David C Cook announced Friday that children’s publishing veteran Catherine DeVries has been promoted to publisher of children’s resources. Formerly associate publisher and brand manager for the "Action Bible" line, DeVries is now publisher of Tru, Bible-in-Life (children), Echoes, Scripture Press, the "Action Bible Collection" and all children’s books.

DeVries is a children’s author herself, having written over 20 books for children, including the best-selling Adventure Bible Storybook. A graduate of Calvin College, DeVries has garnered considerable critical acclaim, including three Retailer’s Choice Awards (now Christian Retailing's Best) and a Gold Medallion from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.

The Action Bible Collection has sold over 1 million copies under DeVries’ leadership. In addition, free copies of the Gospel of John taken from The Action Bible have been distributed to 625,000 teens and preteens in China. Cook is also in the process of distributing 250,000 copies of The Story of Jesus in the Action Bible line to children in Cuba, continuing the company's decades-long commitment to legally provide millions of books to the people and churches of Cuba.

DeVries commented on her promotion.

“I’m looking forward to leading David C Cook’s vision for children’s resources under this new structure,” DeVries said. “Children need high-quality, engaging products that relate to daily life. We want to equip and encourage families to naturally extend conversations about God and faith beyond church on Sunday. As a mother of three, I plan to combine what I have learned as a parent with sound strategy and vision for continuing Cook’s legacy as a leader in children’s publishing.”

DeVries’ promotion is part of David C Cook’s recent development of the Learning Resources Strategic Ministry Unit (SMU). The SMU realigned trade books and curriculum after the 2015 acquisition of Standard Publishing and Gospel Light resources. DeVries joins Matthew Lockhart and Lindsay Black as publishers within the SMU.

Verne Kenney, executive publisher, said he values DeVries on the team.

“Catherine’s leadership, her writing gifts and her heart for families have helped to make David C Cook’s children’s resources what they are today,” Kenney said. “We look forward to seeing our children’s books and curriculum reach even more families at home and around the world in the years to come.”

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