Zonderkidz™ will release the first-ever VeggieTales® Bible in February 2009, in partnership with Big Idea, Inc. The VeggieTales® Bible provides the full text of the New International Version (NIV): the most read, most trusted translation, and invites children ages 8 and under to experience God’s Word using the backdrop of much-loved VeggieTales® characters. Read More
Zonderkidz, the children's division of Zondervan, will publish this fall a new series with a faith focus of the much-loved Berenstain Bears books.
Zonderkidz recently signed a contract to publish 12 Berenstain Bears books, authored by Michael Berenstain, with the first titles releasing this October. These softcover picture books will communicate a range of inspirational topics such as God's love, practicing the Golden Rule, praying, and going to Sunday school.
"I'm delighted to join with Zonderkidz in the creation of books designed to serve the needs of families of faith," says Berenstain. "Over the years, my parents and I often heard from Christian families how much they appreciate the values-based themes of our books. By dealing with religion through the fun and laughter of the Berenstain Bears, we hope to nurture these families in their goal of raising children secure in their faith."
Zondervan's parent company, HarperCollins, will continue to publish the Berenstain Bears for the general market.
Stan and Jan Berenstain published their first book about a bear family who lived "deep in Bear Country" in 1962 under the editorial eye of Dr. Seuss. In 1974, they started their own line of books about everyday family experiences by Random House. In 2003, the Berenstain's began publishing with HarperCollins and in 2005 began an exclusive relationship with them.
Their youngest son, Michael, joined his parents many years ago writing several books and becoming the exclusive designer and illustrator of a series of large picture books.
Since Stan Berenstain's death in 2005, Michael and Jan work as an author/illustrator team for their general market books.
The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones & illustrated by Jago is now in the top 10 list of Amazon.com's Best Children's Picture Books for 2007. People are being asked to vote for their favorite to determine who will be #1! VOTE NOW! And thank you!
If you happen to live in or near Atlanta, check out this special Zonderkiz Faithgirlz! event for girls ages 8-12. Enjoy a fun, free morning out Tuesday, July 10 from 10 - 11:30 A.M. at the Omni Hotel, International Ballroom E, 100 CNN Center in Atlanta, featuring Zonderkidz authors Dandi Daley Mackall, Melody Carlson, and Nancy Rue as they share what it means to be a "faithgirl" in today's world (see http://www.faithgirlz.com/). You'll receive lots of cool gifts and books, meet the authors, participate in craft activity stations, enjoy fruit smoothies and more! There will be great door prizes too -- and free parking. Bring your friends and youth groups. Email ZonderkidzEvents@zondervan.com or call 616.403.6628 for more information.
