2025 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is thrilled to announce that three IVP Kids titles have received 2025 Illumination Book Awards. The honored titles include Birth of the Chosen One, Penny Preaches, and Saint Valentine the Kindhearted.
The Illumination Christian Book Awards celebrate the best new Christian books from both independent and traditional publishers. The awards recognize outstanding works that thoughtfully explore faith, Scripture, and spiritual themes in today’s world. Titles are submitted in over twenty-five categories, including Devotionals, Bible Studies, and Children’s Picture Books.
Winner of the gold medal in the Children’s Picture Book category, Penny Preaches: God Gives Good Gifts to Everyone! is written by Amy Dixon and Rob Dixon and illustrated by Jennifer Davison. Penny loves Sunday 
sermons and dreams of preaching. But when preaching from the front porch to her friends doesn’t turn out quite as she expected, Penny wonders if she was wrong to want to teach others about God. Penny’s story celebrates the gifts God has given to all His children and invites children into a vision of a church where everyone’s gifts can shine.
Gold medal winner in the Holiday category is Birth of the Chosen One: A First Nations Retelling of the Christmas Story. This unique adaptation by Terry M. Wildman is an Indigenous translation of the Creator’ Story told in the tradition of Native oral storytellers. With text from the bestselling First Nations Version and stunning illustrations by Native artists Hannah and Holly Buchanan, Birth of the Chosen One is a powerful picture book that illuminates the Christmas story in a fresh and new way.
Silver medal winner in the Holiday category is Saint Valentine the Kindhearted: The History and Legends of God’s Brave and Loving Servant by Ned Bustard. Told in rhyme and delightfully illustrated with Ned Bustard’s signature linocut artwork, this is the story of Saint Valentine’s life and legacy. Young readers will learn about the inspiration behind Valentine’s Day celebrations. Ned Bustard’s other award-winning IVP Kids titles include Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver and Saint Patrick the Forgiver.
IVP Kids offers resources that reflect and celebrate diverse voices, equipping and encouraging children to follow Jesus in every area of their lives. “Working with these talented authors and illustrators has been an absolute delight,” says Elissa Schauer, Executive Editor and IVP Kids editor. “I am so thrilled that these wonderful books are being honored and celebrated with this award!”
For a complete list of IVP Kids award winners visit ivpress.com/award-winners.
Contact: Anna Tjernstrom | atjernstrom@ivpress.com
