Contact:
Lindsey Zabor
(616) 698-3332
lindsey.zabor@zondervan.com
Four Books in New Series Available in Stores October 2008
Grand Rapids, MI, May 8, 2008 – Zonderkidz, the children's division of Zondervan, is publishing a new series of the much-loved Berenstain Bears books with a focus on faith.
Zonderkidz signed a contract in 2007 to publish 12 Berenstain Bears books, authored by Michael Berenstain, with the first titles releasing in Fall 2008. The softcover picture books will focus on a range of inspirational topics such as doing the right thing, saying your prayers, 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 Berenstain Bears books for the general market.
About the Berenstains
Stan and Jan Berenstain published their first book about a bear family who lived "deep in Bear Country" in 1962 under the editorial oversight of Dr. Seuss. In 1974, they started their own line of books about everyday family experiences by Random House. In 2003, the Berenstains 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 first four titles in the series -- The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule (ISBN: 0-310-71247-5), The Berenstain Bears Go to Sunday School (ISBN:0-310-71248-3), The Berenstain Bears Say Their Prayers (ISBN:0-310-71246-7), and The Berenstain Bears - God Loves You! (ISBN:0-310-71250-5) -- will be available for $3.99 in October 2008 wherever books are sold. Visit www.zonderkidz.com for more information about each title.
For more information about The Berenstain Bears and Bear Country, please visit the official website at www.berenstainbears.com.
Zondervan, a
HarperCollins company, is a world leader in Christian communications and the leading Christian publishing brand. For more than 75 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through general and academic resources by influential leaders and emerging voices, and been honored with more Christian Book Awards than any other publisher. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with offices in San Diego and Miami, Zondervan conducts events and publishes its bestselling
Bibles,
books,
audio,
video,
curriculum,
software, and
digital products through its
Zondervan,
eZondervan,
Zonderkidz,
Youth Specialties,
Editorial Vida, and
National Pastors Convention brands. Zondervan resources are sold worldwide through retail stores, online, and by
Zondervan ChurchSource, and are translated into nearly 200 languages in more than 60 countries. Visit Zondervan on the Internet at
www.zondervan.com (mobile site:
zvan.mobi).
Zonderkidz™, a division of
Zondervan, inspires young lives through imagination and innovation. As the leader in Christian children's communications, it produces bestselling and award-winning
Bibles,
books,
board books,
graphic novels,
audio,
video, and
digital products that awaken the hearts and touch the souls of kids under 16 and the people who love them, from family members to educators. Zonderkidz is the publisher of the
NIrV (New International Reader's Version) Bible translation, the 3rd-grade reading level edition of the
NIV that is ideal for children and those who speak English as a second language. Visit Zonderkidz on the Internet at
www.zonderkidz.com.
