Two longstanding favorite children’s Bible storybooks are being united in a new volume intended to bring Jesus close to kids of a new generation. Classic Bible Storybook (978-1-414-30769-5, $12.99), a collection of stories from two of Kenneth N. Taylor’s previous Bible storybooks, will be published in March by Tyndale Kids.
The Living Bible Storybook, published in 1970, and Taylor’s Bible Storybook, published in 1973—with more than 341,000 copies in print between the two, though no longer available—were culled for the 120 stories in the new book.

John Carter Cash’s story honors ‘beautiful bond’ of mother and child

John Carter Cash, son of music legends Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, sees his first children’s book, Momma Loves Her Little Son (978-1-416-95912-0), published next month. Little Simon Inspirations, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, is releasing the hardcover picture book for kids ages 4-8.

The story revolves around the loving words Cash’s mother spoke to him as a young child, telling a sweet love story about the relationship between mom and child.

Pirates sail the big blue sea, encounter unfriendly sailors and pursue treasure to explain a message of love for God and others in Victoria Osteen’s new picture book, Unexpected Treasures (978-1-416-95550-4, $16.99). Little Simon Inspirations, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, publishes the picture book for children aged 3 to 7 this month.

The main characters in the story, “Captain” Jon and “First Mate” Sue, encounter a pair of quarreling pirates. Extending friendship, Jon and Sue invite the two aboard, sharing their food and treasures with the grumpy guys. The pirate pair offer their treasure map in exchange, and finding the jewels and gold, discover that real treasure is more than glittering possessions.

Conversation-starter tackles range of weighty topics with a light touch

Crossway Books & Bibles aims to cater to the boundless appetite tweens have for facts and information with What Does the Bible Say About That? by Carolyn Larsen (978-1-433-50213-2, softcover, $15.99). Releasing Jan. 31, this compendium of facts about the Bible’s teaching—on everything from anger to movies, boredom to divorce—can provide conversation-starters for adults and relevant reading for youngsters.

Larsen notes in the book’s introduction that what’s inside “is not just a bunch of ‘do this and don’t do that’ lists. It’s the story of God’s love for you and how His Spirit living in you will guide, protect, love, forgive, and love you again.”

'Lifestyle of today’s family’ is at the heart of new product’s development

Rushed families who want to connect with their children have a new resource in Mary Manz Simon’s The Anytime Bible (978-0-439-65127-1), to be published by Scholastic in partnership with the American Bible Society in January. The 320-page book with an interior spiral binding will retail for $14.99.

Simon said she created this Bible product to give families who are always on the go a resource that allows them to share the Bible with their children, whether at the kitchen table, in the car or at bedtime.

After numerous books in “The Power of a Praying … ” series for youth and adults, best-selling author Stormie Omartian has produced a lively and instructional picture book for kids. The Prayer That Makes God Smile (978-0-736-92314-9, $15.99) will release from Harvest House Publishers on Jan. 1.

With a vivacious writing style complemented by the bright artwork of Shari Warren, Omartian assures children ages 4 through 8 that God loves them and that He shows it in many ways—through their families, and by providing for them and listening to their needs, cries and desires. Warren also illustrated Omartian’s 2007 Harvest House picture book, What Happens When I Talk to God?