made the tradition just for our own family, but when we told friends about what we were doing, we had so many friends who wanted one too!”

In the back of The Giving Manger, readers will also find a list of activities as inspiration. Each act of kindness does not need to be a grand gesture, but can be simple gestures such as putting away a brother’s shoes, drawing a picture for a grandparent, helping to empty the dishwasher without being asked, or leaving a candy cane and a note for the mail carrier. The goal is to become more kind and giving-minded in daily life so that the actions come naturally all year round.

Each item in the box is built to last so families can keep the tradition going year after year.

Visit www.thegivingmanger.com for a downloadable activity list and to take part in a letter writing service project.

Allison Hottinger and Lisa Kalberer are sisters who are passionate about giving back. As they began to raise their own families, they realized that the true meaning of Christmas and the spirit of giving was getting lost in the hustle and bustle of the season. They put pen to paper, wood to the saw, and clay in their hands to create the book, manger, and Baby Jesus that make up The Giving Manger–a complete tradition to help families focus on the real meaning of Christmas. They hope that The Giving Manger can spread kindness and promote service as families come together and shift the focus of Christmas from getting to giving. Allison lives in Ladera Ranch, California, and Lisa lives in Austin, Texas.

Learn more at www.thegivingmanger.com and on Facebook (@thegivingmanger) and Instagram (@thegivingmanger).

For review copy and interview information, contact: ajenningspr@gmail.com or 903-874-8363.

(October 22, 2020) – The Parable Group, a California-based marketing agency and media group, today unveiled two web-based, data-driven initiatives designed to drive traffic into Christian retail stores—local Branded Websites and a complete revamp of the Get It Local Today website platform.

Branded Websites, which launched mid-September, provide retailers a cost-effective and modern website solution with powerful features for their customers. Each site contains a full Christian product offering and displays the store’s on-hand inventory (from nightly POS feeds) allowing customers to conveniently reserve items online and pick them up in-store—reducing health risks and bypassing shipping delays amid the pandemic.

The new websites have been well-received by independent retailers, including Dove Christian Supply,  Cedar Springs Christian Store, Dightman’s Bible Book Center, and Parable Christian of St. Joseph & Hallmark Gold Crown, with over 50 websites launched in advance of Christmas. Christian retailers who need a new store website this fall can fill out this interest form.

Additionally, the web-based Christian store-supporting platform Get It Local Today has been revamped and enhanced. The platform, which launched in 2018 in coordination with Covenant Group, offers shoppers receiving promotional emails from publishers—or shopping on publisher websites—the option of buying products at local Christian stores as an alternative to Amazon and big-box retailers. Recent website improvements include an updated modern look, upgraded user experience, enhanced search, and an expanded product database. Get It Local Today is free for retailers and publishers; hundreds of Christian retailers are signed up to participate—representing a nationwide and industry-wide network.

Christian retailers can enroll here; it only takes a few minutes for a retailer to give permission to allow their store to be listed and set up for data reporting, letting customers know which products are in stock at their store.

“Our aim is to help retailers thrive in their ministry and adapt to a fast-changing marketplace, says Greg Squires, President of The Parable Group. “We’re honored and delighted to serve a broader network of Christian retailers with data-driven technology solutions that connect local customers to the life-giving products in their stores.

To learn more about Branded Websites or Get It Local Today, visit The Parable Group’s Retail Help Center here. 

The Parable Group helps Christian retailers, publishers, and ministries magnify their mission by connecting them to engaged Christian consumers, pastors, and church leaders. The San Luis Obispo, CA based data-driven marketing agency and media group has served over 1000 Christian organizations since 1985. For more information, contact sally.ross@parable.com or visit www.parablegroup.com.

Contact: Sally Ross, (805) 329-4020  sally.ross@parable.com

WESTMONT, IL-InterVarsity Press (IVP) is pleased to announce a groundbreaking new initiative to continue its reputation as a leader in multiethnic publishing. The Every Voice Now (EVN) initiative features a sizable fund underwritten jointly by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and IVP for the purpose of supporting the development, marketing, and sales of books by authors of color as well as aiding in the recruitment of diverse staff and the deepening of the organization’s cultural competency.

“The Every Voice Now initiative is rooted in IVP’s long-standing vision and values, and it seeks to both pursue and elevate voices of color while also recruiting and retaining staff of color who will contribute to and help shape our company’s mission to the university, the church, and the world,” Jeff Crosby, IVP’s publisher, said. “I’m grateful for the Every Voice Now leadership team that has given wings to this dream, and I support it wholeheartedly.”

The initiative is led by a diverse group with more than seventy years of publishing experience among them:

• Terumi Echols, Director of Finance, Fulfillment, and Operations
• Al Hsu, PhD, Senior Editor
• Maila Kim, Events Marketing Coordinator
• Helen Lee, Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives

In addition to the fund, the initiative will launch The Every Voice Now Podcast; hosted by Kim and IVP author Ed Gilbreath (Reconciliation Blues, Birmingham Revolution); it features stories of IVP authors of color on the road to the publication of their books. “The Every Voice Now Podcast reveals the challenges that writers of color face on their journey to becoming published authors,” said Lee, who serves as the producer of the podcast. “Our hope is that listeners will gain a greater appreciation for the work of these authors and better understand the ways in which systemic issues still create barriers for BIPOC in publishing.”

Season 1 featured authors include:

• Esau McCaulley, Reading While Black
• Robert Chao Romero, Brown Church
• Chandra Crane, Mixed Blessing
• Antipas Harris, Is Christianity the White Man’s Religion?
• Juanita Rasmus, Learning to Be
• Liuan Huska, Hurting Yet Whole
• Nikole Lim, Liberation Is Here
• A. D. “Lumkile” Thomason, Permission to Be Black
• Mark Charles, Unsettling Truths

Authors of color who are well acquainted with IVP’s commitment to diverse authors have heralded the initiative as yet another positive step forward in an industry that is still largely white-dominated. Author, speaker, and pastor Brenda Salter McNeil said, “I am thrilled to learn about Every Voice Now. This initiative is yet another example of IVP’s long-standing commitment to support authors of color. I’m very proud of my own publishing journey with IVP and believe that EVN will provide even more support and encouragement to both new and established authors of color.”

“I’m excited to be a part of the Every Voice Now initiative,” said Robert Chao Romero, author of Brown Church and the leadoff guest for The Every Voice Now Podcast. “Many give lip service to the importance of diverse perspectives in the Body of Christ—this initiative is a tangible step.”

Dominique Gilliard, author of Rethinking Incarceration, said, “Every Voice Now is a vitally important initiative that will continue to open the door to BIPOC authors who have lacked equitable access in the world of publishing. EVN is the latest example of IVP’s enduring commitment to amplifying the scholarship of authors of color. IVP has a rich history of identifying, supporting, and creating space for authors of color—including myself—and this new initiative will only enhance their commitment. EVN will be a rich blessing to the church!”

Promotional efforts for the platform will begin the week of October 26; for more information about the Every Voice Now initiative, The Every Voice Now Podcast, and a listing of recent/forthcoming books by IVP authors of color, visit the Every Voice Now website or follow @EveryVoiceNow on Twitter or Instagram.

For more information regarding the initiative, please contact Krista Clayton, Associate Director of Publicity (kclayton@ivpress.com) or Helen Lee, Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives (hlee@ivpress.com).

Nashville, Tenn. (October 23, 2020) – Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, today announced two promotions within its marketing staff.  Mark Glesne will be senior director of marketing for Nelson Books, specifically focusing on Max Lucado and Lysa TerKeurst author brands, and Stephanie Tresner will become a director of marketing for Nelson Books.

Glesne joined the Nelson Books team in 2017 to lead the brand and marketing management for the Max Lucado and Lysa TerKeurst books and brands. Since that time, he has led the strategy and launch of New York Times bestsellers including Unshakable Hope by Max Lucado and It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst, along with USA Today bestsellers Anxious for Nothing, How Happiness Happens, and You Are Never Alone by Max Lucado. Prior to this, Glesne served as director of marketing and digital commerce at TOL, Inc. where he oversaw marketing strategy, vision development, and brand implementation.

“Mark has done a tremendous job working with two of our most important authors, Max Lucado and Lysa TerKerust, growing their brands and titles with innovative marketing,” said Tim Paulson, v-p and publisher for Nelson Books.” He will undoubtedly take his leadership within Nelson Books to the next level in this new position.”

Stephanie Tresner joined the company in 2008, serving in various marketing and brand management capacities for Thomas Nelson. Throughout her tenure, she has spearheaded innovative marketing campaigns for New York Times bestsellers including Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis, Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst, A Serial Killer’s Daughter by Kerri Rawson, Scary Close by Donald Miller, A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans, and I Said Yes by Emily Maynard Johnson.

“Stephanie demonstrates exceptional project management capabilities, builds trusted relationships with her authors, agents, and coworkers, and leads book marketing with creativity and deep institutional knowledge,” said Jamie Lockard, v-p of marketing for Nelson Books. “I am excited to see her step into this new leadership role as she takes on the marketing strategy and execution for many of our high priority projects.”

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, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact: Chelsea Taff, Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications, 615.902.2137  Chelsea.taff@harpercollins.com

Its creative approach presents this core library essential in a fresh and exciting way

Cary, NC: Goodwill Rights Management Corporation (GRMC), a leading Christian publishing and rights services agency, today announced the release of its first audiobook, All of Grace: an innovative production that coalesces the spoken word with music for a multidimensional listening and worship experience.  Additionally, it announces the launch of Goodwill Audio, an arm of GRMC, which is dedicated to producing titles to help listeners find the freedom, grace and joy that is ours in Christ and expressed in the gospel.

This milestone is a significant move for GRMC as it responds to the increase in audiobook listeners.  According to GRMC founder and CEO Carl Dobrowolski, “We have been following this trend for quite some time and believe now more than ever that there is a tremendous demand for audiobooks for which Goodwill Audio will position itself accordingly. Look for new titles to be released late 2020.”

All of Grace proves to give understanding to the magnificence of God and the freeing sense of what it means to be loved by Him unconditionally.

This news release comes in the wake of many exciting new initiatives and accomplishments of GRMC in recent months, including:

• Spurgeon AudioBooks, a website of all things Spurgeon spurgeonaudiobooks.com
• Ask Spurgeon podcast, an imaginary interview with the great preacher himself, produced in cooperation with Dave Holdt (the narrator of All of Grace) which addresses pressing questions for those who desire to learn more about God and the gospel. Available on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro, and Castbox.

To learn more about All of Grace, trends in the audio market and Goodwill Audio, read the article, All of Grace: GRMC’s Pursuit of The Gospel In Audiobook at www.spurgeonaudiobooks.com/news.

About Goodwill Rights Management Corporation: For almost two decades, the organization has been advancing the Gospel by promoting the mission, messaging, and growing platforms of its publishing and ministry clients worldwide, and now an audiobook publisher in its own right under Goodwill Audio.

Contact: Carl Dobrowolski, Goodwill Rights Management Corporation,
347-247-2106  Carl@goodwillrights.com

Nashville, Tenn. (October 14, 2020) – ICON Media Group announces the firm has hired Robin Barnett as Vice President of Public Relations. Most recently, Robin was the Director of Public Relations for Zondervan, a HarperCollins Company.

“Robin is not only one of the most respected women in the business, her experience launching impactful media campaigns for the industry’s leading voices is unparalleled,” said partner, Shanon Stowe. “She brings top-tier media and influencer relationships, and a wealth of creativity and passion to every project. As an organization, not only do we strive to bring the highest level of service and results to every campaign, but we do so with integrity. Robin Barnett beautifully emulates our core values.”

Barnett is a 12-year veteran of publishing, handling publicity for two top publishing houses, Zondervan and Baker Publishing Group. She’s launched more than 15 New York Times bestselling books and worked with household names like Ann Voskamp, Candace Cameron Bure, Rick Warren, Craig Groeschel, Jeremy & Audrey Roloff, Lee Strobel, Christine Caine, Gary Thomas, Shauna Niequist, Rebekah Lyons, Myquillyn Smith, Mark Batterson, Ty Pennington and Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus.

Some of ICON’s current book campaigns include projects from New York Times bestselling authors John Bevere, Karen Ehman, and Crystal Paine, as well as top podcast host Jamie Ivey, two-time Grammy nominee Jamie Grace, TED speaker Hannah Brencher, business coach Alli Worthington, Truth Becomes Her founder Erin Weidemann, and Kristy Cambron, creator of the Verse Mapping Bible study technique.

The firm also recently launched the national bestsellers The Vision-Driven Leader by Michael Hyatt, Strong and Godmothers by Lisa Bevere, Get Your Life Back by John Eldredge, Called Out by Paula Faris, Don’t Overthink It by Anne Bogel, and One Small Step by Dream Center Co-Founder Matthew Barnett.

Robin can be reached at robin@iconmediagroup.com. For more information, visit us at iconmediagroup.com.

ICON Media Group is proud to be a women-owned business. Launched in 2013, ICON has had the privilege of working with bestselling authors, business leaders, Bible teachers, filmmakers, non-profits and purposeful brands. We care about faith, family and justice issues and how these important topics intersect with culture and media, and we are passionate about supporting and elevating the voices of fellow Kingdom-builders.

Our team members have launched nearly 100 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling books, hundreds of faith-based bestsellers, national events, and three of the Top 10 faith-based films in history.

Ten percent of ICON’s revenue supports causes that provide safe, sustainable employment for vulnerable women around the globe, are fighting to abolish human trafficking and address the growing hunger crisis in rural America.

Celebrate the True Meaning of Christmas
Jesus Came for Me introduces toddlers and preschoolers to the story of Jesus’s birth

Bright lights, cookies, presents, and Santa Claus. That’s usually what young children think of when it comes to Christmas. However, it’s important for them to learn what we really celebrate December 25. This year families with toddlers and preschoolers can introduce their children to the real reason for the season with Jesus Came for Me: The True Story of Christmas (New Growth Press/October 19, 2020) written by Jared Kennedy and illustrated by Trish Mahoney.

Every Christmas, we celebrate the coming of the Messiah, but what does that mean for the youngest members of the family? Jesus Came for Me helps little ones learn about the birth of Christ in a personal, memorable way. Created for children ages two to five, this beautifully illustrated board book begins with the announcement of John the Baptist’s birth to Zechariah and ends with the visit of the wise men. They will learn that Jesus is always present, and he helps us believe and wait for him.

“We celebrate that Jesus came for us on Christmas. Jesus, our great God, was born as a little baby. We should share this good news and great joy with all people—including your child,” says Kennedy. “One of the best ways to teach young preschoolers about Christmas is to start early. Start telling the story of Christmas at the beginning of Advent season. As your kids get older, have them act out the events of Luke 2. Maybe the most important thing you can do is to show your kids the impact of Christmas by giving them your time, presence, love, and joy.”

Part of the Beginner’s Gospel Story series (which includes The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible and Jesus Rose for Me: The True Story of Easter), this conversational book simply tells the story of how Jesus came to Earth. It includes simple reflection questions to encourage family or Bible class conversations. Because of the compelling content and modern, vivid illustrations, children will live in the joy of the greatest truth of all: Jesus is with us!

“When your young children or grandchildren snuggle close this Christmas, you’ll want to have this beautifully illustrated board book close at hand,” recommends pastor and author Champ Thornton. “Jesus Came for Me will remind them of the greatest Christmas gift ever. With the freshness and clarity that we’ve come to expect from this acclaimed children’s author, Jared Kennedy brings the story of Jesus’s birth close to heart and home.”

Centering the holiday season on Jesus doesn’t mean removing all popular activities from the schedule. Kennedy encourages, “Watch that Christmas special again. Set aside times to look a Christmas lights with your family. Bake some Christmas cookies! Do all of these activities as a family and with your church community. And let your kids hear you sing those Christmas carols with joy in your heart because your Savior has come!”

Jesus Came for Me
by Jared Kennedy, Illustrated by Trish Mahoney
October 19, 2020 / Board book / Retail Price: $11.99
Print ISBN 978-1-645070-49-8
Religion / Christian Ministry/ Children

Jared Kennedy, MDiv, ThM, is the co-founder and managing editor of Gospel-Centered Family, a ministry that helps churches and families share Jesus with the next generation. He also serves as the Children’s and Family Ministry Strategist for the Sojourn Network, and is an adjunct professor at Boyce College.  He is the author of The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible, Are You Close to God?, Jesus Rose for Me, Jesus Came for Me, and God Made Me for Worship. He has also helped to develop two VBS programs, Proof Pirates and Clap Your Hands, Stomp Your Feet.  Kennedy blogs regularly at Gospel Centered Family and contributes to The Gospel Coalition, ERLC and He Reads Truth.  He and his wife, Megan, have three daughters.  Read more from Jared Kennedy at gospelcenteredfamily.com. He can also be found on Twitter (@jaredskennedy).

Trish Mahoney is a graphic designer and illustrator in Seattle 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