Tag: Jessica Westra

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.  

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 

Authored by Nate Davenport & Luke Freshwater 

Illustrated by Richard Cowdrey (Fiona the Hippo)  

Hardcover w/Jacket, $18.99  

9780310153108 
On Sale June 27, 2023 

www.brysonthebison.com 

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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. 

Grand Rapids, MI – October 6, 2022 – The Zonderkidz title, I’m So Glad You Were
Born authored by FOX & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt received #1 status on the New York
Times bestseller list for Children’s Picture Books for the October 16 issue. The book released
September 27, 2022 with Earhardt appearing on numerous FOX programs, doing a full national
media tour and personal appearances in several cities around the country such as Nashville, Salt Lake City, and Ponte Vedra, Florida.

“Our team at Zonderkidz is elated about this #1 status for this special book,” says Zonderkidz
Vice President and Publisher Megan Dobson. “Ainsley’s heart for sharing this important and
needed message with children has shown since our first conversations together, and it’s been
amazing to watch this book already reach so many children and their families. We’re so grateful
for Ainsley and the teams at FOX and CAA for helping us inspire young lives and get the word
out about I’m So Glad You Were Born. We’re excited to keep on sharing this message of love to
even more children, celebrating who they are and the plans God has for them.”

Earhardt shared the bestseller news with viewers of FOX & Friends this morning and on her
Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/p/CjX2IisDHNL/

Dedicated to her daughter Hayden, this book is meant to be shared with children to remind
them that they were created to be extraordinary and treasured.

“My mother always told us on our birthdays each year how glad she was that we were born—and
now I love saying that to my daughter, Hayden,” said Earhardt, during her book announcement
this spring. “This book celebrates all the reasons we are so glad our children are born and how
special they are. It reminds children they have a purpose, there’s a plan for their life, that God
loves them and they are worthy of having a wonderful life. This book is about noticing the traits
that make a child special, and I hope it helps parents, grandparents, and caregivers to slow down and take the time to tell the children in their lives how grateful and appreciative they are for all the special things that make a child who they are.”

Ainsley Earhardt is now the author of four New York Times bestsellers, including three #1 children’s picture book bestsellers as of October 2022. She hosts a Bible Study with Fox Nation and has over one million followers on her social media platforms combined. Earhardt has been a co-host on the popular FOX & Friends morning show since 2016.

Visit https://books.ainsleye.com/ for information about the book.

For more information, please contact Zonderkidz Publicity Director Jessica Westra at
[email protected] or Velvet Kelm at [email protected].

Hardcover w/Jacket, $18.99 – 9780310777021
(eBook, $14.99 – 9780310776673, audio book read by the author, with bonus
material and interview)
32 pages, 10 x 10 spot UV, foil
Ages 4 – 8
Now Available Anywhere Books Are Sold

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.

Media Contact:
Jessica Westra
Director of Publicity, Zonderkidz
[email protected]
616.403.6628

Fiona Love at the Zoo releases November 15 and highlights the affections of Zoo animal families 

Exclusive pre-order print features Fiona and her new sibling, Fritz 

Grand Rapids, MI — September 13 — Zonderkidz, the children’s division of Zondervan, will release a new illustrated picture book in November in partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, one of the top zoos in the nation. Fiona Love at the Zoo features artwork from New York Times bestselling illustrator and Cincinnati native, Richard Cowdrey. 

This is the sixth picture book from Zonderkidz featuring the world’s most famous hippo. The New York Times bestselling Fiona the Hippo picture book was a hit with Fiona fans around the globe. Fiona is a worldwide internet sensation and the star of the Cincinnati Zoo, thanks to her spunk and the fighting spirit that helped her overcome all odds when she was born six weeks premature.  She is now over 5 years old and much heavier than her 29-pound birthweight! 

To celebrate the book, a free, exclusive pre-order print from Zonderkidz is available to the first 500 fans who order the book from their favorite retailer prior to November 15, 2022 and fill out the form on here. The 5×7 colored print, drawn by Fiona book illustrator Richard Cowdrey, shows Fiona lovingly snuggling with new baby brother, Fritz. Suitable for framing, the print highlights Fiona with the new baby hippo who was born this August to much fanfare worldwide.    

In the latest book, Fiona is illustrated discovering how her animal friends at the Zoo have lots of little ways of showing affection to each other – like wrapping necks as giraffes do, swans water-dancing, seals booping noses, and peacocks striking dramatic poses.  

“This book is a celebration of love, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect as the Cincinnati Zoo recently welcomed Fritz into their hippo “bloat” family,” says Megan Dobson, VP and publisher of Zonderkidz. “We appreciate working alongside the Zoo and helping them support their mission. And yes, Fiona the Hippo fans should be delighted to know that Fritz will be in an upcoming book in 2023…so stay tuned!”   

About the book: 

www.fionathehippobook.com 

Fiona Love at the Zoo 

Illustrated by Richard Cowdrey 

On sale November 15, 2022  

$18.99 Ages 4 – 8 

9780310770855  

From Zonderkidz, a division of Zondervan, a HarperCollins company 

About the Illustrator: Richard Cowdrey is well known for illustrating many beautiful children’s picture books, including the New York Times bestseller Fiona the Hippo and Bad Dog, Marley! Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Cowdrey graduated from The Columbus College of Art and Design. Richard’s love for family and nature overflows into his illustrations which are enjoyed by children around the world. The artist lives in Ohio with his wife and has four grown children and five grandchildren. When not painting in his studio, Richard enjoys visiting schools to share with children his love of illustration.  Richard is available for interviews, school visits and store and library story time events about Fiona. 

About the Hippo:  Fiona was born January 24, 2017, six weeks before her due date. At 29 pounds she was very small for a Nile hippo. The whole world watched as Fiona learned to walk, eat and swim. Her challenges were big, but her spunk and incredible will helped her prevail time and again. Since her birth, millions of people from around the world have been pulling for Fiona to keep fighting. As she grew older, so did her social media following.     

#FionatheHippo #TeamFiona #FionatheHippobook #Zonderkidz 

About the Zoo:  The world-famous Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is committed to inspiring visitors to care about wildlife and wild places.  It has been rated the #1 attraction locally and one of the top zoos in the nation by Zagat Survey.  It has also received rave reviews from Child Magazine, Parents Magazine, USA Today and TripAdvisor. Over 1.6 million people visit the Zoo’s award-winning habitats, and more than 500 animal and 3000 plant species annually. 

About us: 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 part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.  The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages.  For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com 

Media Contact:

Jessica Westra

Publicity Director, Zonderkidz

[email protected]

616-698-3208

I’m So Glad You Were Born by #1 New York Times bestselling author Earhardt releases September 27, 2022

Grand Rapids, MI – July 27, 2022 – Zonderkidz author and FOX & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt will be on tour this fall sharing about her new picture book, I’m So Glad You Were Born. Tickets for the following events are now available for purchase:

I’m Going to Have a Good Day! book from viral video stars Scarlett Gray and Tiania Haneline releases January 24, 2023

Grand Rapids, MI – July 21, 2022 – Zonderkidz is pleased to announce that TikTok and YouTube sensations Scarlett Gray and Tiania Haneline will publish their first book together, titled I’m Going to Have a Good Day!, illustrated by Stephanie Dehennin, on January 24, 2023.

This uplifting book for kids ages 4-8 will teach kids that by reciting daily affirmations, they will be able to replace negative thoughts with positive ones, similar to how 5-year-old Scarlett and her mom Tiania have inspired millions around the world. The mother-daughter duo have been recording their affirmation routine while Tiania does Scarlett’s hair since 2020, garnering millions of fans on TikTok (5.8 million followers, with 247 million likes) and other media platforms.

“When our team first learned of Tiania and Scarlett through their videos on social media, we were so charmed by them both and drawn to their practice of daily affirmations,” says Megan Dobson, Vice President and Publisher of Zonderkidz. “It’s been a privilege to partner with them to create I’m Going to Have a Good Day!, and share a story that highlights the powerful impact daily affirmations can have on children, building their self-esteem and reminding them how truly special and loved they are. We hope so many families are inspired by this book to begin their own practice of daily affirmations with their children.”

The book is now available for pre-order anywhere books are sold. Scarlett and Tiania shared news about the book on their social platforms. Tour dates and appearances with Scarlett and Tiania will be announced this fall. A full-scale marketing, digital and publicity campaign for the book is in process.

Advance review copies will be available upon request; please contact Publicity Director Jessica Westra at [email protected].

ABOUT THE BOOK:

I’m Going to Have a Good Day! Written by Tiania Haneline with Scarlett Gray

Hardcover w/Jacket, $18.99

978-0310771296

40 pages

On sale January 24, 2023

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Tiania Haneline and Scarlett Gray Smith make up one of TikTok’s most positive (and self-love-centric) mother/daughter duos. The East Coast-based pair is well-known for their sweet affirmation videos, with their most viral moments attracting the attention of Good Morning America, POPSUGAR, USA Today and more. Growing up in an affirming household herself, Tiania was determined to pass the same values onto Scarlett and her two sons, Walker and Reice. She began repeating affirmations with Scarlett while doing her hair every morning, teaching her to embrace the beauty of her skin, curls, kindness and every trait in between. With the power of TikTok, Tiania and Scarlett are spreading that joy and self-love to an audience of more than four million.

TikTok: Scarlett and Tiania (@scarlettandtiania) Official TikTok | Watch Scarlett and Tiania’s Newest TikTok Videos

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ScarlettGraySmith

Instagram: Tiania and Scarlett (@scarlettandtiania) • Instagram photos and videos

Website: www.scarlettandtiania.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jessica Westra

Director of Publicity, Zonderkidz

[email protected]

(Grand Rapids, MI) July 9, 2018—Zondervan announced today that Jessica Westra will join the Zonderkidz publishing division as the new publicity director.

Westra comes to Zonderkiz with more than 23 years of experience, most recently running her own events and media consulting business handling an array of media relations campaigns for her cleints. Previously, she worked in event management for Tulip Time Festival, Inc. in Holland, MI, in addition to extensive freelance publicity work.

In her new role as publicity director for Zonderkidz, Westra will oversee all facets of public relations for the Zonderkidz catalog of products by leading general publicity efforts to generate brand awareness, develop and execute strategic campaigns, and support authors.

“Jessica’s passion for great content and dynamic approach to publicity will be enormously valuable for our authors and their books,” says Londa Alderink, vice president of marketing for Zonderkidz. “We are thrilled to gain Jessica’s comprehensive industry expertise as a resource for both our authors and our team.”

Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. For more than 80 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The company’s products are sold in multiple formats, worldwide, translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.