The Worthy Publishing Group announced the acquisition Friday of the Ideals children’s book brand and product lines. Ideals is a children’s category-leader previously owned by Danbury, Connecticut-based Guideposts, which was founded by Norman Vincent Peale and publishes Guideposts and Ideals magazines.

A 50-year-old company with offices in Nashville, Ideals publishes 25 to 30 books each year, including picture books, board books, and novelty and sound books. With this transaction, Worthy gains access to licenses for VeggieTales with DreamWorks Animation, as well as with Warner Brothers for the Berenstain Bears.

Coach Bobby Bowden’s The Wisdom of Faith has made the New York Times best-sellers list, entering at No. 9 in the sports section of the October list. Written by Bowden with his son, Steve Bowden, the B&H Books title released Sept. 1.

Throughout August and September, Bowden—a former Florida State University head coach and also the coach with the most wins in NCAA Division I football history—embarked on a national book and media tour. He appeared on Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends, ESPN’s SportsCenter and Mike and Mike in the Morning; the NFL Network, CBS Sports Radio Network and in Sports Illustrated, among other major sports, talk and faith shows.

After a turbulent start to 2014, the National Retail Federation (NRF) has announced it expects sales in November and December (excluding autos, gas and restaurant sales) to increase a healthy 4.1% to $616.9 billion, higher than 2013’s actual 3.1% increase during that same time frame.

Holiday sales on average have grown 2.9% in the past 10 years, including 2014’s estimates, and are expected to represent approximately 19.2% of the retail industry’s annual sales of $3.2 trillion. This would mark the first time since 2011 that holiday sales would increase more than 4%.

Evangelist Billy Graham’s devotional Hope for Each Day recently sold more than 1 million copies.

“Billy Graham’s message of hope is perfect for these chaotic and troubled times,” said Laura Minchew, senior vice president and publisher of HarperCollins Christian Publishing Gift Books, Tommy Nelson Children’s Books and New Media. “The devotional helps readers keep their focus on Jesus, the only One who brings peace. The book continues to build in sales because the message is so critical today.”

BroadStreet Publishing announces the launch of The Passion Translation Bible beginning with the books of The Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Songs, Luke and Acts, John, Letters from Heaven (Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 and 2 Timothy), and Hebrews and James.

Developed by a team led by linguist, missionary and author Brian Simmons, The Passion Translation recaptures some of the “lost language” missing from translations that have not fully captured the emotional meanings and implications of Scripture. The Passion Translation incorporates the ancient Aramaic Scripture, the language in which Jesus taught.

Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R., co-founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, died Oct. 3 at St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly in Totowa, New Jersey, after a long illness. He was 81.

A prolific author, Groeschel was in the process of writing a memoir, The Life of a Struggling Soul, to be published by Our Sunday Visitor. His books include From Scandal to Hope (on the clergy sex-abuse scandal, Our Sunday Visitor); Praying Constantly (Our Sunday Visitor) and Quiet Moments (Servant Books).

Gregory Morrow, formerly vice president and general manager of Invisalign—Align Technology, is the senior vice president of marketing and chief marketing officer of Family Christian Stores, effective Oct. 7.

“Greg Morrow joins Family Christian from a variety of successful brand-building experiences,” said Family Christian CEO Chuck Bengochea. “His expertise in brand development and marketing leadership will significantly impact our business across every channel in which we operate. We have an incredible story to tell. We are a not-for-profit business investing in ministries and impacting lives for Jesus Christ around the world. We aspire to be the world’s best Christian retailer. Greg will be leading the way in shaping our brand and in sharing what God is doing at and through Family Christian.”