Contact: Lindsey Rodarmer, Zondervan, 616-698-3332, lindsey.rodarmer@zondervan.com
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 24 /Christian Newswire/ -- Zonderkidz, the children's division of Zondervan, is publishing a new series of the much-loved Berenstain Bears® books with a focus on faith. The first four titles will be available in October wherever books are sold.
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 soft cover 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 am delighted to join with Zonderkidz in the creation of books designed to serve the needs of families of faith," said Michael 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 Berenstain's:
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 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 first four titles in the series-The Berenstain Bears® and the Golden Rule (ISBN: 978-0-310-71247-5), The Berenstain Bears® Go to Sunday School (ISBN:978-0-310-71248-3), The Berenstain Bears® Say Their Prayers (ISBN:978-0-310-71246-7), and The Berenstain Bears®-God Loves You! (ISBN:978-0-310-71250-5) will be available for $3.99 in October 2008 wherever books are sold.
Zonderkidz(TM), a division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imagination and innovation. Visit www.zonderkidz.com for more information.
