NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Zondervan today announced that Keren Baltzer has joined the company as associate publisher for Zondervan Books. Zondervan Books is the home to multiple award-winning books and bestselling authors including Rick Warren, Shauna Niequist, Craig Groeschel, Lee Strobel, and Rebekah Lyons.
Baltzer joins the company with more than twenty years of publishing experience, most recently at Penguin Random House, where she was VP, editorial director of Convergent and Image. She has worked with a range of bestselling authors including Kate Bowler, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Lisa-Jo Baker, Pope Francis, Jenny Marrs, Jay Stringer, Leanne Morgan, and the Henri Nouwen estate.
As the associate publisher for Zondervan Books, Baltzer will acquire new authors and assist in leading the editorial strategy for Zondervan Books. Baltzer commented, “I am delighted to join Zondervan Books, a publisher I have long admired both for its storied past and its continual dedication to publishing solid, faithful books. It’s a joy to be a part of this team.” Her first day was September 18, 2023.
“Keren comes to us with a passion for publishing, a heart for our mission, and deep publishing experience,” remarked Webster Younce, VP and publisher of Zondervan Books. “We are delighted that she is now part of the Zondervan team.”
Zondervan is a HarperCollins Company and part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Zondervan is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian communications. The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Mich. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.
September 1, 2023 (Nashville, Tenn.) — With great sadness, HarperCollins Christian Publishing announces the passing of Sarah Young, the New York Times bestselling author of Jesus Calling.
“It has been a joy and an honor to have Sarah Young as part of our publishing family,” said Mark Schoenwald, President and CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “Sarah was a remarkable woman who deeply loved God. Her words have resonated with people from all walks of life, and the global impact of her work is unparalleled.”
With more than 45 million units sold across more than 35 languages, the Jesus Calling brand is one of the most widely read devotionals of all time. Originally published in October 2004, Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence is a 365-day devotional featuring Scripture and personal reflections from Sarah. Inspired by her personal prayer journals, Sarah wrote Jesus Calling to help people connect with Jesus and with the Bible.
“Sarah was a dear friend who will be deeply missed,” said Laura Minchew, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher of the Children’s and Gift Book Group at HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “Through nearly 20 years of publishing with Sarah, I had a firsthand seat at seeing millions of lives changed through the Jesus Calling books. Her books have met people in their darkest hours, taught children about Jesus, and changed lives for eternity. Knowing Sarah professionally and personally has been the privilege of a lifetime.”
Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Sarah earned her undergraduate degree in philosophy. She credited her background in philosophy and Francis Schaeffer’s Escape from Reason as her motivation for studying with L’Abri Fellowship, a Christian community in a tiny Alpine village in France, where she became a Christian. Sarah earned a master’s degree in biblical studies and counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary. There she met Stephen Young, whom she married in 1977. In 1977, Sarah and Stephen joined World Presbyterian Missions, which in 1983 merged into Mission to the World (MTW), the global missions-sending agency of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). They spent eight and a half years planting churches and ministering in Japan. From 1987 to 1991, Sarah and Stephen were on loan to Mission to North America, working with the Westminster Japanese Church in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1991, Sarah and Stephen moved to Melbourne, Australia, and began a Japanese language church in cooperation with the Presbyterian Church of Victoria. In 2001, the Youngs moved to Perth, where Sarah began contemplating and eventually revising her personal devotional journals into the manuscript for what would become Jesus Calling.In 2013, Steve and Sarah returned to Nashville, Tennessee, where they remained active with the PCA.
Sarah believed that praying daily for the readers of Jesus Calling was an amazing privilege and a God-given responsibility. She committed time every morning to these prayers, often in the sunroom of her Tennessee home. Even as she struggled with her own physical health, and battled cancer, she continued the ministry of these daily prayers.
“Despite the tremendous success of her books, it was never about sales for Sarah,” said Michael Aulisio, Vice President and Publisher of the Jesus Calling brand at Thomas Nelson. “Sarah cared solely about leading the reader into deeper, richer relationships with God. It is impossible to measure the effect her words have had.”
Sarah’s greatest longing was that her devotional books help readers grow closer to Jesus. The publishing team at Thomas Nelson celebrates the tremendous impact of her message, which will continue to encourage generations of readers to approach God confidently and joyfully.
Sarah is survived by her husband, two children, and six grandchildren.
ABOUT JESUS CALLING: Jesus Calling has sold more than 45 million units across more than 35 languages since its 2004 publication. The Jesus Calling brand includes children’s devotionals, Bible storybooks, journals, seasonal books, a quarterly print and digital Jesus Calling magazine, the Jesus Calling podcast, the Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith television program, and an app available on both Apple and Android platforms. For additional information visit JesusCalling.com.
ABOUT THOMAS NELSON: Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, curriculum, and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit ThomasNelson.com.
Grand Rapids, MI – August 8, 2023. Zonderkidz is pleased to announce that 12-year-old Orion Jean, the 2021 TIME Magazine Kid of the Year, will publish a children’s picture book titled Race to Kindness, releasing May 7, 2024.
Illustrated by Darshika Varma, the book is inspired by Orion’s accomplishments of getting over a half million books donated to children and collecting over 100,000 meals for the food insecure in his community and across the country, all beginning when he was 9.
The book shows a boy who takes on small acts of kindness – like a smile or a wave – to bigger actions – where everyone matters and everyone can make a difference. Based on Orion’s Be K.I.N.D. initiative, the characters in the book use the letters in the word kind to “Keep your eyes open,” “Include others,” think about how “Nothing is too small” and to“Do something about it” when someone is struggling or facing a challenge.
This one book deal with Jean was acquired by Katherine Easter, Acquisitions Editor for Zonderkidz/HarperCollins, for world rights.
“Orion’s story was so inspiring to us and we want to help him reach more young readers with this message of kindness to do what they can, from wherever they are. Working with Orion and his family has been a true joy! His passion fits our publishing mission so well,” says Megan Dobson, Vice President and Publisher of Zonderkidz.
Orion makes his home in Mansfield, Texas where he looks forward to attending 8th grade this fall.
The book is now available for pre-orders wherever books are sold. Advance review copies of the book and media interviews are available upon request; please contact Publicity Director Jessica Westra at jessica.west[email protected]. A full media tour is planned for May 2024.
About the book:
Race to Kindness
Author: TIME 2021 Kid of the Year Orion Jean Illustrator: Darshika Varma 9780310152552 Hardcover picture book, ages 4 – 8 (will also be available in audio and e-book) Release date: May 7, 2024
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Zonderkidz, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imaginative, innovative and educational resources that represent a Christian worldview and build up God’s children and teens. For additional information, please visit www.zonderkidz.com.
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’s offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.
10 titles across seven categories honored as finalists
Nashville, Tenn., May 2023 — HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) congratulates its authors and publishing teams who were honored with five 2023 Christian Book Awards on May 9, 2023, at an awards ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee. These awards are presented annually by the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association (ECPA) and honor the “best of the year” in Christian books and Bibles.
The five winning titles from HCCP are:
Bible Reference Works – Early New Testament Apocrypha: Ancient Literature for New Testament Studies with Christopher Edwards, Editor (Zondervan Academic)
Biography & Memoir – Seasons of Sorrow: The Pain of Loss and the Comfort of God by Tim Challies (Zondervan Reflective)
Devotion & Gift – When You Don’t Know What to Pray: 100 Essential Prayers for Enduring Life’s Storms by Charles F. Stanley (Zondervan)
Faith & Culture – Still Time to Care: What We Can Learn from the Church’s Failed Attempt to Cure Homosexuality by Greg Johnson (Zondervan Reflective)
New Author – Breath as Prayer: Calm Your Anxiety, Focus Your Mind, and Renew Your Soul by Jennifer Tucker (Thomas Nelson Gift)
In addition to the award-winners, 10 HCCP titles were selected as finalists across seven categories. The 10 HCCP finalists are:
Bible Study – New Testament Everyday Bible Study Series: Acts by Scot McKnight (HarperChristian Resources)
Bible Study – The Women of the Bible Speak Workbook by Shannon Bream (HarperChristian Resources)
Biography & Memoir – America, a Redemption Story: Choosing Hope, Creating Unity by Senator Tim Scott (Thomas Nelson)
Christian Living – Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday FamilyRhythms by Justin Whitmel Earley (Zondervan)
Christian Living – How to Hear God: A Simple Guide for Normal People by Pete Greig (Zondervan Reflective)
Devotion & Gift – You Can Count on God: 365 Devotions by Max Lucado (Thomas Nelson)
New Author – A Christian’s Guide to Planet Earth: Why It Matters and How to Care for It by Betsy Painter (Zondervan)
Young People’s Literature – The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science by Louie Giglio with Tama Fortner; illustrated by Nicola Anderson (Tommy Nelson)
Young People’s Literature – You Can Count on God: 100 Devotions for Kids by Max Lucado (Tommy Nelson)
“We are honored that these five titles have been recognized by the ECPA as some of Christian publishing’s best releases of the year,” says Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO of HCCP. “From a record-breaking pool of nearly 400 entries, I’m proud of our winning and nominated authors who chose to partner with us, as well as our publishing teams for their commitment and focus to accomplish our company mission to inspire the world.”
The Christian Book Award® program has recognized the absolute highest quality in Christian books since 1978, when it was called the Gold Medallion Award. Based on excellence in content, literary quality, design, and impact, the Christian Book Award® program is the oldest and among the most prestigious awards in the religious publishing industry.
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.
Nashville, Tenn., April 2023 – Editorial Vida and Grupo Nelson, the Spanish publishing divisions of HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP), were recognized and honored with a combined 15 awards, including Book of the Year, at the 2023 Spanish Evangelical Publishing Association (SEPA) banquet on April 20, 2023.
At the awards banquet, Incen(diario) (Incen-diary) by Itiel Arroyo (Editorial Vida) was named the 2023 SEPA Book of the Year. It also won Book Cover of the Year, Best Spanish-Original Book, and Top-Selling Book in the Christian Living category. Incen(diario) is a “wreck this journal” style journal that seeks to help young readers grow more passionate about their relationship with Christ.
In addition to Incen(diario), the winning titles were:
LIBROS DE MAYOR VENTA (TOP SELLER) Categoría Devocional (Devotional) • En la oscuridad, ¡Resplandecerás! (You Will Shine in the Darkness) | Christy Muller | Editorial Vida Categoría Fe y Cultura (Faith and Culture) • La batalla cultural (The Cultural Battle) |Agustín Laje | Grupo Nelson
• Cautivante, Edición ampliada (Captivating, Updated Edition) | John Eldredge, Staci Eldredge | Grupo Nelson
• Gana la guerra en tu mente (Winning the War in Your Mind) | Craig Groeschel | Editorial Vida Vida Cristiana (Christian Living) • Incen(diario) (The Incen-diary) | Itiel Arroyo | Editorial Vida Libro de Niños (Children’s)
Matrimonio y Familia (Marriage and Family)
Liderazgo (Leadership)
• Un gran corazón (One Big Heart) | Linsey Davis | Grupo Nelson Libro de Estudio Bíblico (Bible Study)
• 21 leyes del liderazgo en la Biblia (21 Laws of Leadership in the Bible) | John Maxwell | Grupo Nelson
Biblia de Estudio con anotaciones en toda la Biblia (Study Bible)
• NBLA Biblia de Estudio MacArthur (NBLA MacArthur Study Bible) | MacArthur | Editorial Vida KEY AWARDS Mejor libro original en Español 2023 (Best Spanish-Original Book) • Incen(diario) (The Incen-diary) | Itiel Arroyo | Editorial Vida
• Incen(diario) (The Incen-diary) | Itiel Arroyo | Editorial Vida
Libro del Año “Harold Kregel” (Book of the Year – The Harold Kregel Award)
• Incen(diario) (The Incen-diary) | Editorial Vida
Mejor portada de Libro General (Best Book Cover)
Portada y diseño interior de la Biblia – Estudio (Best Interior and Cover Design for a Study Bible)
• NBLA Biblia de Estudio MacArthur (NBLA MacArthur Study Bible) | Editorial Vida Mejor Anuncio (Best Ad Post) • NBLA Biblia Ama a Dios Grandemente (NBLA Love God Greatly Bible) | Editorial Vida / HCCP Mejor video: (Best Promotional Video)
• NVI – Biblia de Estudio Teología Bíblica (NVI Biblical Theology Study Bible) | Editorial Vida “Every book we publish is an investment into the lives of the individuals they will impact. For the most part, we never fully know what that impact looks like or the extent of lives touched by each one,” said Cris Garrido, vice president and publisher for HCCP’s Spanish publishing program. “The SEPA Awards, however, give us a glimpse into the impact a book has as perceived by those closest to our readers – our retailers and distributors. Seeing 10 of our books and Bibles be recognized with 15 awards across all categories is a testament to both the quality of our authors and the work of our team.”
For more information on the 2023 SEPA awards, please visit their website.
Pastor and New York Times bestselling author guides teens through practical and faith-based approaches to managing mental health in new book
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 27, 2023—It’s no secret that today’s teens face a multitude of challenges to their mental well-being, often leading to a spiral of unhealthy thoughts and doubts about their self-worth. These thinking patterns often leave young people feeling less-than and unvalued, contributing to feelings of anxiety and depression throughout their lives.
In his new book, Winning the War in Your Mind for Teens (Zondervan, hardcover, $19.99, April 4, 2023), nationally known podcast host, pastor, and bestselling author Craig Groeschel builds on his book Winning the War in Your Mind to present the scientific and spiritual discoveries he made after struggling with his own negative and anxious thoughts since youth. Using personal stories, research, and hands-on thought exercises, Groeschel provides readers with practical and easy-to-use strategies that are customized for today’s teens, helping them find freedom from the grip of harmful and destructive thinking.
“Take it from a guy who survived his teen years but could have done it so much better,” Groeschel writes. “Our lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts. What we think shapes who we become. If you agree, then it’s time to change your thinking so God can change your life.”
Winning the War in Your Mind for Teens helps readers learn what they can do to challenge their everyday thinking and change the course of their lives for the better, as well as discover all the ways a closer relationship with God and an understanding of their value in God’s eyes can help them see their innate value and more fully believe what is true about themselves.
Readers will discover: • How their brain works, and how to rewire it so they can short-circuit the triggers that lead to negative thoughts • How to identify the lies the enemy wants them to believe • The ways prayer and praise can transform their mind • Practices that allow God’s thoughts to become their thoughts
Presented in a stunning hardcover with gloss details, Winning the War in Your Mind for Teens is the first book from Groeschel written for young adults, and the perfect gift for readers ages 13 and up. Other inspirational self-help titles from Groeschel include The Power to Change, Winning the War in Your Mind, Dangerous Prayers, and Hope in the Dark.
Craig Groeschel
About the Author Craig Groeschel is the founding and senior pastor of Life.Church, one of the largest churches in the world and the creator of the free YouVersion Bible App. The New York Times bestselling author hosts the top-ranking Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast and speaks to hundreds of thousands of leaders around the world annually through the Global Leadership Network. Craig and his wife, Amy, live in Oklahoma. Connect with Craig at www.craiggroeschel.com.
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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’s offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.
Contact: Jessica Westra Director of Publicity, Zondervan YA/Zonderkidz [email protected] (616) 403-6628
NASHVILLE, Tenn., March — Zondervan Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is thrilled to announce that Dr. Timothy Keller has agreed to a four-book deal with the imprint. Keller was represented in the agreement by David McCormick of McCormick Literary. North American rights were acquired by Zondervan Books VP and Publisher Webster Younce.
The founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which under his leadership grew to weekly attendance of over 5,000 people, Keller is widely-regarded for thought provoking style of writing and exploration of the intersection of Christianity and contemporary life. His ability to engage skeptics and believers alike make him and his books approachable to all readers. Keller’s books, including the New York Times bestselling titles The Reason for God and The Prodigal God, have sold over two million copies and been translated into 25 languages. Keller is considered one of the most influential religious leaders of the 20th century.
As part of this book deal, Zondervan Books will publish the next four titles from Keller. Publication dates have not been finalized but it is likely Keller’s first book with Zondervan Books will be released in 2024. “Few people in our time have been more influential than Tim in shaping Christian thought and applying it to all of life. His rigor of thought and breadth of writing, combined with his personal humility and heart for people, has had a profound impact on people across the world. We are delighted to be partnering with him in reaching both the church and the wider world with resources that equip readers to know God more deeply and live in service to others in light of that knowledge,” said Webster Younce.
The book deal with Timothy Keller reinforces Zondervan Books’ mission to inspire the world by meeting the needs of people with content that promotes biblical principles and honors Jesus Christ.
Zondervan is a HarperCollins Company and part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Zondervan is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian communications. The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Mich. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.
(Nashville, Tenn.) February 9, 2023 – Bestselling author Ruth Chou Simons has inked a six-project deal with Thomas Nelson, across three of the publishing groups’ imprints, and HarperChristian Resources. The multibook deal includes a children’s book, two devotionals, a trade book, a lifestyle book, and video study curriculum.
The first book of the new deal will be a children’s book, Simons’ first, slated to release in the fall of 2024 with Tommy Nelson, the company’s children’s imprint. Thomas Nelson Gift, Nelson Books, and HarperChristian Resources imprints will also publish projects as part of the new deal. Subsequent project timelines have not yet been released, though expected to fall into the 2025 and 2026 calendar years.
“Ruth—an artist, mother, speaker, and entrepreneur—intimately knows how to speak to readers,” said MacKenzie Howard, executive editor at Thomas Nelson for the Children’s and Gift Book division. “Working with her in this capacity is an incredible opportunity to elevate Ruth’s life-giving messages and stunning art. Our teams across Thomas Nelson are excited about utilizing our many and wide-ranging resources to collaborate on a dynamic interdisciplinary go-to-market strategy to position Ruth as a leading voice in Christian life.”
“I’m honored to partner with Thomas Nelson and Harper Christian Resources for these upcoming projects and can’t wait for the Kingdom impact we’ll have together,” said Ruth Chou Simons.
Simons’ book When Strivings Cease: Replacing the Gospel of Self-Improvement with the Gospel of Life-Transforming Grace was released on October 12, 2021, through Nelson Books.
About Ruth Chou Simons: Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books and Bible studies, including GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming, and When Strivings Cease. She is an artist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker, using each of these platforms to spiritually sow the Word of God into people’s hearts. Through her online shoppe at GraceLaced.com and her social media community, Simons shares her journey of God’s grace intersecting daily life with word and art. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure. Learn more at RuthChouSimons.com.
About Thomas Nelson: Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit ThomasNelson.com.
About Tommy Nelson: Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson offers a wide variety of high-quality products, designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them toward a closer relationship with Jesus. For more information visit TommyNelson.com.
(Nashville, TN) January, 16, 2023 — HarperChristian Resources will be releasing a new six-session video study based on the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on sale August 8, 2023. Share the Dream: Shining a Light in a Divided World through Six Principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will cover six biblical principles that shaped Dr. King, Jr.’s life and motivated him to speak out on behalf of African Americans and take his place as the leading figure of the Civil Rights Movement: love, conscience, freedom, justice, perseverance, and hope.
Share the Dream will be published by Harper Christian Resources, in collaboration with America’s leading African-American church publisher Urban Ministries, Inc., and The K.I.N.G. Movement which seeks to help men and boys reach their God-given potential in every realm of life. The video’s study sessions will be co-hosted by award-winning journalist and broadcaster for FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports Radio, Chris Broussard, founder and president of The K.I.N.G. Movement, and global human rights activist and founder of non-profit organization Good of All, Matthew Daniels, J.D., PhD.
Dr. Daniels, creator of Share the Dream, and Chair of Law & Human Rights at the Institute of World Politics in Washington, D.C. said, “Dr. King was a martyr for the Gospel whose sacrificial commitment to the cause of human dignity and non-violence saved the American South the generational cycle of racial violence that we’ve seen in Rwanda and other nations. Ambassador Andrew Young has been my guide to the transcendent principles that Dr. King and other courageous men and women harnessed to save America from hundreds of years of slavery and segregation. Chris and I are honored to follow in their footsteps and join with great contemporary leaders in sharing these same unifying principles with a new generation.”
“Dr. King and other courageous men and women were able to change history through the power of a dream that was rooted in the Gospel and the love of God for all of His children made in His image,” said Urban Ministries’ CEO, C. Jeffrey Wright. “Our Share the Dream series explores the profoundly spiritual dimension to the early civil rights movement. We also show how the Gospel-based principles behind the astonishing success of that movement can be applied in our nation and our world. Perhaps this is most clearly seen in the famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech that Dr. King delivered on August 28, 1963, in which he called for racial equality in America.”
The video study will be available for pre-order in March 2023.
Broussard said, “For our nation to thrive, we need to help a new generation better understand, live, and experience the Gospel-based principles at the heart of the dream to which Dr. King dedicated his life. That is why Matt Daniels, and I created our Share the Dream curriculum. We hope churches and small groups of all ethnicities will join us in exploring how each person can participate in sharing Dr. King’s dream in our time.”
Share the Dream will be a resource for entire church congregations, adult small groups, student and youth groups, and Sunday School studies. “This project has been an incredible journey and we know that multi-generational church families will be blessed after going through the study,” said VP, publisher of HarperChristian Resources, John Raymond. “The Scripture-based principles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have left a great impact and enduring legacy of how we are to love each other as human beings in our world today. We trust this study will help inspire and change a new generation to live with a greater dignity and respect for all. I’m so excited to be a part of a monumental curriculum that brings civil rights education to churches through Dr. King’s teachings. It is an honor to partner with Matt, Chris, the K.I.N.G. Movement and Urban Ministries.”
HarperChristian Resources is the curriculum and video study imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, the world’s largest Christian publisher.
UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.) is the largest independent religious media and publishing company serving the African American market. Founded in 1970 in Chicago, IL., by Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr., UMI creates positive, transformative analog and digital content based on a biblical worldview that is especially empowering to the African American community. UMI offices are in suburban Chicago. UMI exists to disseminate culture changing, biblically sound content and has tremendous credibility in producing high quality material reaching millions of people throughout the globe.
K.I.N.G. is a national Christian Men’s Movement geared toward strengthening men in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ by providing brotherhood, encouragement, accountability, knowledge, and fellowship. The name K.I.N.G. is an acronym for Knowledge, Inspiration, and Nurture through God. K.I.N.G. is a non-denominational movement that seeks to unite true Bible-believing Christian men across racial, denominational, generational and political lines. It is our hope that Christian men can move past their minor doctrinal differences and work together to expand the Kingdom of God. While founded by Chris Broussard in South Orange, NJ, K.I.N.G. has local chapters across the United States.
About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. comprises the Thomas Nelson, Zondervan and HarperChristian Resources publishing groups, 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 20 million unique visitors each month. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico. For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.
Bryson the Brave Bison: Finding the Courage to Face the Storm releases June 27, 2023
Grand Rapids, MI – January 10, 2023 – Zonderkidz is pleased to announce a new picture book from debut authors Nate Davenport and Luke Freshwater titled, Bryson the Brave Bison: Finding the Courage to Face the Storm releasing June 27, 2023 with illustrations from New York Times bestselling illustrator Richard Cowdrey.
Author Luke Freshwater
Author Nate Davenport
This inspiring picture book ideal for children ages 4 – 8 focuses on a bison that faces a terrible storm and helps his bison friends to be brave and learn to face the storm. It’s rollicking rhyme tells a fascinating story for kids that’s based on how real bison intentionally run straight through oncoming storms rather than turning and running away.
“Both Nate and I are committed to building brave kids and families intentionally; we are friends and fathers who love to collaborate on projects that inspire families,” said Luke Freshwater, who served as a former Army bomb squad leader in Afghanistan. “We are thrilled that Zonderkidz caught the vision for this book: encouraging kids to be fearless and have the courage to be leaders.”
Nate Davenport adds, “In this world of challenges, we all need a hero, and here is a lovable character we created that shows his entire bison herd that you can get through anything with a little bravery and self-confidence. Courage is a choice and it’s in all of us.”
“Richard Cowdrey, illustrator of the Zonderkidz Fiona the Hippo series of books, introduced us to Nate and Luke, and we were so taken with their message and with Richard’s early sketches of this brave bison. This book is a fun, humorous take on the way bison behave when faced with storms, but with a solid message about character and bravery that will resonate so well with children and their families, as well as with teachers and librarians,” says Megan Dobson, Vice President and Publisher of Zonderkidz.
“Their path through the storm seemed awful at best,
But Bryson the Brave was up to the test.
He carried them through – he went all the way,
And his story of courage is still told today!”
About the Authors:
Nate Davenport resides in Huntington, West Virginia, whose city mascot is the bison! He and his wife have two children. Nate’s passion for literature and writing comes from his father who is also an author. He is a youth ministry graduate of Cedarville University in Ohio, where he first met co-author Luke Freshwater. He currently works as a sales leader in the medical space.
Luke Freshwater resides in the greater Columbus, Ohio area with his wife and five children. He is an aspiring bison farmer and is currently a sales leader. Luke served as a forest firefighter in Idaho and as an Army bomb squad leader in the war in Afghanistan. He went to NC State University and Cedarville, where he played baseball with his co-author Nate Davenport.
About the Illustrator:
Richard Cowdrey is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of the beloved picture book series Fiona the Hippo, based on the world’s most famous hippo, Fiona of the Cincinnati Zoo. His favorite things to do are to draw and paint the things that reflect the awesomeness of creation. Richard’s fine attention to detail attracts fans to his books, like Legend of the Candy Cane; Bad Dog, Marley and all of the Fiona the Hippo picture books. He resides outside of Mt. Vernon, Ohio with his wife.
The book is now available for pre-orders wherever books are sold. Advance copies of the book and interviews are available upon request; please contact Publicity Director Jessica Westra at [email protected].
Bison the Brave Bison: Finding the Courage to Face the Storm
Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imaginative, innovative and educational resources that represent a Christian worldview and build up God’s children and teens. For additional information, please visit www.zonderkidz.com.
Zondervanis 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’s offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.
