NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 13, 2024 — Just in time for the holiday season, families with young children can embark on a new journey through the Christmas story with the release of Minno’s Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Family Advent Devotional (October 29, 2024), a captivating addition to Minno’s acclaimed lineup of resources.

Developed by Minno, the #1 source of Christian content for kids and families, the Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Family Advent Devotional guides readers through the timeless biblical story of Christmas–from Isaiah’s prophecy to the arrival of the Messiah to the visit of the Wise Men. Each week of this interactive guide features devotionals aligned with traditional advent themes: hope, peace, joy, and love, fostering a meaningful family experience leading up to Christmas.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Family Advent Devotional as a tool to help families prepare their hearts to celebrate the arrival of Jesus,” said Jess Wolstenholm, Minno’s VP of Education and Research. “This new devotional book embodies Minno’s commitment to bring God’s goodness and love to life for children and families, offering a simple rhythm they can fit into their busy holiday season.”

Key features of the Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Family Advent Devotional include:

• Five short devotionals for each week, providing insights into key moments of the Christmas story.
• Talk, Say, Pray, Remember, and Play prompts to encourage interactive engagement and reflection.
• Can be used in conjunction with the Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Bible and animated series, enhancing the learning journey.
• Devotions that require just 5-15 minutes, making it convenient for families to incorporate into their daily routines at breakfast, dinnertime, or bedtime throughout the bustling Christmas season.

More than just children’s Bible stories, the Minno Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids is the most comprehensive, age-appropriate and engaging presentation of the Good News of Jesus’ love available. Through the books, animated series, specials, devotionals, and downloadable resources, families can experience God’s Word in multiple ways–reading a story in the print edition, then watching a fully-animated version of the story in the series and specials, and continuing the experience through off-screen fun and learning. Filled with beloved Bible moments, curious questions, support for sticky subjects and tricky topics, there is no better way for families to grow in the truth of God’s Word together!

For more information about the Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Family Advent Devotional, visit www.GoMinno.com. For media inquiries, review copies, or interview requests, please contact Paige Collins, at Icon Media Group — paige@iconmediagroup.com.

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, Icon Media Group, paige@iconmediagroup.com

CHICAGO – Independent Publishers Group (IPG) is pleased to announce the addition of five new publishers to its sales and distribution programs.

Whimspire Books, LLC, is a woman-owned, California-based children’s book publisher where the whimsical and inspiring come together to foster imagination and fuel confidence in kids. Their goal is to publish picture books that create moments of joy, laughter, and togetherness for families. IPG will distribute Whimspire in the United States and Canada starting February 1, 2025.

Starting January 1, 2025, IPG will distribute Melbourne Books in the United States and Canada. Melbourne Books is an independent Australian publishing house founded in 2000. They publish a wide range of books, including biographies, cookbooks, art, architecture, social histories, travel, academic work, and novels.

WTAW Press is a nonprofit that supports the artistic development of writers, fosters a thriving literary community, and inspires a passion for literature through publishing books. WTAW strives to publish exceptional, enduring, literary books that are likely to be overlooked in mainstream corporate publishing. They are based in Santa Rosa, California. IPG began distributing WTAW worldwide on July 1, 2024.

Starting November 1, 2024, IPG will distribute BLoved Publishing in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. BLoved specializes in translating and publishing popular Korean BL Manhwa and novels into English, as well as Chinese Danmei, Baihe, and BL Manhua in partnership with Monogatari Novels. BLoved seeks to bring captivating stories and immersive worlds to life through meticulous translations for English readers to enjoy in physical print.

Founded by legendary creator Gerry Anderson, Anderson Entertainment creates, develops, produces, and nurtures IP and content for raving fans across the globe. Anderson publishes books in a wide selection of formats—hardbacks, coffee table books, comic anthologies, series guides, and audiobooks—based on classic Anderson properties, such as the shows Thunderbirds and Space:1999. IPG will begin distribution for Anderson in the United States and Canada on January 1, 2025.

About Independent Publishers Group
Founded in 1971, IPG was the first organization specifically created for the purpose of marketing titles from independent presses to the book trade. Today, IPG’s wide reach into the book market includes distribution of both print and e-books from a wide array of publishers, digital printing and traditional publishing. With consistent growth year over year, IPG’s success has come from supporting and encouraging the growth of its publishing partners in the United States and worldwide. IPG was acquired by Chicago Review Press in 1987, and this acquisition formed the parent company Chicago Review Press, Inc., which now owns Chicago-based indie publishers Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books.  www.ipgbook.com

Contact: Julia Dillman | Corporate Communications | 312.337.0747 | jdillman@ipgbook.com

Investment in manroland Goss LITHOMAN Press Reflects Company’s Continued Commitment to its Ohio Printing Location

Project Will Solidify Lakeside Book’s Industry-Leading Service to Customers

August 15, 2024 – Willard, OH – Lakeside Book Company announced today that it is strengthening its already industry-leading customer service offerings via investment in a new, state-of-the-art manroland Goss LITHOMAN press to be installed at its Willard, Ohio facility.

The new 64-page, 4-color offset, wide-web press will be installed and operational in less than a year and will enhance automation, setting a new standard for efficiency and sustainability, reducing waste, and minimizing environmental impact.

Built with cutting edge technology, the manroland Goss LITHOMAN press includes inline control systems with self-correcting features to manage all aspects of quality, ensuring color consistency throughout the printing process. The proposed project involves substantial capital investment by Lakeside Book Company and will create 100 new jobs in its Willard location and retain over 400 jobs. The project received approval from the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) for eligible tax credit assistance during its meeting today.  The City of Willard, Huron County Growth Partnership, ODOD, JobsOhio, Ohio Department of Transportation Jobs & Commerce, and Team NEO worked closely with Lakeside Book Company to ensure the project would go forward in Ohio.

“By investing substantial private capital in this new press, we will further enhance our ability to deliver superior, comprehensive, and highly reliable solutions to our customers.  We’re sending a clear message that we are doubling-down on our great team of employees and the strong governmental support we have in Ohio,” said Dave McCree, CEO of Lakeside Book. “This project, and the new jobs it creates, allows us to adapt our Willard facility to the ever-changing dynamics in the printing industry, leveraging leading-edge technology,” McCree added.

Lakeside Book’s Willard facility is 1.3 million square feet and employs over 500 talented employees.  The team produces upwards of 50 million books a year. The business began operating this location in 1956, printing telephone books, and grew substantially in subsequent years by serving blue-chip customers across the publishing industry. As the book printing business transformed in the 2000s, the team at our Willard location became the industry leader in printing education-related materials.

“For over sixty years, book printing has been a staple of the Willard community, providing thousands of jobs. With the backing of a strong workforce, Lakeside Book Company has been able to adapt new technology to remain competitive in a challenging market.” stated City of Willard City Manager Bryson Hamons. “The City of Willard is excited about today’s partnership announcement between Lakeside Book Company and JobsOhio/TeamNEO, which will hopefully allow Lakeside Book Company to continue to be an economic driver in Huron County for the next sixty years.”

Sarah Ross, Executive Director, Huron County Growth Partnership commented on the importance of the company to the county, “We are excited that Lakeside Book Company is continuing its long history of operations and investment in Willard, Ohio. The investments they’ve made into these innovative technologies will prepare it to be an employer of choice for Willard and the greater Huron County area for generations to come. We are proud to have worked with Lakeside Book Company and the City of Willard to bring this to fruition.”

“On behalf of everyone at Team NEO, our local partners, and JobsOhio, we are delighted that Lakeside Book Company continues to invest and innovate in the Northeast Ohio Region,” added Team NEO Chief Executive Officer, Bill Koehler. “Their investment underscores Lakeside Book’s confidence in our region’s manufacturing legacy, its exceptional talent, and the deep industry know-how that continues to drive success.”

About Lakeside Book Company
Lakeside Book Company is the largest book printing, binding, and distribution company in North America. The Company has a rich legacy of innovation in crafting quality books enjoyed by readers all around the globe since 1864 when R.R. Donnelley started as a partner at a small printing company in Chicago. As the decades passed, the company expanded its services, acquiring multiple complementary organizations that share our passion and commitment to the book industry. The company’s mission states, “We are committed to crafting books and services that are meaningful. We take pride in the challenge of fulfilling our customers’ visions.” For more company information, visit www.lakesidebookcompany.com.

For Information Contact:  Rajeev.balakrishna@lakesidebook.com

American Christian Fiction Writers is pleased to announce  award-winning author Deborah Raney as the 2024 ACFW Lifetime Achievement Recipient. The award will be presented during the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference  to be held September 5-8 in New Orleans, Louisiana. American Christian Fiction Writers is a professional organization devoted to the craft of Christian Fiction, and helping writers expand their knowledge of the publishing industry.

Deborah Raney’s first novel, A Vow to Cherish inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-nine years and forty-plus books later, she’s still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won the RWA’s RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a three-time Christy Award finalist.  Deb is a recent transplant to Missouri, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the web at www.deborahraney.com.

To register for the ACFW conference:  https://member.acfw.com/conference/registration_instructions?_ga=2.22397691.1526149295.1719257787-1531449170.1675364796

Media Contact:  Jeane Burgess – Tall Oak Media, 918-630-9695  – jeane@mytalloak.com 

AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) announced the winners of the 2024 Golden Scroll Awards at the Golden Scroll Banquet, Sunday, August 4, at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Awards were presented by Linda Evans Shepherd, founder and CEO of AWSA, Dawn Scott Damon, the AWSA Steering President, and Carol Kent.

This is the 16th year that AWSA has presented the Golden Scroll Awards which are open to the nearly 900 members of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

Karen Whiting was named AWSA Member of the Year.

The Jennifer Kennedy Dean Award went to Edie Melson.

Pam Farrel was awarded the AWSA Impact Award, presented to a member who has made a lifetime impact for Jesus.

Carol Kent was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. She is an arena speaker and a celebrated author with more than thirty books, including bestsellers like “When I Lay My Isaac Down, Becoming a Woman of Influence, and Speak Up with Confidence. 

The Golden Scroll Book of the Year was awarded to Lori Stanley Roeleveld for Graceful Influence: Making a Lasting Impact through Lessons from Women of the Bible (Our Daily Bread).

The Nonfiction Book of the Year Award went to Brenda Yoder for Uncomplicated: Simple Secrets for a Compelling Life (Herald Press).

The Novel of the Year Award went to Kimberley Woodhouse for Set in Stone (Bethany House).

The Children’s Book of the Year was awarded to Tama Fortner and Michelle Nietart, illustrated by Nomar Perez, for God, I Feel Scared: Bringing Emotions to a Bigger God (Zonderkidz).

The Youth Book of the Year was awarded to Blythe Daniel and Caryn Daniel for Let’s Be Friends (Harvest House).

The Children’s Fiction Book of the Year was awarded to Lisa Corduan, illustrated by Kirk Charlton, for Daddy, Are You a Duck? (Abundance Books).

The Children’s Nonfiction Book of the Year was awarded to Tama Fortner & Michelle Nietart, illustrated by Nomar Perez, for God, I Feel Sad: Bringing Big Emotions to a Bigger God (Zonderkidz).

The Christian Education Book of the Year was awarded to Linda Goldfarb for Creating Dynamic Podcasts and Audio Books (Bold Vision Books)

The Parenting Book of the Year was awarded to Jill Rigby Garner for Raising Respectful Children in a Disrespectful World (Redemption Press).

The Christian Living Book of the Year went to Dr. Michelle Bengtson for The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God when Pain Overwhelms (Revell).

The Bible Study Book of the Year was awarded to Janet McHenry for Training For Success (First Place for Health).

The Memoir of the Year was a tie with Linda Summerford for The Glider: A True Story of Survival from Heartbreak to Hope (Abundance Books) and Dr. Donna D. Kincheloe for A Life Just Like Mine: How God and Nursing Turned Past Pain into Present Peace (Morgan James Publishing).

The Anthology of the Year was awarded to Lisa Burns and Amber Weigand-Buckley for Leading Ladies: Discover Your God Grown Strategies for Success (Bold Vision Books).

The Inspirational Gift Book of the Year was awarded to Carol Kent for Life’s Lessons for Moms: Stories of Love, Laughter & Wisdom for a Mother’s Heart (Christian Art Gifts).

The Devotional Book of the Year went to Cheryl Schuermann for Farmhouse Devotions: God’s Glory in the Ordinary (Bold Vision Books).

The Mystery/Suspense Novel of the Year was awarded to PeggySue Wells for Unnatural Cause (Pegwood Publishing).

The Contemporary Novel of the Year was awarded to Cheri Swalwell for Redemption Full Circle (Spoken From the Heart).

The Historical Novel of the Year was awarded to Rebekah Montgomery for Hunt the Straight Path Home (Abundance Books).

The Romance Novel of the Year was awarded to Kristen Terrette for Safe Harbor (Elk Lake).

The Novella of the Year was awarded to Kimberley Woodhouse for Penelope (Barbour).

This is the fifth year to present the Christian Market Book Awards. These awards are open to all authors who publish in the Christian market.

The Christian Market Book of the Year was awarded to Cherie Denna for Beloved Outcast: The Quest for True Belonging (Bold Vision Books).

The Christian Market Devotional of the Year was awarded to Latan Roland Murphy for His Strength Her Joy: Finding God-Powered Fulfillment (Bold Vision Books).

The Christian Market Memoir of the Year was awarded to Heather Wilber for Never Will I Leave Thee, Never Will I Forsake Thee: A Mother’s Testimony of Hope and Miracles (Trilogy).

The Christian Market Parenting Book of the Year was awarded to Casey Hilty for Her Children Arise: Passing a Legacy of Faith to the Next Generation (Like Eden Press).

The Christian Market Educational Book of the Year was awarded to Dr. Craig von Buseck for Telling the Truth: How to Write a Narrative Nonfiction and Memoir (Bold Vision Books).

The Christian Market Suspense Novel of the Year was awarded to Sarah Hamaker for Justice Delayed (Seshva Press).

The Christian Market Romance Novel of the Year was awarded to Karin Beery for Finally Forever (Elk Lake).

The Christian Market Historical Novel of the Year was awarded to Tracie Peterson & Kimberley Woodhouse for With Each Tomorrow (Bethany House).

The Christian Market Biblical Fiction of the Year was awarded to David J. Marsh for Waterborne: Chronicle of the Clan of Noah (Bold Vision Books).

The Christian Market Children’s Book of the Year was awarded to Liz A. Pitman, illustrated by Jane Brobst, for Where is the Missing Puzzle Piece? (Liz A. Pitman).

The Christian Market Youth Book of the Year was awarded to Caris Snider for Anxiety Elephants for Teens: A 90 Day Devotional (End Game Press).

The Christian Market Children’s Nonfiction Book of the Year was awarded to Crystal Bowman & Teri McKinley, illustrated by Anita Schmidt for Our Daily Bread for Kids: 365 Devotions from Genesis to Revelation (Our Daily Bread).

The Christian Market Children’s Fiction Book of the Year was awarded to Jill Roman Lord, illustrated by Camila Carrossine for Love Well, My Precious One (End Game Press).

The Christian Market Nonfiction Book of the Year was awarded to Debbie W. Wilson for Little God, Big Strength: Discover a God Greater than Your Goliaths (Leafwood Publishers).

The Christian Market Novel of the Year was awarded to Kimberley Woodhouse for The Secrets Beneath (Bethany House).

Second place for the Christian Market Novel of the Year was awarded to Cindy Stewart for Abounding Hope (Hope Springs Press). Third place went to Lynette Eason for Countdown (Revell).

AWSA, the sponsor of the Golden Scroll Awards Banquet, is an outreach of Right to the Heart Ministries and consists of nearly 900 top women authors who both publish and speak nationally. See www.AWSA.com.

For more info, please contact:  Linda Evans Shepherd at LindaReply@gmail.com or 303-772-2035.

God’s Goodness for the Chosen: An Interactive Bible Study Season 4
is available now

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE / August 7, 2024 – From the authors of the Bible studies that tie hand-in-hand with The Chosen seasons 1, 2 and 3, Amanda Jenkins, Dallas Jenkins, and Dr. Douglas S. Huffman’s newest Bible study God’s Goodness for the Chosen: An Interactive Bible Study Season 4 addresses the issues of suffering and the goodness that comes out of it.

This study is inspired by season 4 of The Chosen and serves as a companion guide of the show, teaching readers how to reframe their hardships and see them as fertile soil for God’s goodness to grow in their lives. God’s Goodness for the Chosen takes readers through eight lessons which reveal how God uses suffering to bring about good things in the lives of those He loves. Readers will be challenged to embrace the hard things of life, to experience more of the goodness God offers on the other side.

Some topics explored in God’s Goodness for The Chosen:

• Death is eclipsed by life
• Grief is eclipsed by praise
• Questions are eclipsed by resolve
• Confusion is eclipsed by grace
• Temporary things are eclipsed by eternal things
• Heartbreak is eclipsed by love
• Sin is eclipsed by obedience
• Pain is eclipsed by the fullness of God’s plan

God’s Goodness for The Chosen is an eight-lesson study, ideal for Fall of 2024 & Spring of 2025 bible studies.

PRESS ASSETS

• Media Tip Sheet 
• Frequently Asked Questions 
• Amanda and Dallas Jenkins Headshots and Bios 
• For more information on The Chosen Bible Studies, visit davidccook.org
• For press materials, visit: 130a.com
• For interviews with Dallas and Amanda Jenkins, contact: Ashli Bock, 830-739-9145, ashli@130a.com
• You can order your Chosen Bible study today!
• Hear from Amanda and Dallas about God’s Goodness for the Chosen here.

About the Authors
Amanda Jenkins is an author and the lead creator of The Chosen’s additional content. Her husband, Dallas Jenkins, directed and produced over a dozen feature and short films before creating The Chosen, currently one of the most viewed TV shows in the world. They live in Texas with their four children. Dr. Douglas S. Huffman, the evangelical biblical consultant for The Chosen television series, is Professor of New Testament and Associate Dean of Biblical and Theological Studies at Talbot School of Theology (Biola University) in California.

About David C Cook
David C Cook is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the global Church with life-transforming, Christ-centered materials. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado—with offices in Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, and the United Kingdom—David C Cook produces resources that are published in over 150 languages and distributed in more than 170 countries. Originally founded in 1875 as a curriculum publisher, David C Cook now also publishes numerous bestselling books, resources, music (Integrity Music), and media from a variety of award-winning authors and artists. Learn more about David C Cook’s mission at DavidCCook.org.

For information, contact: Ashli Bock, 830-739-9145, ashli@130a.com

Santa Rosa, CA – Janet Kobobel Grant, founder and president of Books & Such Literary Management, announces Jen Babakhan, author, educator, and brand specialist has joined Books & Such Literary Management as an associate agent.

Janet Grant says, “Jen caught my eye right away when she served as an agency intern earlier this year. Her reviews of proposals and manuscripts showed she had a strong sense of structure, good writing, and marketability. And she wrote critiques filled with helpful suggestions for how to improve the material. I knew immediately that these natural instincts would serve her—and her clients—well as an agent.”

With a degree in communications and background in education, marketing, and traditional publishing, including more than 150 articles with Readers Digest and two nonfiction books, Jen Babakhan offers a well-rounded perspective to her authors.

Janet Grant adds, “With professional experience in marketing and in helping to brand an international company, Jen can offer to clients important mentoring in how to present their uniqueness as authors as well as how to create projects that stand out to industry insiders and potential readers. I’m proud to have her join our stellar lineup of agents, and I know she will enrich the publishing industry in this new role.”

“I am honored to be joining such an incredible agency,” Babakhan says. “The art of writing is such a personal act, and it’s a beautiful display of generosity when writers choose to share their work with others—to lift up, entertain, and inspire. I’m excited to be a part of this process, and to have a role in getting talented writers a place on readers’ bookshelves.”

Among Jen’s first clients is novelist Catherine Palmer, author of nearly 60 novels, with sales well over 3 million. She has received a Christy Award and a lifetime achievement award from Romantic Times Magazine. Jen will acquire adult fiction and nonfiction projects that match the needs of Christian publishing.

Books & Such Literary Management was founded in 1996 as one of the first agencies to serve the Christian market. The agency’s tagline—Discerning Literature—conveys the spirit of the team of seven agents. Books & Such’s focus remains on high-quality writing and manuscripts that make important contributions to culture’s ongoing conversations.

Books & Such Literary Management

August 2024 | LISLE, IL—IVP Academic authors and respected biblical scholars Nijay K. Gupta and Carmen Joy Imes will be turning their writing focus toward a much younger audience with a newly contracted IVP Kids book about women of Scripture. Written for children ages 6 to 12, this hardcover book will be available in 2026.  

Gupta released Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church in March 2023. In it he cast a light on the many inspiring contributions by women leaders of the early church. He wrote, “These women leaders of the early church are more than just extras on the set of the gospel drama. They were key figures.” 

Now Gupta, along with Imes, associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University, will introduce young readers to twenty-five women of the Bible, telling their stories of faith, gifting, courage, and wisdom. This collection will also offer an illustration depicting each figure. 

“Through their writing and teaching in Old and New Testament studies, Carmen and Nijay have helped us recognize the many ways that God has worked through women in Scripture. And we are eager to have them share this insight with the next generation,” said Elissa Schauer, IVP Executive Editor. “Our hope is that in hearing these stories and in learning more about these figures, kids begin to recognize that God can and will work through them too!” 

Nijay K. Gupta (PhD, University of Durham) is professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary. His books include Tell Her Story, A Beginner’s Guide to New Testament Studies, Paul and the Language of Faith, and commentaries on Galatians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1–2 Thessalonians.  He has co-edited The State of New Testament Studies, Dictionary of Paul and His Letters (2nd ed.), and The State of Pauline Studies.

Carmen Joy Imes (PhD, Wheaton College) is the author of Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters, Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends, and Being God’s Image: Why Creation Still Matters.  

Contact:  Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com  

August 2024 | LISLE, IL—In anticipation of the August 13 release of Penny Preaches: God Gives Good Gifts to Everyone! IVP Kids is kicking off the #GiftedWomen campaign to celebrate all the women who, as the subtitle says, are using their “good gifts” to inspire, encourage, and make a difference in the lives of others.

On August 7 the IVP social media team will set off the first wave of tags, asking people to share a word or video about three people they have seen sharing their gifts in impactful ways.

Allie Noble, IVP’s senior social media manager said, “We are asking our followers to post the names of gifted women they know and nominating others to do the same. Our goal is to create a chain reaction of empowerment, lifting up women in the church and beyond.”

Penny Preaches by Amy and Rob Dixon was written to inspire young people, especially girls, to embrace the gifts God has given them.

Amy Dixon is the author of three picture books—Maurice the Unbeastly, Sophie’s Animal Parade, and Marathon Mouse—as well as a middle grade novel. Rob Dixon is the author of Together in Ministry: Women and Men in Flourishing Partnerships.

“Our desire in writing Penny Preaches was to catch our readers in that moment of radiant confidence—When I grow up, I’m going to be a mermaid!—to see that God gives good gifts to everyone, and to begin the sacred process of wondering, What good gifts has God given to me?” said Amy and Rob. “As Penny reminds us, God gives good gifts to everyone. And while being a mermaid is, sadly, not one of the gifts, parents and caregivers have a crucial role to play in the process of helping kids discover theirs. We pray that as more young people discover their good gifts and are given the freedom to exercise them in the church, we will grow into the flourishing community we were always meant to be.”

Publishers Weekly called Penny Preaches “one of IVP’s more provocative titles” in its portrayal of a little girl who longs to teach God’s words to others, since many Christian denominations don’t allow women in preaching or teaching roles.

“Our hope for every child is that they would be able to discern, embrace, and cultivate whatever gifts God has given them, even if those gifts push the boundaries of how the church has historically understood gifting for women and men. I pray that we are forming a church in the future where that isn’t a problem anymore,” said Amy and Rob.

Noble said, “We hope that this social media campaign is a celebration and awareness of all the women who are sharing their good gifts. Most importantly, we hope Penny Preaches and this social media campaign will inspire all the girls and young women who want to someday be like the women they look up to, the women using their good gifts.”

Contact: Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com