WaterBrook, an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, is celebrating the extraordinary sales track of 5.3 million copies sold in the bestselling God Gave Us children’s series by Lisa Tawn Bergren; illustrated by Laura J Bryant and David Hohn. The debut title, God Gave Us You (illustrated by Laura J Bryant), originally published in 2000 and has gone on to sell more than 2.1 million copies in all formats.

Now, with 14 titles in the series, each book offers a tender story of a young animal family, featuring either the curious polar bear Little Cub or wolf Little Pup asking big questions about life.  Among the bestselling titles are seasonal favorites such as God Gave Us Christmas (illustrated by David Hohn), 1.2 million sold, and God Gave Us Easter (illustrated by Laura J Bryant), 942,000 sold. The charming picture books for readers 3-8 address a range of topics, including prayer, Thanksgiving, love, heaven, sleep, family and so much more.

The series also includes God Gave Us the Bible (2019) featuring 45 stories from the Bible, with reflections from adorable Little Cub and her friends.

“I am amazed that my little children’s book (that God woke me up in the middle of the night to write) has grown to this epic number sold,” says Lisa Tawn Bergren. “Truly, God does great things when we listen to him!”

“We are so grateful to Lisa for the 25-year publishing relationship and that all of the wonderful titles in the God Gave Us series continue to delight readers worldwide, helping children have a clearer understanding of God and Jesus,” added Campbell Wharton, SVP, Publisher, Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group.  “It is a joy to see the next generation of parents discover these beautiful stories.”

The God Gave Us series has been translated into 12 languages worldwide. For rights inquiries, contact Denise Cronin, decronin@penguinrandomhouse.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lisa Tawn Bergren is a bestselling, award-winning author of more than 70 books that span many genres, from children’s books to YA fiction, devotionals to books on prayer. She and her husband, Tim, live in Colorado Springs.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATORS
Laura J. Bryant studied painting, printmaking, and sculpture at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. She has illustrated numerous award-winning children’s books, including God Gave Us You and multiple other titles in the God Gave Us series, Smudge Bunny, and If You Were My Baby. Laura lives in Asheville, North Carolina.

David Hohn is an illustrator based in Portland, Oregon. His previous books include God Gave Us the Bible, God Gave Us Prayer, God Gave Us Thankful Hearts, and God Gave Us Christmas, as well as Just Like Beverly: A Biography of Beverly Cleary and A Gaggle of Geese and a Clatter of Cats. His past and current clients include Scholastic, Viking, Random House, Sasquatch Books, and Spider magazine, as well as Nike, Proctor & Gamble, and Oregon Children’s Theater.

Full listing of the God Gave Us Series, authored by Lisa Tawn Bergren:

• God Gave Us You: Published  9/19/2000; Illustrated by Laura J Bryant
• God Gave Us Two: Published 9/18/2001; Illustrated by Laura J Bryant
• God Gave Us Christmas: Published 10/10/2006; Illustrated by David Hohn
• God Gave Us Heaven:     Published 8/19/2008; Illustrated by Laura J Bryant
• God Gave Us Love: Published 9/15/2009; Illustrated by Laura J Bryant
• God Gave Us So Much: Published 8/10/2010; Illustrated by Laura J Bryant
• God Gave Us the World: Published 1/11/2011; Illustrated by Laura J Bryant
• God Gave Us Easter: Published 1/15/2013; Illustrated by Laura J Bryant
• God Gave Us Angels: Published 9/16/2014; Illustrated by Laura J Bryant
• God Gave Us Sleep: Published 9/8/2015; Illustrated by Laura J Bryant
• God Gave Us Thankful Hearts:  Published 8/23/2016; Illustrated by David Hohn
• God Gave Us Family: Published 10/17/2017; Illustrated by David Hohn
• God Gave Us The Bible: Published 9/17/2019; Illustrated by David Hohn
• God Gave Us Prayer: Published 3/2/2021; Illustrated by David Hohn

WaterBrook is an imprint of the Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.

Contact: Beverly Rykerd, VP, Publicity Director, PRHCPG, bykerd@penguinrandomhouse.com.

 

New Fantasy Series Takes Readers on Journey Through Time and Space

AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 3, 2025

New Growth Press will release the first of seven books in the Lightglider Origins series for ages 8–14, telling the stories of teens from different time periods and locations around the world who are transported to the mystical land of Glideon to become Lightgliders. These fantasy adventure stories have relatable, authentic characters that affirm a biblical worldview and positive values. The Lightglider Origin series is based on the characters and story found in the Lightgliders virtual world of Christian faith, games, and community for kids. www.lightgliders.com.

Journey through time and space to the world of Glideon, where a group of teen Lightgliders are tasked with saving a mysterious land filled with Gliddles, talking spiders, and diabolical Machines. 
Victor Harbor, Australia, 2024

Life is full of responsibilities for fifteen-year-old Bryce Holland. Between working at his uncle’s horse stables, playing his newly earned spot on the varsity basketball team, and leading a Bible study, the juggling act of his life is on the verge of a crash. An injury ends his season prematurely and the girl he likes starts hanging out with the guy who sprained his ankle. The stress sends Bryce over the edge and he thunders away on his uncle’s Clysdesdale without permission. When the horse gets away from him, the search to find the missing animal sends Bryce wandering deep through the woods and into a strange new land.

Bryce suddenly finds himself in the alternate realm of Glideon where he meets other teens who have been tasked with rescuing the Gliddles from an army of Machines that threaten the land. Along the way, Bryce and his new friends discover the mysterious pearl that will guide them in their journey to resurrect Lightglider Academy, rescue the Gliddles, and restore the land.

Bryce and the Lost Pearl
Lightglider Origins Book 1
by Derek Holser and Zach Fay
February 3, 2025 / Retail Price: $16.99
Print ISBN: 978-1-64507-476-2
Juvenile Fiiction / Religious / Christian / Action & Adventure

Derek Holser, MEd, MTh, JD, is an author, educator, and attorney. He and his wife, Leah, and their three teenage children live in Bainbridge Island, Washington. His many works include Atlas Forman & The Necessary Dream and BOY 39. He is dedicated to producing works of inspiration and education, which lead to personal and societal transformation.

Zach Fay, MDiv, MBA, is the creator of Lightgliders, a virtual world of Christian faith, games, and community for kids. He and his wife, Margaret, live with their four young children in St. Louis, Missouri. He is inspired by the intersection of faith, reason, and imagination.

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

December 4, 2024 (Nashville, Tenn.) — Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, today announced it received four 2024 Christianity Today Book Awards, including Book of the Year, with an additional four titles named as finalists. The awards honor the books that are “most likely to shape evangelical life, thought, and culture.”

Award winning titles include:

• God’s Grace for Every Family: Biblical Encouragement for Single-Parent Families and the Churches That Seek to Love Them Well by Anna Meade Harris (Zondervan Reflective) – Marriage, Family, and Singleness Category
• What It Means to Be Protestant: The Case for an Always-Reforming Church by Gavin Ortlund (Zondervan Reflective) – Theology (Popular) Category; Book of the Year
• Mere Christian Hermeneutics: Transfiguring What It Means to Read the Bible Theologically by Kevin Vanhoozer (Zondervan Academic) – Theology (Academic) Category

The following titles were selected as finalists:

• Jesus, Contradicted: Why the Gospels Tell the Same Story Differently by Michael R. Licona (Zondervan Academic) – Biblical Studies Category
• Strong: Psalm 1 by Sally Lloyd-Jones and Jago (Zonderkidz) – Children Category
• The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life by Michael Wear (Zondervan Books) – Politics and Public Life Category
• Know the Theologians by Jennifer Powell McNutt and David W. McNutt (Zondervan Reflective) – Theology (Popular) Category

“We are deeply honored that our titles have been recognized by Christianity Today,” said Mark Schoenwald, President and CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “This achievement reflects the countless hours of dedication and effort from our authors, editors, and entire team, showcasing the power of true collaboration. We are gratified to see this hard work acknowledged and hope these books will continue to serve the needs of scholars, pastors, students, and readers for years to come.”

Visit Christianity Today to see the full list of award winners and finalists.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing
The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. comprises the Thomas Nelson, Zondervan and HarperChristian Resources publishing groups and imprints, BibleGateway.com, FaithGateway.com, StudyGateway.com and ChurchSource.com. The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space. Bible Gateway is the world’s largest Christian website with more than 29 million unique visitors each month. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. For more information visit harpercollinschristian.com.

Contact:  Amy Morris, amy.morris@harpercollins.com

Carol Stream, IL (December 9, 2024) — In April 2025, Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) will release Ashley Morgan Jackson’s Tired of Trying Study Guide, based on her debut book, Tired of Trying. When navigating difficult seasons of life, it is easy to become overwhelmed by feelings of hurt, frustration, and doubt. In this four-week streaming video study, Ashley helps readers get real about the struggle they are facing and discover God’s invitation to wrestle with Him.

This study tackles tough questions, such as

• Why isn’t God fixing this even though I have prayed?
• Why is He allowing this to hurt for so long?
• Why does it seem like everyone else’s life is so easy and smooth? Does God love them more?

Designed as a resource for small groups (and adaptable for individual use), the Tired of Trying Study Guide provides practical personal study and discussion prompts to help show readers that, if God invites His people to wrestle, He will bring them through it.

Tired of Trying Study Guide by Ashley Morgan Jackson
ISBN: 979-8-4005-0352-8
Softcover: $14.99
April 22, 2025
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.

Contact:  Natalie Wierenga, nataliewierengea@tyndale.com, 630-784-5211

Ada, Mich. (Dec. 2, 2024)— Baker Publishing Group is pleased to announce Pastor Jon Tyson’s book The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character, achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 100,000 copies sold across print, digital, and audio formats.

“We are thrilled to be marking this significant milestone for The Intentional Father,” says Brian Vos, Editorial Director of Baker Books. “Each book sold represents fathers who have been equipped with practical tools to raise sons of courage and character. We look forward to recommending Jon’s remarkable book to fathers for years to come.”

Originally from Adelaide, Australia, author Jon Tyson has spent over two decades in the United States pursuing his passion for church renewal and cultural transformation. As the lead pastor of Church of the City New York, Tyson brings a unique global perspective to the challenges of modern fatherhood. Drawing from his own experience as a father of two adult children and his 25-year marriage to his wife Christy, Tyson offers both personal insight and practical wisdom for the journey of intentional fatherhood.

In The Intentional Father, Tyson provides fathers with a clear, practical roadmap for raising sons. The book offers specific activities, customizable rites of passage, and significant “marking moments” that help fathers intentionally guide their sons toward authentic manhood. Through real-life examples and biblical wisdom, Tyson shows fathers how to counter the negative cultural trends and help their sons develop into men of integrity, faith, and purpose.

Baker Books has a vision for showing people a better way to live by publishing books that are relevant, intelligent, and engaging.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

 

Aaron Graham, lead pastor of The District Church in Washington, D.C. and an emerging influential voice in the faith space, has signed with Multnomah for two trade books, with the first scheduled for release in Spring 2026.

Seven Lies Christians Believe: Why They’re So Deceptive, Dangerous, and Defeatable, tackles the mistaken beliefs that lead increasing numbers of millennials and Gen Z Christians to move away from orthodox faith, and offers a practical path to engage culture without being co-opted by it.

Bryan Norman at Alive Literary Agency represented the author, and world rights were acquired by Drew Dixon, Executive Editor at Multnomah.
Rights queries: Denise Cronin, decronin@penguinrandomhouse.com

Multnomah is an imprint of the Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

 

First co-published title, Let There Be Light, launches December 2024

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Nov. 26, 2024—Christian publisher and music company David C Cook, in conjunction with Hillsong Church, announced today the upcoming release of a new series of children’s books based on well-known Christian music.

Let There Be Light launches December 3, 2024, and is the first book in a series designed to bring Hillsong music to life through stories and illustrations.

Let There Be Light sparks awe and wonder in children, placing value on them as they learn they are God’s most loved creation. The book features captivating rhymes and Bible verses as it takes children and families on a beautifully illustrated journey, exploring God’s detailed craftmanship of heaven, earth and all living things.

Other anticipated song-inspired titles include Never Walk Alone and Who You Say I Am, both scheduled for release March 4, 2025.

In addition to the new children’s book series, David C Cook and Hillsong will co-publish other books and studies in support of their efforts to reach more people around the world with resources to grow in their faith.

Readers can look forward to the January 7, 2025, release of Jesus and …. This inspirational Christian devotional and study hybrid by Robert Fergusson offers fresh insights into the Gospel of Luke. Additional collaborations between David C Cook and Hillsong are slated for release throughout 2025 and beyond.

“There is important and rich transformational content coming out of Hillsong,” said Chadd Miller, David C Cook’s divisional president of publishing.”The opportunity to co-develop and distribute materials from Hillsong’s global community will enable us to identify and amplify international voices that will impact the Church in a meaningful way.”

“We are grateful for David C Cook’s long legacy of equipping the Church, which we believe will enhance our efforts to share the life-changing message of the Gospel,” said Joshua Olson, Hillsong Music & Resources’ manager. “Their deep history, knowledge, and experience are invaluable as we continue our mission to develop purpose-filled Jesus followers of all ages around the world.” 

“Hillsong Music has always been an expression of our church, and we see an opportunity to also create authentic books and resources that will bless the wider body of the Church,” said Phil Dooley, Global Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church. “As we continue to steward the unique gifts God has given us, we’re excited about the potential to build and share resources that reflect His heart and draw people closer to Him.”

About David C Cook 
David C Cook is a nonprofit dedicated to equipping the global church with leadership, discipleship and worship resources to help Christians grow in faith and pass it along to the next generation. Integrity Music, part of the David C Cook family, is committed to taking songs of substance to the local church and its leaders around the world. Read more about David C Cook and its global ministry outreach online at davidccook.org.

About Hillsong Church 
Hillsong Church is a contemporary Christian church founded in 1983 in the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia. Today, Hillsong has churches in city centers in 27 countries around the world. Hillsong has made a significant contribution to Christian songs of praise and worship globally. Songs of praise and worship help us memorize scripture and sound biblical and theological truths. These songs are sung by an estimated 50 million people in churches worldwide in more than 70 languages weekly.

CONTACT:  Alli Ehrhardt, 541.973.1994

WHEATON, Ill.—In November 2024, Crossway launched the next phase of the One Million Bibles Initiative, with a goal of distributing one million Bibles in the Global South. The objective is to finish the funding for this initiative by December 31, 2024, to support the printing and distribution of the final 125,000 Bibles. A generous donor has agreed to match gifts, dollar for dollar, up to $250,000.

Since the launch of the campaign in the fall of 2022, more than 875,000 Bibles have been funded through the One Million Bibles Initiative. Six hundred and fifty-six thousand of these Bibles have already been distributed to ministry partners in 27 countries throughout the Global South, with the remaining copies in the process of being delivered and distributed. For most recipients, this will be their first opportunity to read their own Bible.

“Encouragingly, the Global South is home to some of the fastest-growing Christian communities in the world; however, there remains a desperate need for access to God’s Word. This is why, in 2022, we launched the One Million Bibles Initiative,” notes Josh Dennis, Crossway’s President and CEO. “Our goal was to provide Christians in the Global South with their own copy of the Bible. Through the generosity of thousands of donors, God has already provided for this initiative in remarkable ways, and we trust that he will continue to provide as we near the completion of our goal.”

Every gift of $40 puts 10 Bibles into the hands of Christians who do not have access to the Word, which will then be doubled by the matching donation. For more information or to give online, visit crossway.org/OneMillionBibles.

Founded in 1938, Crossway is a not-for-profit global Christian publishing ministry that publishes gospel-centered, Bible-based content to honor our Savior and serve his church. Crossway seeks to help people understand the all-encompassing implications of the gospel and the truth of God’s word—for all of life, for all eternity, and for the glory of God alone. Crossway is the global publisher of the ESV® (English Standard Version®) Bible, more than 1,000 Christian books, and an extensive list of gospel literature. For additional information, visit crossway.org.

Contact:  Lauren Susanto, lsusanto@crossway.org

Carol Stream, IL (December 9, 2024) — In March 2025, Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) will release Emily Assell’s Wherever You Are, a devotional that encourages moms to declare God’s truth over their mama hearts, their families, their parenting, and the lives they’ve been given. Motherhood is often the season in which God is needed the most, yet there is the least amount of time to spend with him. In this book, Emily helps moms see that their few minutes are precious to God. Providing short daily devotions, she invites readers to meditate on God’s Word and let it change their lives and hearts.

Emily Assell is a bestselling children’s book author and speaker. As a mother of three, she is passionate about teaching and encouraging people of all ages about the power of God’s Word. This devotional is targeted toward Christian moms who are struggling to find time for quiet or personal study, and it is a perfect encouragement for them to strengthen their relationship with God. Wherever You Are will make a thoughtful gift for Mother’s Day, birthdays, or baby showers.

Each devotion includes

• scripture reflection
• words of encouragement, strength, and hope for the day ahead
• declarations based on Scripture for moms to speak over themselves and their children
• prompts for praise, thanksgiving, and prayer

Experience God’s presence afresh through Wherever You Are by Emily Assell, beginning on March 18, 2025.

Wherever You Are by Emily Assell
ISBN: 978-1-4964-8863-3 | Hardcover: $16.99
March 18, 2025
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.

Contact:  Natalie Wierenga, nataliewierengea@tyndale.com, 630-784-5211

The Dead Sea Squirrels from Co-Creator of VeggieTales

Nashville, TN (December 5, 2024) – Minno, the #1 source of Christian content for kids and families, has acquired exclusive worldwide rights to exhibit and distribute the highly anticipated animated series, The Dead Sea Squirrels, created by Mike Nawrocki and produced by Steve Taylor. Nawrocki is known for being the co-creator of VeggieTales, as well as the voice of “Larry the Cucumber.” Taylor is an acclaimed recording artist, music producer and filmmaker.

This multi-year deal, in partnership with Wonder Project, encompasses global video streaming distribution and YouTube. The Dead Sea Squirrels series will make its exclusive debut on Minno in early 2025, bringing to life the adventures of Merle and Pearl Squirrel for audiences around the world.

“As a parent, I know how important it is to find content that not only entertains our kids but also helps them grow in their faith,” said Erick Goss, CEO and Co-Founder of Minno. “That’s why we’re so excited to bring The Dead Sea Squirrels to Minno! Mike Nawrocki and Steve Taylor are incredible storytellers, and we can’t wait for families to laugh, learn, and fall in love with Merle, Pearl, and the whole Dead Sea Squirrels crew. It’s a privilege to partner with such creative minds to offer kids content that parents can trust, and kids will love. We are also grateful to the Wonder Project team for providing the opportunity to partner with them on such a great show.”

Minno’s acquisition underscores its commitment to offering innovative and faith-filled storytelling that entertains and inspires. Fans can look forward to a fresh chapter of family entertainment when The Dead Sea Squirrels debuts exclusively on Minno. The animated series is based on

“We’ve been hard at work over the last several years bringing The Dead Sea Squirrels to life and are beyond excited to finally release Merle and Pearl into the wild!” said Nawrocki. “Since delivering my last VeggieTales episode 10 years ago, it’s been a dream to be able to launch a fun new series for families. We look forward to working with our great partners at Wonder Project and Minno to bring The Dead Sea Squirrels to kids everywhere!”

ABOUT MINNO
Minno is the leading voice globally for using media to spark kids’ imaginations and curiosity around God and the Bible. The Minno Kids streaming service is available as an app on all platforms. Minno Originals creates shows produced in partnership with top industry talent. Minno’s publishing program includes the award-winning, best-selling “Minno Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids.” With the fastest-growing YouTube Channel for Christian Kids, along with parent resources, blogs, life guides, and more, Minno is where God’s goodness and love comes to life for kids. To find out more, go to www.GoMinno.com.

Contact:  Paige Collins, 615-934-4162, ICON Media Group, @WeAreIconMedia