January 2026 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is thrilled to announce that three IVP Kids titles have received 2026 Independent Press Awards (IPA). The honored titles include Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World by Helen Lee, Abigail and the Waterfall by Sandra L. Richter, and Jesus Loves the Little Children, All the Children of the World by Tara Hackney.
The Independent Press Awards recognizes the best books of the year published by small independent publishers. These awards are decided by experts from different roles within the book industry, and selected IPA Winners and Distinguished Favorites are based on overall excellence.
IVP Kids books received awards in the following categories:
Winner: Childrens–Religion Fiction
Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World: God Hears Every Prayer
Written by Helen Lee and beautifully illustrated by Shin Maeng, this book follows Kaylee and her grandfather, Halbi, as they read the morning newspaper. While reading, they look for ways to pray for the children of the world. Featuring a Korean American family, this is an inspiring story about faith, empathy, and the power of prayer.
“Kaylee’s desire to be aware of the world around her, and to empathize with the suffering of others, is a beautiful model for young readers. . . . Maeng’s appealing cartoon images highlight Kaylee’s earnestness, and the ‘Kim Family Prayer Map’ gives their prayer practice a well-drawn sense of practicality. Children from many disparate places affected by both tragedy and joy are shown, giving a sense of how big and diverse the world is. An affecting story that will resonate with the faithful.” – Kirkus Reviews
Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World is also a SOLA Network’s 2025 Asian American Book Awards winner and a recipient of a 2025 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award.
Distinguished Favorite: Childrens–Religion Fiction
Abigail and the Waterfall: Loving God’s Good Earth
Written by parent and university professor Sandra L. Richter and brought to life with illustrations by Michael Corsini, this story follows Abigail and her family as they hike through the lush landscapes of Appalachia. On their adventure, Abigail encounters fascinating animals, marvels at a big, beautiful waterfall, and learns about caring for creation. Abigail and the Waterfall is an invitation for families to discuss what the Bible says about caring for the environment, animals, and the beautiful world around us.
Sandra L. Richter (PhD, Harvard University) is the Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College. She is best known in the church for The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament, the video courses that have grown from that project, and Stewards of Eden: What Scripture Says About the Environment and Why It Matters.
Distinguished Favorite: Childrens–Religion Nonfiction (Board Book)
Jesus Loves the Little Children, All the Children of the World: Fresh Lyrics for a Beloved Song
With beautifully refreshed lyrics by Tara Hackney, this cherished classic song celebrates the perfect way God made and loves every child, everywhere. This delightful board book includes three new stanzas that reflect God’s inclusive love. The vibrant photographs showcase children from around the globe, creating a captivating reading experience.
“Three new verses encourage readers to reflect on the inclusivity of God’s love, delivering a Christian message that speaks back to the divisive politics that dominate today’s society. The volume is illustrated with real-life photographs of children of all shapes and sizes, all in different environments and from various backgrounds, but all beaming with the joy of being alive. The bold font and frequent repetition help keep the text accessible to even very young readers. . . Whether read/sung at home or in church, Jesus Loves the Little Children, All the Children of the World is a fantastic introduction to the concept of diversity for preschoolers.” –The Children’s Book Review
For a complete list of IVP Kids award winners, visit ivpress.com/award-winners.
Contact: Anna Tjernstrom, atjernstrom@ivpress.com
January 15, 2026 – WaterBrook will publish Ally Yost’s debut book, Love That Lasts: Finding Purpose in the One Who Never Fails, challenging readers to discover the simplicity of childlike faith and the transformative power of God’s love as they explore who God is and who He uniquely created them to be, for publication in Fall 2026.
January 16, 2026 – Nelson Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is pleased to announce the acquisition of world rights to The Ladder of Love, the highly anticipated new book from New York Times bestselling author Stasi Eldredge. The deal was brokered by Andrew Stoddard, VP and Publisher at Nelson Books, and Curtis and Karen Yates of Yates & Yates. The Ladder of Love is scheduled to release in Fall 2026.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo—January 20, 2026—Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group is thrilled to announce promotions within its marketing, publicity, editorial and publishing teams.
Johanna Inwood has been promoted to Marketing Director, continuing to report to Ginia Croker, VP and Marketing Director. “A 20-year veteran at Penguin Random House, Johanna is a marketing genius, creating savvy, strategic promotional plans that make a tremendous impact on the success of PRH Christian’s books in the marketplace,” Croker says. She continues to excel in her role by leading successful campaigns that result in New York Times bestsellers and award-winning authors including Jennie Allen, Latasha Morrison, Madison Prewett Trout, Ashley Hetherington, Sarita Lyons, and Jordan Lee Dooley. Johanna also has taken on the role of brand manager for John Mark Comer where she has greatly contributed to the ongoing success of Practicing the Way and The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.
Leslie Calhoun has been promoted to Editor, now reporting to Madison Trammel, Editorial Director. Leslie joined Penguin Random House in August 2017 as a marketing and publicity assistant for the WaterBrook and Multnomah imprints, moving into an assistant editor role at Ink & Willow in 2021. She has acquired dozens of titles since then, including the top-selling The Bible Is Funny Card Game, which she conceived and shaped with comedian Anthony Russo. In her new role, Leslie will focus on acquiring for Penguin Random House Christian’s Align Insight and WaterBrook imprints. She has already jumped fully into her new responsibilities, recently acquiring New York Times bestselling author Allie Millington and leading the internal team developing Annie F. Downs’s Let’s Read the Gospels Bible product. Trammel adds, “Leslie is eloquent, imaginative, and resourceful, and is an indispensable member of the Penguin Random House Christian team.”
Bridget Baxter has been promoted to Senior Manager, Publisher’s Office & Operations, reporting to Campbell Wharton. A trusted 10-year veteran at PRH, Bridget is known for tirelessly working behind the scenes to ensure operations run smoothly across the Christian division. In her expanded role, Bridget will now support Wharton in the management of the publisher’s office. Wharton notes, “Given her speed, efficiency, wisdom, and capability to work cross-functionally, and her institutional knowledge of WaterBrook and Multnomah, Bridget is poised to support PRH Christian’s growth plans.”
JANUARY 21, 2026 – WaterBrook will publish Director of Church Formation at Practicing the Way, Brandon Shields’ PRACTICING THE WAY OF JESUS TOGETHER, addressing the crisis of discipleship in modern churches and providing a framework for implementing spiritual formation.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Jan. 22, 2026—A graphic novel adaptation of the Bible is the #1 selling religious book of 2025, according to Circana.
January 2026 | LISLE, IL—The New York Times bestselling author
Norris said, “When Rebecca told me, ‘You should write a book about me, so I can be famous like you,’ I recognized it as a call. It’s been an honor to explore my relationship with my sister and try to present her in all her complexity.”
January 2026 | LISLE, IL—On January 28 InterVarsity Press (IVP) will kick off the third season of
Charlotte, NC—The Good Book Company is delighted to announce the appointment of Jonathan Pountney as their new Head of Editorial, starting February 1.




