How a Minnesota teenager is training rabbits to become comfort animals on his own private island

CAROL STREAM, ILL. (July 27, 2020)—Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) today announced that it has acquired the memoir of 15-year-old Caleb Smith, the visionary behind Peacebunny Island and related educational nonprofit. Peacebunny Island: The Extraordinary Journey of a Boy and His Comfort Rabbits, and How They’re Teaching Us about Hope and Kindness has an anticipated publication date of March 2021. In this compelling memoir, Smith tells his story—how, at 8 years old, he began mobilizing youth to care for rescued rabbits and rare heritage breeds, and how his vision grew until, at age 14, he acquired his own private island on the Mississippi River. This 22-acre sanctuary called Peacebunny Island, along with its other nearby islands, provide the secluded summer setting to train rabbits and youth to share “hope and hoppiness.”

From hosting his first bunny birthday party in the neighborhood to purchasing a houseboat he’d need to learn to pilot, to finding an unknown river island to devote to animal rescue efforts, Caleb’s coming of age story includes a collection of adventures as he overcame challenges as a young entrepreneur. Dan Strone of Trident Media Group brokered the deal for world rights.

“This story had me hooked from the first page,” says Sarah Atkinson, associate publisher of Tyndale Momentum. “As an animal lover, I was fascinated by Caleb’s adventures while he sought to preserve rare rabbits and some rescues along the way who help children, veterans, senior citizens, and communities who are hurting. But Peacebunny Island is more than an animal story: it’s the odyssey of a remarkable young man committed to doing what he can to make the world more compassionate toward animals and to each other, inviting readers to change their world, one interaction at a time. Peacebunny Island is charming, funny, wise, and inspiring; it will bring goodness into the world at a time when we desperately need stories of hope to warm our hearts.”

Executive publisher Jan Long Harris says, “Peacebunny Island is the inspiring story of an extraordinary boy living out his calling to increase the world’s supply of kindness, happiness, and hope. After reading about Caleb and his comfort bunnies, even the most hardened cynics are likely to find themselves grinning with joy and wonder. What a privilege to publish this book!”

Every so often someone comes along to remind us that people with character, decency, and goodness still exist. Smith, who lives with his mom and dad outside Minneapolis, is a living example of this—running his own business with the goal of helping those in need and following his heart to make the world a kinder, more compassionate place. Just this year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Caleb received a call from an organization that operates 46 senior communities across the Midwest. Ordinarily they would be making plans for Easter celebrations for thousands of older adult residents. But social distancing and increasing isolation forced them to look elsewhere for a way to share the joy of the holiday and to bring comfort during these uncertain times. They reached out to Caleb for help. The teenager, whose normally busy Easter season had also been up-ended, knew what to do.

Enter Lionardo da Vinci, Fudge, Willow, Tater Tot, Morris, and Thumbelina—and a host of other comfort rabbits, part of the larger colony that Caleb refers to as the Peacebunnies, who visit birthday parties, wedding receptions, and Easter egg hunts.  But their main gift is helping people who are looking for warmth and calm in the saddest and loneliest times of their lives. With their help, Caleb pulled together a team to bring the rabbits to porches and windows and to create uplifting videos specifically for those in hospice care. Caleb had a simple message for eager senior home executives: Together let’s share hope and hoppiness! Kindness always wins.

This heartwarming, family-oriented memoir is one of those rare books that feeds America’s insatiable appetite for inspiring stories and reassures us about the character of the next generation. With the same kind of hopeful message as R. J. Palacio’s Wonder, John Grogan’s Marley & Me, and the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Peacebunny Island reminds us of the important lessons that we often seem to forget.

The release of Peacebunny Island will be buoyed by a national marketing and publicity campaign.

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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 $100 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.

Grand Rapids, Michigan. June 19, 2020 – For the third time in a four-year period, Editorial Portavoz received the distinction of “Publisher of the Year” by distributors and booksellers of Spanish Christian literature. According to Gabriela Pérez de Alba, director of Distribuidora Didaque in Mexico and representative of the distributors and bookstores, this distinction was awarded to Editorial Portavoz due to “their outstanding and innovative contribution to Christian literature, great commitment to each of the distributors and bookstores, for the content of their titles, and for their creativity and innovation in design and printing.”

In addition, the following Editorial Portavoz titles also received their own distinction, as a result of the voting process by SEPA members and the sales reports provided by the publishers, in the following categories:

Mass Market Book and Gallery of Honor (Platinum, for over 500,000 copies sold)

• Gratitud – Perdón (Gratitude – Forgiveness), by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth.

Bible Design (Cover and Interior Design):

• Biblia devocional Mujer Verdadera (True Woman Devotional Bible_

Website (impact and presence):  

• www.Portavoz.com

Editorial Portavoz also congratulates its publishing partner Especialidades 625 for the awards received in the categories of Best Book for Young People, Amar es para valientes by Itiel Arroyo, and Best Presence in Social Networks.

Tito Mantilla, publisher of Editorial Portavoz for more than thirteen years, expressed his gratitude to God and renewed commitment to their readers: “It is an honor to receive these awards, and it makes us feel more committed to effectively serve both the Lord and His people out of a deep love for the Word of God. Our work is done as a team, so we understand this recognition as belonging to the entire Editorial Portavoz team, and it recognizes all the love, energy and dedication that is poured into every book and Bible that we publish. I am sure that Harold and Esther Kregel, the founders of this publishing house, would be very proud that their vision and commitment to excellent publications continues to be strong, and that their work continues to be recognized in our industry by its readers, booksellers and distributors. We are very happy and humbly grateful to our God.”

Visit www.Portavoz.com for more information on Editorial Portavoz’s materials.

Editorial Portavoz is the Spanish-language division of Kregel, Inc. Its center of operations is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with direct representation throughout the Americas and Spain, and with a tradition celebrating 50 years of integrity and excellence in Christian Publishing, all from a biblical perspective and intended to encourage people to fully know and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Among many other high impact works, Editorial Portavoz has published in Spanish the Woman After God’s Own Heart Bible with notes by Elizabeth George, John MacArthur’s Biblical Doctrine and the Lies… and the truths that set you free series of books.

Grand Rapids, Mich. (July 15, 2020) — Zondervan today announced Megan Dobson as the vice president, publisher for Zonderkidz, the children’s imprint for Zondervan. She will begin on July 27 and report to Laura Minchew, senior vice president, Children’s and Gift Group publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP).

Dobson joins Zonderkidz after serving as publisher for ChristianAudio. Prior to this she worked for HCCP for nine years, holding positions in both sales and publishing. Dobson served for two years as director of mass market sales for HCCP, and later shifted her leadership to W Publishing, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. As the imprint’s associate publisher, Dobson led the editorial team, helped drive business strategy, and acquired and edited works from authors including Lindsay Teague Moreno (Boss Up), Jess Ekstrom (Chasing the Bright Side), and Lisa Whittle (Jesus Over Everything).

As Zonderkidz publisher, Dobson will drive the publishing vision, editorial process, and operational strategies and will ensure growth through strong financial and business leadership. Further, Dobson will acquire key books and maximize the extensive backlist, including industry-leading children’s brands such as The Jesus Storybook Bible and The Beginners Bible. She will be based in HCCP’s Grand Rapids, Mich. office, where the Zonderkidz program is predominantly located.

“It’s an amazing privilege to join the Zonderkidz team in producing inspirational books that speak messages of hope, truth, and love to children and their families,” said Dobson. “I am excited to lead this team into the future while continuing our mission to inspire the world.”

“I am thrilled to have Megan join us in the role of Zonderkidz publisher,” said Minchew. “She has a passion for children’s books and will bring creativity and business acumen to the role. Megan’s experience in leading successful teams in both publishing and sales, and her extensive knowledge of HCCP make her a perfect fit.”

About Zondervan: 
Zondervan is a world-leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, as part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

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

Founder and entrepreneur of successful lifestyle and organizational brand, Simplified® by Emily Ley, releases “Grace, Not Perfection for Young Readers” 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 16, 2020) – At a time when having grace for self and others may be an essential practice, Emily Ley offers this reminder for young readers with the release of her newest book, Grace, Not Perfection for Young Readers: Believing You’re Enough in a World of Impossible Expectations. The book hits shelves on Wednesday, Aug. 11 and will be available for purchase wherever books are sold.

Based on Ley’s bestselling adult reader, Grace, Not Perfection, which has sold nearly 235,000 copies worldwide, the young reader edition tackles societal anxieties and pressures often faced by tween girls and offers tangible ways to simplify girls’ lives in a generation that is busier and more distracted than ever.

“Adult readers were able to find this grace in the adult version of Grace, Not Perfection, now, we have a younger audience experiencing a reality that’s possibly new for them and their parents,” said Ley. “I hope no matter the age or book edition, that families can practice, share and experience that grace together.”

With today’s fast-paced, technology-driven society affecting all ages, Ley addresses how it takes the biggest toll on kids. Tweens today must navigate a variety of daily pressures including the expectation to participate in year-round activities, to be an excellent student, to take the perfect photo for every occasion, and to be friends with as many people as possible. These pressures can leave today’s youth feeling exhausted and anxious. Ley’s Grace, Not Perfection for Young Readers helps middle-grade girls develop a new, life-giving perspective.

With a colorful interior, plenty of photos, and actionable tips and lists, the young readers’ edition of Ley’s bestselling book reminds tweens and their parents that God abundantly pours out grace and longs for them to receive that grace in their everyday lives. Ley’s ideas include how to:

• Create significant moments rather than orchestrating a picture-perfect life.
• Pare down activities to what matters most–without FOMO.
• Simplify life by simplifying three major areas: space, time, and mind.
• Create effective to-do lists and get through them one step at a time.

Grace, Not Perfection for Young Readers can help tween girls embrace the most important elements of life, trim off the superficial and superfluous, let go of unrealistic standards, and journey toward adulthood with the right outlook and tools to have a simpler, grace-filled, and happy life.

Grace, Not Perfection for Young Readers: Believing You’re Enough in a World of impossible Expectations
(ISBN # 9781400220014) will be available in hardcover ($16.99), audio ($15.99) and e-book ($9.99) formats.

About the Author:
Emily Ley is the founder of Simplified® – a brand of planners and organizational tools for busy women. Emily has been featured in Forbes, Family Circle, Better Homes and Gardens, Glamour, and Good Housekeeping. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including Best New Product at the National Stationery Show as well as Small Business of the Year, Female Owned Business of the Year, and Entrepreneur of the Year by Studer Community Institute. Emily and her team collaborated with AT-A-GLANCE® to create gift and planning collections carried in Office Depot, Staples, and Target. Emily is the author of national bestselling books, Grace, Not perfection: Embracing Simplicity, Celebrating Joy, A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools for Intentional Living, and When Less Becomes More: Making Space for Slow, Simple, and Good. Now as an author, entrepreneur, wife and mother to three, Emily lives in Pensacola, Florida with her husband, Bryan, and their son Brady, and twins Tyler and Caroline.

About Tommy Nelson:
Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson publishes a wide variety of high-quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson’s award-winning products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit www.tommynelson.com.

Media Contact: Natividad Lewis, Publicist, 931.698.9620  natividad.lewis@harpercollins.com

WESTMONT, IL—As the country moves into the 2020 election season InterVarsity Press has announced that it is releasing and providing resources to equip voters in understanding as well as engaging the issues of our day from a faith perspective. On Tuesday, July 21, IVP will release Compassion (&) Conviction: The AND Campaign’s Guide to Faithful Civic Engagement, which will be included among the titles on the newly launched webpage “Books on Politics & Government” at ivpress.com. 

Jeff Crosby, publisher at IVP, said, “As a publishing house, we desire to speak thoughtfully and in a balanced but bold manner to questions on the integration of faith, discipleship, and politics, on what constitutes the common good and building a just society—not only in election years but every year. That mission is hopefully reflected in the titles we’ve gathered for our ‘Books on Politics & Government’ webpage.”

Coauthored by Justin Giboney, Michael Wear, and Chris Butler, Compassion (&) Conviction will serve as an especially timely resource that addresses the current political divisions within the United States. The authors represent the AND Campaign, which exists to educate and organize Christians for faithful civic and cultural engagement. With diverse backgrounds and political experience within the Obama White House, all three authors bring a unique perspective to what it means to stay true to your faith and engage in the public square today. They insist that not only are we called to love our neighbors through the political process but also that doing so requires us to transcend the binary way the debates are usually framed. In simple, understandable language, they lay out the biblical case for political engagement and help Christians navigate the complex world of politics with integrity, from political messaging and the politics of race to protests, advocacy, and more.

Wear is chief strategist of the AND Campaign and founder of Public Square Strategies LLC. He is the author of Reclaiming Hope: Lessons Learned in the Obama White House About the Future of Faith in America. He said, “In a political environment rife with manipulation, propaganda, and conflicting narratives, Compassion (&) Conviction provides a framework that can help orthodox Christians think and act faithfully in our politics for the good of [our] neighbors. There’s a lot of theory and ruminations about politics out there, but with this book we wanted to provide a practical guide for how Christians can make a difference in our politics while staying true to [our]selves and [our] faith.”

The “Books on Politics & Government“ webpage will feature twenty-seven additional titles covering a range of topics from cultural criticism and history to spiritual formation and political engagement. The newest books include

• “Here Are Your Gods”: Faithful Discipleship in Idolatrous Times by Christopher J. H. Wright
• The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor by Kaitlyn Schiess
• The Other Side of the Wall: A Palestinian Christian Narrative of Lament and Hope by Munther Isaac
• The Myth of the American Dream: Reflections on Affluence, Autonomy, Safety, and Power by D. L. Mayfield

Crosby said, “Books are vehicles for promoting liberty, for shedding light in darkness. They help us, the citizens of our country, sort out issues related to this messy, fragmented, exercise we know as politics and faithful civic engagement. In a time when many of us are distracted by clickbait and popular opinion, books still have a tremendous impact. Here’s to reading widely, thoughtfully, carefully, deeply—to engaging voices from the margins, voices we may disagree with, voices who may have something of importance to say to us.”

Contact: Krista Clayton, 630.734.4013  kclayton@ivpress.com

WESTMONT, IL­-InterVarsity Press (IVP) is pleased to announce the general-market release of Seminary Now (www.seminarynow.com), a new subscription-based online educational platform that gives pastors and lay church leaders access to on-demand video courses and certification programs from leading teachers and seminaries. IVP is the premier publishing partner for the platform, which launched in beta this spring and is now available for wide release.

“I continue to be deeply grateful for the chance to partner with the team at Seminary Now as together and in concert with other like-minded organizations we create and deliver thoughtful Christian content to pastors, students, and others who want to deepen their understanding of theology, ecclesiology, biblical studies, social justice, spiritual formation, and many other disciplines,” Jeff Crosby, IVP’s publisher, said. “The courses are exceptional in content and creative expression. I’m delighted to see the messages of so many of our authors given fresh life and realizing an expanded reach through the Seminary Now platform.”

“Our vision for Seminary Now began after church and denominational leaders expressed the need for on-demand training for pastors and church leaders unable to attend seminary,” says William Shiell, president of Northern Seminary, the primary institution underwriting the new endeavor. “We created Seminary Now in partnership with InterVarsity Press to benefit theological education as a whole. . . . We value IVP’s partnership because of our mutual commitment to women in leadership, multiethnic ministries, academic training, and biblical justice.”

IVP books are featured in a significant number of the initial course offerings. Key authors and courses available in July 2020 include:

• Roger E. Olson, professor of theology at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary (The Mosaic of Christian Belief)
• Ruth Haley Barton, founding president, Transforming Center (Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership)
• John H. Walton, professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College (The Lost World of Genesis One)
• Brenda Salter McNeil, pastor and professor of reconciliation studies at Seattle Pacific University (Roadmap to Reconciliation)
• Tremper Longman III, professor of biblical studies at Westmont College (Old Testament Essentials)
• Tara Beth Leach, senior pastor of the First Nazarene Church in Pasadena, CA (Empowering Women in Ministry)
• David E. Fitch, B. R. Lindner Chair of Evangelical Theology at Northern Seminary, Lisle, IL (Faithful Presence)
• Sandra Van Opstal, pastor of Grace and Peace Community in Chicago, IL (The Next Worship)
• James Choung, vice president of strategy and innovation at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (Evangelism: Sharing the Big Story)
• Dominique Gilliard, director of racial righteousness, Evangelical Covenant Church (Rethinking Incarceration)
• Mary Hulst, chaplain of Calvin College (Ten Practical Ways to a Better Sermon)
• Jonathan Brooks, pastor of Canaan Community Church in Chicago, IL (Church Forsaken)
• Matthew Stanford, CEO of the Hope and Healing Center in Houston, TX (A Clinical and Biblical Perspective on Mental Illness)
• Sarah Shin, PhD candidate, St. Andrews (Beyond Colorblind)
• David Swanson, pastor of New Community Covenant Church in Bronzeville, Chicago, IL (Rediscipling the White Church)
• Antipas Harris, president and dean of Jakes Divinity School (Is Christianity the White Man’s Religion?)

Jason Gile, the executive director of Seminary Now, added, “On-demand video courses present a unique opportunity for seminaries, publishers, and other organizations to collaborate in the shared mission to equip Christian leaders. By providing accessible and relevant theological teaching to Christians across the world, we believe Seminary Now has the potential for great impact on the church.”

In addition to partnering with IVP, Seminary Now is developing relationships with a wide range of seminaries and organizations with similar theological convictions that will provide content and access to potential consumers of the platform, such as Missio Alliance and the Christian Community Development Association.

Helen Lee, associate director of strategic partnerships and initiatives at IVP, serves as the main liaison between Seminary Now and IVP. “We have always considered the church to be a key audience for us to reach, and our involvement with Seminary Now will give us another channel to serve pastors, lay leaders, and ministry professionals with our high-quality, thoughtful, and compelling content,” Lee said. “I have appreciated the strong working relationship we have developed with Bill Shiell and Jason Gile on this project, and I look forward to seeing how the audiences respond to this new platform.”

Early users have already begun to share their praises for the relevance and value of Seminary Now’s content. David John Hailey, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Oak Park (Oak Park, IL), began using the Roadmap to Reconciliation course at his church in the wake of recent continued acts of police violence against Black men and women. “As the pastor of a multiracial church devasted by the ‘catalytic event’ of the George Floyd murder, I needed a guide to steer our conversations,” he said. “Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil’s course forced us to grapple with the roadblocks in our personal lives and our congregation that keep us from seeking justice and reconciliation.”

Promotional efforts for the platform will begin the week of July 20 from all Seminary Now partners, including IVP. To view all available courses and see what offerings are coming in the future, visit www.seminarynow.com or follow @SeminaryNow on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. For more information regarding the program, please contact Jason Gile (director@seminarynow.com; ph: 630-620-2105) or Helen Lee (hlee@ivpress.com; ph: 630-734-4038).

Carol Stream, Ill. (July 15, 2020) — The Imagination Station series, published by Focus on the Family in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, has now sold over 1 million copies. The chapter book series, which is part of the classic Adventures in Odyssey® line, follows cousins Patrick and Beth on their time-travel adventures.

It all began with Voyage of the Vikings, in which the cousins first discover that Mr. Whittaker can send them back in time from Whit’s Soda Shoppe. Voyage of the Vikings has sold 128,606 units to date. Poison at the Pump, set in London’s cholera epidemic of 1854, is the most recent release in the Imagination Station series.

Book #26, Swept into the Sea, will release in October 2020. Patrick and Beth’s latest journey leads them to a ship on the Mediterranean Sea in the first century. There they meet the imprisoned apostle Paul, who is on his way to stand trial in Rome.

The authors of the varied Imagination Station books include Marianne Hering, Paul McCusker, Nancy I. Sander, Chris Brack, Sheila Seifert, Wayne Batson, Marshal Younger, and Brock Eastman. The series remains beloved by children and families for its entertainment value, historical accuracy, and lessons in good character. Explore the whole series at theimaginationstation.com. 

Voyage of the Vikings by Paul McCusker and Marianne Hering | 978-1-58997-627-6
Poison at the Pump by Sheila Seifert and Chris Brack | 978-1-58997-974-1
Swept into the Sea by Sheila Seifert and Chris Brack | 978-1-64607-000-8
FocusontheFamily.com
Tyndale.com

Tyndale House Publishers, founded in 1962, is one of the largest privately held Christian publishers of books, Bibles, and digital media in the world. Tyndale Momentum, Tyndale’s nonfiction imprint, is the publisher of many New York Times bestsellers and is known for integrity in building lasting personal relationships with authors and agents. Tyndale extends the ministry of its authors by contributing most of its profits to the nonprofit Tyndale House Foundation, which makes grants to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world. Originally founded to publish The Living Bible, a contemporary paraphrase of the Bible that became a global publishing phenomenon, Tyndale now publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), the translation of choice for millions of people. 

Focus on the Family, which reaches about 38 million people in 120 countries, is a global faith-based ministry that helps families thrive. Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to partner with Focus on the Family to help provide trusted resources for strengthening believers in their faith and sharing the gospel; building resilient marriages that reflect God’s design; equipping parents to raise their children with a thriving faith; advocating for the preborn, orphaned and life at every stage; and engaging the culture through a biblical worldview. Visit Focus at FocusontheFamily.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

WESTMONT, IL — J. I. Packer, one of the most respected and well-known theologians of our time, passed away on Friday, July 17, at the age of 93.

Once named to Time magazine’s list of the 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America, James Innell Packer wrote what many consider the definitive classic evangelical book of the twentieth century, Knowing God, which has sold more than one million copies in North America alone.

Jeff Crosby, publisher for IVP said, “J. I. Packer was a man who knew and loved God and helped others to do likewise. Knowing God, which we first published in 1973, is but one example from his life of writing and teaching.”

“There’s a difference between knowing God and knowing about God,” Packer wrote. “When you truly know God, you have energy to serve Him, boldness to share Him, and contentment in Him.”

As the author of forty-seven books, as well as untold numbers of journal articles, book reviews, dictionary entries, and forewords, Packer’s prolific work has impacted countless pastors, thought leaders, theologians, and authors.

Jim Hoover, who served as an editor at IVP for thirty-five years, said, “Jim Packer was a remarkable presence. I had the privilege of meeting with him on various occasions over the years, and he always impressed me as a man of grace and humor, erudition and humility, a man who loved God and who, though he crafted what he said carefully even in casual conversation, never took himself overly seriously. He was extremely generous, some might say overly generous, almost never declining to provide endorsements in his support of young writers.”

Packer was born in a village outside Gloucester, England, on July 22, 1926. When he was seven, while being chased by a bully as he left school, Packer suffered a severe head injury in a collision with a van. Unable to participate in sports after the accident, Packer instead turned his attention to his love for reading. And when he turned eleven, Packer was gifted an old Oliver typewriter from his parents. Little did they know that their son would go on to craft every word of every one of his books on a typewriter.

Bob Fryling, former publisher for IVP, said, “I was privileged to know Jim Packer as a distinguished IVP author. He had a joyful countenance and a godly pastoral heart. But he used to joke about being hard-headed because he had a metal plate in his forehead from an accident in his youth. However, it was not by accident that Jim became known for his clear theological thinking and writing. He was always able to get to what he would say to be ‘the nub of the issue’ no matter how complex it was.”

Packer’s time studying at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, became another formative experience for his future as a prolific author and theologian. During his years at school he attended lectures by C. S. Lewis, whose thought became an influential part of Packer’s life and work. While at Oxford he also committed his life to Christ at an evangelistic service sponsored by the campus InterVarsity chapter.

Following the completion of his doctorate in philosophy, Packer went on to teach at Oak Hill Theological College in London before attending Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, where he underwent theological training for ordination into the Church of England. And in 1954 Packer married Kit Mullet and they had three children: Ruth, Naomi, and Martin.

During his time in England, Packer took on a number of theological college–based roles, including working as principal of Latimer House, Oxford, serving as principal of Tyndale Hall, Bristol, and then as associate principal of Trinity College, Bristol. In 1979, one of Packer’s friends from Oxford convinced him to teach at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia.

A tribute to Packer on the Regent College website reads: “Jim’s arrival helped to establish Regent as a theological destination. He remained what he described as a ‘Regent Man’ for the rest of his career. He was the first faculty member to hold the Sangwoo Youtong Chee Chair of Theology and he taught a wide range of classes, including Systematic Theology and Puritan Theology as well as theological expositions on his favorite Pauline letters.”

Packer preached and lectured widely in Great Britain and North America, and served as general editor of the English Standard Version of the Bible published in 2001, and as theological editor of the Study Bible version. In 2014, Packer was named Author of the Year by the Association of Logos Bookstores. He was a frequent contributor to and an executive editor of Christianity Today, and wrote numerous articles published in journals such as Churchman, SouthWestern Journal, Reformation & Revival Journal, and Touchstone. In addition to Knowing God, his books include Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God (1961), Keep in Step with the Spirit (1984), A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life (1994), Weakness Is the Way (2013) and many others.

As an author with IVP for nearly a half century, Packer left a lasting impression on those he interacted with on various projects. Fryling said, “Jim was graciously articulate in giving wonderful endorsements to a multitude of authors and books. One day at lunch with some colleagues I asked him, ’Jim, how would you describe the uniqueness of IVP?‘ After a brief pause he said, ‘Some publishers tell you what to believe and other publishers tell you what you already believe, but IVP helps you to believe.‘ We were so grateful for not only his kind and generous affirmation, but we were a bit stunned that he had captured in a brief moment what indeed was integral to IVP’s vision and mission. He was a publisher’s dream!”

Packer is also remembered for being a lover of jazz music. “One of the most enduring memories I have of Dr. Packer is set in the most unlikely of places: Preservation Hall in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans,” Crosby recalled. “We had invited Jim to come to the CBA International book convention in July of 2000 to promote his book Never Beyond Hope. Only half in jest he said he would come, so long as someone took him to hear the Preservation Hall Jazz Band! I and other colleagues gladly obliged, and as we sat together throughout the evening on rickety benches in the damp, musty, historic hall, the joy on the face of the life-long jazz music listener was absolutely radiant.”

The Regent College tribute page describes Packer as witty, disciplined, and faithful: “When he was writing daily, Jim wrote 2000 words (on his treasured manual typewriter) before breakfast. When asked if he wanted a dictionary loaded onto his iPad (a device he used as his eyesight deteriorated), he smiled sheepishly and admitted, ‘Well, I haven’t needed one so far.’

“For all his accolades and accomplishments, Jim’s focus was always, always, on Christ. He said The Book of Common Prayer’s Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer services at the beginning and end of each day, often arising at 4 a.m. to do so. Even recovering from a broken pelvis in his last year, he would sink to his knees to pray preceding the Eucharist.”

Cindy Bunch, associate publisher and director of editorial for IVP, said, “In July 1988 I started working at InterVarsity Press while finishing seminary. That summer I took Dr. J. I. Packer’s week course on puritanism at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Little did I know that some years later I would acquire two books with him: Never Beyond Hope and Praying. I was also able to collaborate with him on a number of Knowing God-related books and Bible studies. And now his experience of knowing God is fully realized.”

Packer himself sums up his life, faith, and eternity best: “There is no peace like the peace of those whose minds are possessed with full assurance that they have known God, and God has known them, and that this relationship guarantees God’s favor to them in life, through death and on forever.”

Founded in 1947 as an extension of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, InterVarsity Press serves those in the university, the church and the world by publishing thoughtful Christian books that equip and encourage people to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord in all of life. For more information, visit ivpress.com.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA — July 15, 2020 — On February 3, 2020, Embolden Media Group founder and CEO, Jevon Bolden, launched an online community called Christian Publishing Professionals of Color (CPPOC).

The group was formed out of Jevon’s desire for camaraderie, the same desire she perceived among others like her in the field. “Our voices, perspectives, and experience matter so much, but so often we are overlooked, excluded, passed over, outnumbered, outvoiced, outvoted, or undervalued. I hope that CPPOC will be a place we can sense our worth, put down our guards, and feel heard and supported.”

Prior to launching Embolden Media Group, Jevon worked in the Christian publishing industry for twelve years as senior acquisitions editor for nonfiction adult titles and then spent a few years working in mainstream publishing as a senior nonfiction kids editor. She hopes CPPOC will be a group where BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Christian publishing professionals can:

• Connect with other each other to bond, brainstorm, strategize, and problem solve
• Be heard as they share their unique challenges and opportunities
• Discover ways to grow in their career
• Build confidence in their personal agency and expertise
• Get encouragement, advice, like-minded empathy, and support

CPPOC is open to BIPOC Christian publishing professionals who work in traditional publishing or providing services that serve the Christian publishing industry—marketing, sales, distribution, ghostwriting, editing, literary agenting—or those who are aspiring to any one of those positions in the field. The group is comprised of both industry veterans with decades of experience to those who are just starting out in the industry.

Recasting the reality that people of color are often from underserved communities, CPPOC sets the core of its value statement on the acronym SERVED, where each member can feel:

S – Seen

E – Embraced

R – Represented

V – Valued

E – Elevated

D – Divinely diverse 

The group is receiving a welcome reception from BIPOC professionals from around the Christian publishing industry.

In an online dialogue with Jevon about forming the group, Rachel Kang, writer and creator of Indelible Ink Writers, said, “You’re putting words to an intangible that I myself, and I’m sure many other publishing professionals of color, feel and sense—the externals of lack of representation, support, and opportunity, as well as the internal feelings of inferiority and inadequacy that come with stepping into a field where a greater White narrative still dominates, which stems from America’s history with literature and education.”

She went on to say, “We not only need more books written by women and men of color, we need more women and men of color on the other side of those books—acquiring, harnessing, and refining these stories. This is needed. You’re the one—please do be another hand on the plow paving the way.”

“Following, joining, supporting,” said Jamie Lapeyrolerie, senior marketing manager from WaterBrook and Multnomah. “I get a lot of the industry newsletters (about diversity in publishing) and follow along, and while they are helpful in many ways, I think one for the Christian space is much needed. Plus, I’d love to know who else is out there.”

“I’ve been wondering whether there was a group like this for a while now,” says Patnacia Goodman, acquisitions editor for Bethany House Publishers, “so I am very, very, VERY happy this community exists!”

Amanda Mae Steele, marketing specialist for B&H Kids, says, “I’m grateful, especially as someone new to this industry, to be around other seasoned publishing professionals who are black/POC—who get it. This community helps me persevere when I feel like my efforts are futile and I’m tempted to give up.”

“Being Christian and a POC can feel like being an unwanted nomad in the land of publishing,” says E. Danielle Butler, independent publishing expert and ghostwriter, “CPPOC has become home; I can stop wandering.”

“A community like this is sorely needed. Despite the release of titles that are inclusive, the publishing industry–particularly in decision making roles is sorely underrepresented,” said, Woodley Auguste, principal of The Awareness Agency. “CPPOC will not only provide support and encouragement for industry veterans, but also those new to the industry.”

Other founding members include Lisa A. Crayton, freelance writer and editor; and Ashley Hong, assistant editor from Convergent Books/Random House.

Many people in and outside the industry feel that this specific moment in history feels unique. As conversations swirl around representation, community, and Brown and Black lives, there is a special energy in the air. Jevon hopes that CPPOC will be one catalyst to help Christian publishing align with the new thing God is doing.

“We know diversity is God’s idea,” she says, “and it’s been long said that Christian publishing is far behind God’s ideal. I’m so excited for the possibilities this group holds. I hope more Christian publishing professionals of color will accept the invitation to come experience this moment in time with us!”

Follow Christian Publishing Professionals of Color (ChristianPOCpub) on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

To join, submit a request for membership directly to the private Facebook Group or email christianPOCinpublishing@gmail.com for more information.

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EMBOLDEN MEDIA GROUP LLC is a boutique publishing consulting firm headquartered in Central Florida that provides publishers and authors quality content development and publishing services that help them reach growing, diverse, and global audiences. It is the holding company for jevonbolden.com, Embolden Literary, Embolden Publishing Group, Christian Publishing Professionals of Color, and Pneuma Writers.

Media Contact: Jevon Bolden, founder and CEO, Embolden Media Group, jevon.bolden@emboldenmediagroup.com

July 13, 2020—NetGalley, the industry-standard service that delivers secure digital review copies and targeted promotions to book advocates, today launched two major enhancements to the NetGalley service: Audiobooks and the NetGalley Shelf app. Available now in both the U.S. and U.K., these additions greatly expand the NetGalley platform.

The sustained growth of the audiobook market over the past several years has led audiobook publishers to seek new ways to promote their books and increase discoverability of the format. NetGalley’s existing platform allows publishers to efficiently distribute review copies, and audiobook publishers can now benefit from the robust tools, reporting, and engaged community.

“NetGalley has been helping publishers to build buzz, receive feedback and reviews, and discover early trends for their digital review copies for over 10 years,” says Kristina Radke, VP, Business Growth and Engagement. “We’re thrilled to broaden the service to support audiobook publishers. We believe early feedback about new books (no matter the format) is good for all books, and we’re honored to be the place where over 550k reviewers, booksellers, librarians, educators and media discover and review.”

The NetGalley Shelf app is the recommended way to read digital review copies, and the exclusive way to listen to audiobooks made available on NetGalley. This dedicated app, the first from NetGalley, is available for free in both the Apple and Google Play stores. “NetGalley members and publishers who utilize the service (and our own team) have long been asking for an app,” says Fran Toolan, CEO.

“The NetGalley Shelf app, combined with the existing web platform, now provides our members with the entire value chain from the discovery of new works through the reading and listening experience. The NetGalley Shelf app is secure and seamlessly syncs with each member’s existing NetGalley account. It also provides a great reading experience for highly illustrated titles.”

The NetGalley Shelf app is for NetGalley members to read and listen to approved books. Members will continue to discover, request, and provide Feedback for books on the NetGalley website.

Audiobooks are already available on NetGalley from a number of publishers, including Macmillan Publishers, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins Publishers, Hachette Book Group, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and Lerner Publishing.

About NetGalley

NetGalley is an industry-standard service that delivers secure digital files to approved readers and coordinates closely with publishers on targeted promotions to the hundreds of thousands of book advocates and industry professionals using the site. In addition to offering a platform for publishers to connect with a vibrant community of readers and influencers, NetGalley also provides actionable data to help publishers draw correlations between their own efforts and reader engagement. Over 300 publishers in North America, the UK, Australia, Germany, France, and Japan use NetGalley to build buzz, receive feedback and reviews, and discover early trends.

NetGalley is part of Firebrand Technologies, which provides leading software and services to help publishers achieve success. To learn more visit www.firebrandtech.com.