09 February

Bestselling author Ruth Chou Simons Signs New Multi-Book Publishing Deal with Thomas Nelson 

(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.   

Jenni Burke of Illuminate Literacy Agency negotiated the book deal.   

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

Media Contact:

MacKenzie Collier

Thomas Nelson Gift Books

[email protected]  

14 April

Steve Pemberton Releases Young Readers Edition of Bestselling Memoir, “A Chance in The World,” April 20

 Includes new stories, life lessons, discussion questions and resources to help stop child neglect

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 6, 2021) – Based on the bestselling memoir that also was depicted in a feature film, HarperCollins Christian Publishing releases “A Chance in the World: An Orphan Boy, a Mysterious Past, and How He Found a Place Called Home” by Steve Pemberton, everywhere books are sold on Tuesday, April 20.  

Since its publication in 2012 Steve’s story has inspired thousands of people around the world. A true story of growing up in a cruel foster home and defying seemingly insurmountable odds, this new adaptation of the USA TODAY bestselling memoir “A Chance in the World” shares Steve’s journey with 8 to 12-year-olds with sensitivity, honesty and hope.

Featuring new stories and life lessons not included in the original memoir, “A Chance in the World,” the young readers edition can provide adults and teachers an age-appropriate reading tool to engage with kids ages 8 to 12, on a deeper level about topics such as family, bullying, the power of kindness, and the destructive effects of labeling people.

Born as Steve Klakowicz, Pemberton’s story begins in New Bedford, MA. Taken from his mother at age three and losing his father to gun violence at age 5. Steve lived in the clutches of a cruel foster family. He would find his only refuge in a box of books given to him by a kind stranger. Books would be the tool he used to take him to new worlds he can only imagine and would someday lead him to his biological family. 

Armed with just a single clue, Pemberton would embark on a years-long quest to unravel the mystery of his origins. As a light-skinned boy with blue eyes, a curly Afro, and a Polish last name, Pemberton shares how he comes to learn and embrace his identity.

It would be the kindness of a neighbor, a Sunday school teacher, and a high school mentor who would help Steve steer through the darkness of harrowing circumstances. With the help of what he calls his “human lighthouses” as guides, Pemberton would go on to attend Boston College on a scholarship, became a trail-blazing Fortune 500 executive, an acclaimed speaker, a philanthropist, a US Senate candidate, a Congressional awardee and a visionary youth advocate. He shares his story to inspire others who want to be seen for their possibilities rather than their circumstances because he, himself, ‘is the way the story can turn out to be.’

In this Young Readers Edition, “A Chance in the World” teaches children:

  • to begin each day with hope
  • that there is goodness in the world, and it is possible to be a beacon of light for others
  • that they can overcome challenging circumstances
  • that everyone comes from different backgrounds and has value
  • to apply Steve’s inspirational message to their own lives, through age-appropriate discussion questions.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and May is National Foster Care Awareness Month. According to iFoster, approximately 424,000 children are in foster care, with 20,000 youth aging out of the foster care system annually. Within four years of aging out, 50% have no earnings, and those who do make an average annual income of $7500. “A Chance in the World” concludes with resources on how to help stop abuse.

People can call or text Childhelp at 1-800-422-4453 to have a private conversation with someone who is trained in how to help kids who are being abused. They will listen and help callers decide next steps.

“A Chance in the World: An Orphan Boy, a Mysterious Past, and How He Found a Place Called Home” (ISBN# 9781400225149) releases on April 20 and now is available for pre-order everywhere books are sold.

* MEDIA COPIES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST*

About the Author

Steve Pemberton is Chief People Officer for Workhuman, the leading online platform bringing positivity to the workplace through social recognition. Prior to assuming his role at Workhuman, Steve was a Senior Human Resources Executive at Walgreens. Steve and his wife, Tonya, are the proud parents of three children.

About Tommy Nelson

Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson publishes a wide variety of high-quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson’s award-winning products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit www.tommynelson.com.

21 January

Tommy Nelson to publish new book featuring YouTube sensation, Dude Perfect

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 12, 2021) –Tommy Nelson, a children’s book imprint within HarperCollins Christian Publishing, today announced the publication date of June 8, 2021 for “101 Dude Perfect Tricks, Tips, and Cool Stuff.”  

Garnering more than 54 million YouTube subscribers and more than 12 billion video views, Dude Perfect has gone from making trick shots in their backyard to making fans all over the world. Dude Perfect has spent the last 11 years growing not only their brand, but also the trust of families and fans world-wide. After completing their first highly successful, nationally sold-out tour, the team is bringing even more Dude Perfection to readers everywhere.   

Cory Cotton, Coby Cotton, Garrett Hilbert, Cody Jones, and Tyler Toney, all of whom were former college roommates at Texas A&M University, make up the YouTube sensation Dude Perfect.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled for this partnership with Dude Perfect,” said Shannon Marchese, vice president and publisher for Tommy Nelson. “’101 Tricks, Tips, and Cool Stuff’ brings the Dudes’ high energy and wild schemes into one place, ideal for fans who’ve wondered, ‘how did they do that?’ or any reader looking to learn something new. The Dudes have such fantastic charisma and we’re excited to bring that on to the page with this intensely dynamic book, that also happens to educate and inspire.” 

In addition to secrets to top-notch stunts, the book teaches valuable lessons along the way, revealing the secret component to each activity—whether it’s teamwork, perseverance, patience or other timeless principles. Written for kids ages 8-12, this book provides something to do away from screens and teaches important lessons in the process.

Utilizing high-quality, four-color photography, kids will dive deep into the world of Dude Perfect, getting to know each of the 5 guys better than ever before. By following step-by-step

instructions, the reader will be able to experience stunts and tricks designed by the guys

themselves. Each trick is attainable, but also challenging enough to keep young people occupied for hours. Performed solo, or together as a family, this book will provide endless enjoyment with foundational support at every turn.

The deal for world rights was negotiated by Esther Fedorkevich, CEO for The Fedd Agency Inc. and signed by HarperCollins Christian Publishing’s senior vice president and Group Publisher of Children’s and Gift Books, Laura Minchew.

“Inspiring the type of fun, joy, and wonder seen in their videos, “101 Dude Perfect Tricks, Tips, and Cool Stuff” will not only teach kids the coolest trick shots, but also help them see the opportunities for adventure everywhere they go,” said Fedorkevich. “Who doesn’t want to learn to swish a full court basketball shot while blindfolded?” 

“101 Dude Perfect Tricks, Tips, and Cool Stuff” (ISBN# 9781400217076)goes on sale June 8, 2021 for $28.99 wherever books are sold.

About Tommy Nelson:

Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson publishes a wide variety of high-quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson’s award-winning products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit www.tommynelson.com.

Contact:  Natividad Lewis

              Publicist

              tel: (931) 698-9620

              e-mail: [email protected]

20 October

Tails Will Be Wagging Over Homecoming Tales: 15 Inspiring Stories from Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary

New book features real-life stories of senior dogs finding forever homes

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 23, 2020) – One may not be able to teach an old dog new tricks but the four-legged, senior residents at the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary can teach their own lessons of character building, friendship and how love never grows old. Published by Tommy Nelson Books, Homecoming Tales, 15 Inspiring Stories from Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary. nowis available for pre-purchase and wherever books are sold beginning Wednesday, Nov. 3.

Founded and owned by husband-wife team, Michael and Zina Goodin, Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary is a forever foster home sanctuary in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. While providing lifetime homes for senior dogs, Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary strives to raise awareness about the joys and challenges of living with older dogs.

Michael Goodin notes, “We do not concern ourselves with the quantity of time that they have left but rather with the quality of the life we can provide them while they are with us.”

Featuring 15 heartwarming, true stories of senior dogs and their journeys of finding their forever families, Homecoming Tales features doggy stats and fun facts, recipes for their own canine friend, illustrated line drawings of each featured dog and a full-color photo insert of the dogs with their forever families.

Readers will learn about pet adoption and ownership to encourage and help them through the joys and challenges of living with older dogs. Each year, 1.6 million dogs are adopted in the United States. As an educational resource, this book is a helpful read for families who are interested in adopting a senior dog. Readers will find informative insight into adopting and owning pets, caring for aging animals, ideas for helping a pet with special needs, and ways kids can get involved with their local animal shelter or rescue.  

“Dog lovers and pet rescue enthusiasts of all ages will find inspiration and adventure in each tale,” Zina Goodin adds. “The stories of our sweet, sassy, and sometimes even hilarious old friends can offer us humans the simple reminder that no one is too old to give or receive love.”

Homecoming Tales, 15 Inspiring Stories from Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary (ISBN# 9781400222926) will be available in paperback ($15.99), ebook ($8.99) and audio ($15.99) formats wherever books are sold.  

About Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary

Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary is a forever foster home sanctuary in beautiful Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Old Friends houses approximately 100 senior dogs at the Gardens and currently upwards of 400 in forever foster homes. While providing lifetime homes for senior dogs, OFSDS strives to raise awareness of the joys and challenges of living with older dogs. We are a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization. We do not concern ourselves with the quantity of time that they have left, rather the quality of the life that we can provide them for that time.

For more information our website at www.ofsds.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.

About Tommy Nelson:

Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson publishes a wide variety of high-quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson’s award-winning products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit www.tommynelson.com.

Media contact:

Natividad Lewis, Publicist

931.698.9620

[email protected]

28 September

Kathie L. Gifford Releasing New Book — Hello, Little Dreamer

Four-time, Emmy Award winner and New York Times bestselling author encourages little ones to become their dream

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 24, 2020) – Beloved television personality and author Kathie Lee Gifford hopes to inspire children to follow God’s dreams for them in her new children’s book, Hello, Little Dreamer. The book goes on sale wherever books are sold, Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Each child has dreams to discover over their lifetime, and Hello, Little Dreamer helps families celebrate each child’s God-given purpose in the world. Children glow with joy and a sense of security when they know God made them for a purpose. Gifford reminds her young readers that God has been dreaming for them their entire lives. Some dreams reveal themselves quickly while others take time to develop, but each dream adds to the beautiful picture of who a child is meant to be.

With a bright, decorative cover and wonder-filled illustrations from Anita Schmidt, Hello, Little Dreamer helps children rest in God’s love for them. With its affirming message of purpose, Hello, Little Dreamer will encourage any child to trust that they have an amazing role in God’s story.

Hello, Little Dreamer (ISBN # 9781400209262) will be available in hardcover ($18.99) and board book ($9.99) formats.

In addition, Kathie Lee will be releasing a second book, It’s Never Too Late: Make the Next Act of Your Life the Best Act of Your Life (release date Dec. 1, 2020; Thomas Nelson), sharing never-before-told personal stories along with insights, wisdom and inspiration for anyone facing their own life changes. When Kathie Lee Gifford stepped down as cohost of the fourth hour of the Today show with Hoda Kotb, you might have thought her best days were behind her. It turns out, she was just getting started. As Kathie Lee says, “I’m not retiring; I’m refiring!” But she was just getting started. With her hard-earned wisdom and signature warmth, It’s Never Too Late offers readers insights and inspiration to live out their own dreams, change direction, speak out for what they believe and pursue what truly matters. For more information about It’s Never Too Late, visit www. KathieLeeGifford.com.

About the Author:

Kathie Lee Gifford is the four-time Emmy award winning former co-host of the fourth hour of “TODAY,” alongside Hoda Kotb. After 11 years together, Gifford stepped down from that role to pursue other creative endeavors. The Gifford-Kotb hour had been hailed as “appointment television” by Entertainment Weekly, and “TODAY’s happy hour” by USA Today. 

Prior to NBC News, Gifford served as the co-host of “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee” for 15 years, where she received 11 Emmy nominations.  In 2015 Gifford was inducted into the Broadcast & Cable Hall of Fame. She has been chosen to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2020.

A playwright, producer, singer, songwriter and actress, Gifford has starred in numerous television programs and movies in her 45-year career. She has her own record label and has written several musicals including Broadway’s SCANDALOUS, which received a Tony nomination for Best Actress in 2012.  Gifford also starred on Broadway in “Putting it Together” and “Annie.” In the fall of 2018, she wrapped post-production on “Then Came You,” a film she has written, produced and starred in alongside Craig Ferguson. In April of 2019, she made her directorial debut with “THE GOD WHO SEES” the short film, shot in Israel and based on a song she co-wrote with Grammy-nominated Nicole C. Mullen. The song was nominated for a Dove award.

Gifford authored four NY Times bestselling books including “The Rock, The Road and the Rabbi”, “Just When I Thought I’d Dropped My Last Egg,” “I Can’t Believe I Said That,” and the popular children’s book “Party Animals.” In October of 2018, she released the children’s book, “The Gift That I Can Give” with all proceeds going to Childhelp. She also launched GIFFT, a line of wine with the Scheid Family Vineyards in Monterey, CA.

Gifford lends support to numerous children’s organizations including Childhelp, the International Justice Mission, and the Association to Benefit Children, which spawned Cassidy’s Place and Cody House, named after her two children. She received an honorary degree from Marymount University for her humanitarian work in labor relations.

Gifford is on Twitter and Instagram at @KathieLGifford.

About the Illustrator:
Anita Schmidt lives in Northern Germany surrounded by seven seas. Her passion for drawing began early in life from the moment when she first held a pencil. Since then, Anita went on to study graphic design, but after having two children, she rekindled her passion for illustrating and now can’t stop drawing!

About Tommy Nelson:
Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson publishes a wide variety of high-quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson’s award-winning products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit www.tommynelson.com.

Contact:  Natividad Lewis

              Publicist

              tel: (615) 902-1422

              e-mail: [email protected]

18 May

Louie Giglio’s “How Great is Our God” surpasses 100,000 books sold in less than seven months

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 18, 2020) – Today, Thomas Nelson announced that How Great is Our God, by Louie Giglio, has surpassed more than 100,000 copies sold.

How Great Is Our God is a resource for faith and science to come together in a conversation. Written for elementary-age kids, it is packed with amazing scientific facts, scriptures, beautiful photography, and cool illustrations.

Exploring topics like space and time, the Earth and weather, the human body, animals, plants and more, parents will find that this can be a great compliment to home education science lessons or Bible-based curricula.

“Louie weaves science and faith together in a way that is both educational and fun,” said Laura Minchew, senior vice president, Children’s and Gift Group publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “With parents now taking on the role of home educators, this is the perfect book for families to share the wonders of the universe and appreciation for God’s wild and amazing creation.”

With more than one million social media followers on his personal accounts, Giglio has grown a platform of more than just college students—reaching pastors, parents and adults around the world. How Great is Our God follows the success of his first children’s book, Indescribable:100 Devotions for Kids About God and Science which has sold more than 340,000 copies.

How Great is Our God (Thomas Nelson/Passion Publishing, ISBN# 9781400215522, Nov. 5, 2019) is available for purchase wherever books are sold.

About the Author:

Louie Giglio is Pastor of Passion City Church and the Original Visionary of the Passion movement, which exists to call a generation to leverage their lives for the fame of Jesus.

Since 1997, Passion has gathered collegiate-aged young people in events across the US and around the world, and continues to see 18 to 25 year-olds fill venues across the nation in pursuit of lives lived for God’s glory. Most recently, Passion hosted 40,000 college students and their leaders in four venues linked together across three cities at Passion 2019.

In addition to the collegiate gatherings of Passion Conferences, Louie and his wife Shelley lead the teams at Passion City Church, sixstepsrecords, Passion Publishing and the Passion Global Institute.

Louie is the national-bestselling author of Not Forsaken, Goliath Must Fall, Indescribable: 100 Devotions About God & Science, The Comeback, The Air I Breathe, and I Am Not But I Know I Am.

Louie and Shelley make their home in Atlanta, Georgia.

About Tommy Nelson:

Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson publishes a wide variety of high-quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson’s award-winning products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit www.tommynelson.com.

27 March

Shannon Marchese named V-P, Publisher of Tommy Nelson

Nashville, Tenn. (March 27, 2020) – Thomas Nelson today announced the company has hired Shannon Marchese to lead Tommy Nelson, the children’s imprint for Thomas Nelson, as v-p, publisher. She will join the organization on April 13 and will report to Laura Minchew, senior v-p, Children’s and Gift Group publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing.

In this role, Marchese will be responsible for the long-range strategic plan, leading the team and meeting divisional goals for Tommy Nelson.  She will work to acquire new authors and brands, manage the publishing process, and maximize the extensive backlist. In addition, Marchese will develop and facilitate business and operational strategies throughout the Tommy Nelson portfolio to effectively grow the division and to ensure financial strength and operational excellence.

Marchese has worked in editorial for 18 years, most recently as executive editor at the Christian publishing imprints within Penguin Random House, WaterBrook & Multnomah and Convergent. In this role she led the growth of their children’s publishing division, as well as the acquisition and editorial direction for many of their top authors. Before working in editorial, Marchese spent seven years in publicity, making her a dynamic and strategic communicator.

“What a need our world has for messages that deliver comfort, hope, and reassurance to our youngest readers! I am very excited about joining the incredible Tommy Nelson team and look forward to making meaningful books together,” said Marchese.

 “We can’t wait for Shannon to join us and lead the amazing Tommy Nelson team,” said Laura Minchew. “Shannon has tremendous talent in acquisitions and great experience working with leading authors, developing new products and maintaining strong author and agent relationships. She is passionate about inspirational children’s publishing, and we are delighted to have her lead Tommy Nelson in this important time.”

Thomas Nelson

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 www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact:    Chelsea Taff, Assistant Manager

                 Corporate Communications

                 tel:     615-902-2137

                 web:   [email protected]

11 December

Robin Richardson named Senior Marketing Director for Tommy Nelson

Nashville, Tenn. (December 11, 2019) – Thomas Nelson today announced Robin Richardson as the new senior director of marketing for Tommy Nelson. She will begin on December 18.

Richardson has over twenty years of experience in marketing, advertising, and publicity, recently serving as the vice president of digital for RFD-TV, an affiliate of Rural Media Group Inc. There she led the digital marketing strategy and developed brand partnerships, advertising campaigns, and long-term editorial plans for organic growth. Prior to this she served as the director of digital ad sales production at Country Music Television, a division of Viacom.

As senior marketing director, Richardson will oversee marketing for all Tommy Nelson titles including setting the marketing strategy for the imprint, being a key point of contact for authors and agents, and working to reach new readers.  Robin will also be responsible for the content and scaling strategy for RootedFamily.com, a new parenting and lifestyle website, that will help provide visibility for all children’s and gift book group titles.

“Our team is honored to welcome Robin,” said Michael Aulisio, v-p marketing, children’s and gift books.  “Her wealth of experience in marketing, digital strategy, and content creation will be instrumental in helping us continue to engage families and reach new ones with the inspirational message of our Tommy Nelson books.”

***

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 www.thomasnelson.com.

28 June

Tommy Nelson to Revitalize Classic Series

The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle to Rerelease with Illustrations

Nashville, Tenn. – Wally McDoogle is back. And this time, his high jinks have a twenty-first century twist.

Releasing September 2019, My Life as a Smashed Burrito with Extra Hot Sauce (The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle #1, 9780785231127) and My Life as Alien Monster Bait (The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle #2, 9780785231141) will again engage readers young and old with funny stories and important truths. Authored by Bill Myers, this timeless series will engage young readers today as much as it did 30 years ago.

“Bill Myers is a master at helping kids navigate the perils of growing up – while being hilarious,” says Laura Minchew, senior vice president and publisher for Tommy Nelson Children’s Books. “This is one of the few books guaranteed to make kids laugh out loud!” Now with fresh covers, line art throughout the text, and updated cultural references, young readers have a new opportunity to join Wally on his zany adventures.

Tommy Nelson plans to release the first six Wally McDoogle books in this new format, with audio editions narrated by the author. Future releases will include My Life as a Broken Bungee Cord and My Life as Crocodile Junk Food in January 2020 and My Life as Dinosaur Dental Floss and My Life as a Torpedo Test Target in June 2020.

Bill Myers is the author of the humorously imaginative The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle series, which currently numbers 25 episodes and over 1.8 million units sold. Bill’s latest works include the creation of a brand-new secret agent series for early readers, Secret Agent Dingledorf. He is also the creator and writer of the McGee & Me! video series. Bill is a director as well as a writer, and his films have won over forty national and international awards. He has written more than 50 books for kids, teens, and adults. Bill lives with his wife and two daughters in southern California.

Bill Myers is available for interview

About the Books

My Life as a Smashed Burrito with Extra Hot Sauce (The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle #1)

By Bill Myers

ISBN 978-0-7852-3112-7     E-book ISBN 978-0-7852-3113-4     Audio ISBN 978-0-7852-3372-5

On-sale September 10, 2019     Paperback $8.99

My Life as Alien Monster Bait (The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle #2)

By Bill Myers

ISBN 978-0-7852-3114-1     E-book ISBN 978-0-7852-3118-9     Audio ISBN 978-0-7852-3373-2

On-sale September 10, 2019     Paperback $8.99

My Life as a Broken Bungee Cord (The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle #3)

By Bill Myers

ISBN 978-0-7852-3119-6     E-book ISBN 978-0-7852-3121-9     Audio ISBN 978-0-7852-3374-9

On-sale January 8, 2020     Paperback $8.99

My Life as Crocodile Junk Food

The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle #4

By Bill Myers

ISBN 978-0-7852-3122-6     E-book ISBN 978-0-7852-3123-3     Audio ISBN 978-0-7852-3375-6

On-sale January 8, 2020     Paperback $8.99

My Life as Dinosaur Dental Floss

The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle #5

By Bill Myers

ISBN 978-0-7852-3240-7     E-book ISBN 978-0-7852-3244-5    

On-sale May 26, 2020     Paperback $8.99

My Life as a Torpedo Test Target

The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle #6

By Bill Myers

ISBN 978-0-7852-3245-2     E-book ISBN 978-0-7852-3247-6    

On-sale May 26, 2020     Paperback $8.99

##

About Tommy Nelson: Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson publishes a wide variety of high-quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson’s award-winning products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit www.tommynelson.com.

30 May

Heather Huston hired as senior director of Marketing for Specialty Publishing division

(Nashville, TN) May 30, 2018—Today, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) announced Heather Huston as the new senior director of marketing for their Specialty Division, with a focus on Thomas Nelson Gift, Zondervan Gift, and Tommy Nelson.

Huston comes to HCCP with more than 16 years of experience across marketing, communications, and programming, most recently serving as vice president of Marketing at Rural Media Group overseeing marketing strategy for RFD-TV, The Cowboy Channel, and RFD-TV’s The American rodeo.

In her new role with HCCP’s Specialty Publishing division, Huston will be responsible for cultivating strong author and agent relationships, creating strategic vision for Specialty books, and assisting in long-range planning and team management.

“We are thrilled for Heather to fill this role on our team and gain her creative content and digital strategy and passion for storytelling,” says Michael Aulisio, vice president of Marketing for HCCP’s Specialty Publishing division. “We know her contributions will be invaluable to both our authors and their books.”

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprises both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups in addition to Olive Tree Bible Software.  The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space.  Also home to BibleGateway.com, the world’s largest Christian website, and FaithGateway.com, an online community dedicated to helping people grow in their faith. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in the U.S., and Mexico.  For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.