The DVD release of House (978-1-400-31525-3, $29.99), the movie version of the thriller by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker, comes with its own Christian retail cover, in an effort to reassure retailers and consumers who may be concerned by its R rating.

The restricted viewing tag from the Motion Picture Association of America disappointed the makers on its theatrical release last fall. They feared that the R—given for “some violence and terror”—might limit the movie’s audience, especially among Dekker’s strong teen following for his writing.

The dramatization of an unlikely South African evangelist’s remarkable ministry arrives on DVD this month.

Available April 7, Faith Like Potatoes (0-43396-29254-3, $29.95) tells the story of farmer Angus Buchan—described by South African media as “a folksy version of Billy Graham”—who overcame major losses to see a physical and spiritual harvest, spreading a message of racial reconciliation and hope in Christ.

Rated PG, the 113-minute drama is based on the similarly titled book published by Monarch Books. Released in theaters in South Africa in 2006, the film became one of the top five grossing domestic movies of all time there and won several film festival awards.

Directed by award-winning actor Regardt van der Bergh, the movie traces how Buchan fled Zambia’s political unrest to start a new life in South Africa. Overcoming huge challenges, he established a successful farm in the country’s Midland hills.

On becoming Christians, Buchan and his wife founded a ministry to care for widows and orphans and also manage a primary school with almost 200 students. The Buchans named their farm Shalom, and he now speaks to crowds of tens of thousands at evangelistic meetings.

The book and film take their name from an incident when, despite forecasts of drought, Buchan planted potatoes—a crop requiring large amounts of water—because he believed he had been directed by God to do so. The resulting harvest became a symbol of God’s faithfulness.

To help North American viewers comprehend the sometimes-strong South African accents, the DVD includes subtitles. In addition, it features a 54-minute documentary on the real-life Buchan, God’s Farmer, which was due to be aired on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Although the film is not being released to U.S. theaters, it is being made available to churches for licensed screenings.

Previewed on the general market edition of Fireproof, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment’s Faith Like Potatoes is distributed by Provident-Integrity Distribution.

To order, click here or call 800-333-9000.

A squishy-texture gel pack that simulates waves will add an additional dimension to children’s learning about Noah’s faith and obe-dience in How Noah Knew What to Do (978-1-400-31441-6, $12.99). This novelty hardcover book by Karen Ann Moore will be re-leased by Thomas Nelson in May.

The book has changed noticeably since the company first published it as a hardcover edition in 2000, said Laura Minchew, vice president and publisher for Thomas Nelson’s specialty division. The book has been edited, revamped, refreshed in text and given a new format that will invite kids ages 4 to 8 to get their hands into the story as they listen or read along with a parent, teacher or older sibling.

Suspense, supernatural happenings and likable characters are the winning ingredients in Bill Myers’ latest tween series, “The Elijah Project.” Zonderkidz will release the first four books in May.

On the Run (978-0-310-71193-3), The Enemy Closes In (-4-0), Trapped by Shadows (-5-7) and The Chamber of Lies (-6-4) are geared for 9- to12-year-olds, a group that is showing increased interest in reading good books.

Joel and Victoria Osteen, pastors of Lakewood Church in Houston, contributed notes and encouragement for the new Hope for Today Bible, which released last month from Simon & Schuster imprint Free Press. The Bible, published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the church, features the text of the New Living Translation along with Hope for Today messages and HopePoints from the Osteens. It is available in hardcover for $34.99 or embossed leather for $59.99.

Hendrickson Publishers is releasing the Hendrickson my-iBible KJV Voice Only and the Hendrickson my-iBible NASB Voice Only audio Bibles this month. Each portable listening device comes loaded with either the King James Version or New American Standard Bible read by Stephen Johnston. Features include book, chapter or segment repeats for memorization, a wall plug for recharging and headphones. The Bibles are available for $79.95 each.

Men are the target group of MANual, releasing from Zondervan this month. Including the full text of the New International Version (NIV), the Bible’s features include 100 “Myth” articles about lies men are told, 200 “Downshift” notes that include questions and reflections for personal or group study, 50 factoid profiles of men in the Bible, 200 “Knowing God” call-outs highlighting attributes of God, 300 “At Issue” notes on life topics such as money, sex and pride, book introductions, a topical index and articles to help men further their study. The Bible is available in softcover for $26.99, hardcover for $36.99 and chocolate/dark caramel Italian Duo-Tone for $59.99.

A large print version of the Life Application Study Bible in the New Living Translation, Second Edition, will release next month from Tyndale House Publishers. The Bible will include features of the popular Life Application Study Bible such as nearly 10,000 notes, 200 thumbnail maps and character profiles in large print. The Bible will release in hardcover for $39.99, hardcover indexed for $59.99, brown/tan leatherlike for $79.99, black or burgundy bonded leather for $79.99, and black or burgundy bonded leather indexed for $89.99.

Zondervan is targeting female Bible readers with the release of True Identity: The Bible for Women this month. The Bible contains the full text of the NIV along with 100 “Myth” articles confronting lies about women, 30 “Ask Me Anything” notes that profile women in the Bible, 200 “Conversations” notes that include questions for personal or group study, 200 “He Is” callouts highlighting the attributes of God and how they affect a woman’s identity, 300 “At Issue” notes on life topics such as money, sex and pride, book introductions, a topical index and articles on subjects like mentoring, developing a consistent quiet time and Bible reading plans. True Identity: The Bible for Women is available in softcover for $24.99, hardcover for $36.99 and violet/melon green Italian Duo-Tone for $59.99.

Evangelist and author Perry Stone (The Meal That Heals) offers life lessons from the Jewish people in his new book, Breaking the Jewish Code (978-1-599-79467-9, $21.99, Charisma House), which released April 1.

Stone, who frequently teaches on ancient prophecies in his TV appearances, identifies what he calls “the Jewish DNA of Success,” which has helped the Jewish people excel in such areas as family, health, creativity and wealth. The codes Stone lists include topics such as the Jewish Covenant, the importance of the firstborn child and the significance of children’s names.

“It is my desire that unlocking these twelve Jewish codes will reveal fresh insight and practical illumination that will enlighten Gentile believers’ understanding of the divine revelations God gave to the Jewish people,” Stone writes in the book’s introduction. “Many aspects of the Torah Code can provide important instruction for practical, daily living, including keys to wealth, health, celebrating life cycles, and raising successful and gifted children.”

To help readers understand Jewish phrases, a glossary of important Jewish terms is included.

Stone, who has authored more than 40 books and booklets and produced more than 100 videos, will support the book’s release through his TV show Manna-Fest, which is seen weekly around the world.