New Releases by Amy Parker

Sweet, simple bedtime blessings that encourage thoughtful gratitude for life''s daily gifts and wonders. Before going to bed, this warm, gentle board book instills the routine of reflecting on one''s daily blessings. With its padded covers and intimate size that''s perfect for small hands, parents and little ones will love snuggling up together as they cherish special moments from their day.

Linked stories exploring the dark heart of the American family: “Electrifying, daring . . . sure to appeal to fans of Karen Russell and Lorrie Moore ” (Booklist, starred review). A St. Louis Post-Dispatch Best Book of the Year The Bowmans are declining Texas gentry, heirs to an airline fortune, surrounded by a patriarch’s stuffed trophies and lost dreams. They will each be haunted by the past as they strive to escape its force. The Fosters are diplomats’ kids who might as well be orphans. Jill and Maizie grow up privileged amid poverty, powerless to change the lives of those around them and uncertain whether they have the ability to change their own. The Guzmans have moved between Colombia and the United States, each generation seeking opportunity for the next, only to find that the American dream can be as crushing as it is elusive. From the tense territory of a sagging, grand porch in Texas to a gated community in Thailand to a lonely apartment in nondescript suburbia, these wry, dark stories unwind the lives of three families as they navigate the ever-shifting landscapes of the American middle class. “No one is safe, Parker reminds us, especially within the family circle—but one’s chosen family can also offer salvation. . . . The stories, like the mounted heads in the Bowmans’ trophy room, rivet the gaze, demand that readers recognize themselves in those glassy eyes—and then become disconcertingly alive.” —The New York Times Book Review

¿Qué pasaría si el amor de Dios fuera como el sol —constante e invariable? ¿Qué sucedería si un día te dieras cuenta de que nada podría quitártelo? Aveluz es un pequeño pajarillo de brillante color anaranjado al que le encanta la luz del sol. Pero cuando llega una tormenta, se angustia y le pregunta a su mamá por qué Dios permite que la lluvia les quite el sol. Cuando finalmente Aveluz ha crecido lo suficiente, su mamá le indica con paciencia que vuele hacia arriba, atravesando truenos y rayos, para ver lo que hay del otro lado. Para Aveluz es un vuelo muy difícil, pero justo cuando está a punto de darse por vencido, vuela por arriba de la tormenta y descubre que el sol seguía brillando como siempre.Aveluz es un libro infantil que imita la vida de Samantha Crawford, una artista de libros de cuentos representada en la película de inspiración Incondicional, quien perdió de vista el amor de Dios y volvió a descubrirlo. What if God’s love were like the sun, constant and unchanging? What if one day you realized nothing could take that away? Firebird is a bright orange baby Oriole who just loves the sunshine. But whenever a storm blows in, he frets and asks Mama why God allows the rain to take the sun away. When Firebird is finally old enough, his mother gently instructs him to fly up through the thunder and lightning to see what’s on the other side. It’s a rough flight and just when he’s about to give up, Firebird rises above the storm to discover the sun shining where it always had been. Firebird is a children’s book that parallels the life of Samantha Crawford, a storybook artist in the inspirational film Unconditional, who lost sight of God’s love and discovered it again.

What''s Your Strategy? As kids grow, their prayer lives need to grow too—but how? Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick offer a strategy that kids can use to figure out how prayer works and just how powerful it is. Lots of great explanation is combined with fun activities, illustrations, and journaling prompts to get kids thinking and praying. This companion book to the movie War Room contains 32 perforated journal pages kids can use to write specific prayers and then post them on the walls in their prayer room—just like the characters in the movie. Topics include: What is prayer? Why should I pray? Where do I pray? Is there a wrong way to pray? What should I pray for? Does God really hear me?

The Plans I Have for YOU! combines playful rhyming text written by bestselling children’s book author Amy Parker with whimsical illustrations by award-winning artist Vanessa Brantley-Newton to create a book that inspires readers of all ages to dream about their future. God has great plans for each and every one of us, and this book encourages children to think about the talents that make them special and will help them imagine how God may use our unique traits to make the world a better place.

These twelve popular Bible stories are perfect for bedtime! FIVE-MINUTE BEDTIME BIBLE STORIES presents twelve of the most popular Bible stories retold in condensed versions to introduce children to the Bible. The large font size and colorful illustrations on every page are perfect for young readers! The featured stories tell the tales of the Garden of Eden, Noah''s Ark, Moses, David and Goliath, Esther, Daniel and the lions, the nativity, as well as many well-known New Testament stories. This book has been officially vetted by the American Bible Society. It also includes a soft, padded cover, a ribbon bookmark, and foil on the cover and spine!HISTORIAS DE LA BIBLIA PARA ANTES DE DORMIR ofrece doce famosas historias de la Biblia acortadas para ninos. Las historias cuentan los relatos del Jardin del Eden, el Arca de Noe, David y Goliat, asi como algunos otros que aparecen en el Nuevo Testamento. El texto ha sido revisado y aprobado por la Sociedad Biblica Americana.

Fireproofing Your Life for Teens is the follow up to the award winning title Courageous Teens f by Michael Catt, senior pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church and executive producer of the hit film Courageous. The popularity of the film Fireproof made one thing certain: we as Christians are continually seeking ways to galvanize our faith against the fires of the world around us. And there is arguably no time in our lives when our faith is more under fire than our teenage years. As young people struggle to learn who they are, they can only forge an indestructible identity by remembering whose they are. Using Bible-based teachings and practical applications, Fireproof Your Life for Teens will walk them through the process of building an invincible, impenetrable faith. And this is not a faith that just shows up on Sunday mornings, but one that reaches deep into their hearts and stretches out to encompass every area of their lives. From decision-making to relationships to money, Michael Catt and Amy Parker will show teens how a fireproof faith and biblical principles play an integral part in every aspect of their day-to-day lives, as well as in shaping their future. We make life so complicated. Trials and temptations will come, but the solution is simple. For every single situation we are going to face, for every decision we are going to make, the answer is there. And it begins and ends with God. Like Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego in that famous fiery furnace, when we learn to stand with God, we can all be fireproof.

“My God won’t let me do that.” These seven words of boundless hope would irreversibly change the life of the teenage boy who spoke them. On April 7, 1994 the life of Frederick Ndabaramiye and his family changed forever as the Rwandan genocide erupted in their homeland. When Frederick faced those same genocidaires a few years later, he noted the machete that hung from the right hand closest to him and wondered if his would soon be added to the layers of dried blood that clung to the blade. Either way, young Frederick knew that he wouldn’t be able to carry out the orders just given to him, to raise that blade against the other passengers of the bus, regardless of the race marked on their identity cards. That bold decision would cause Frederick to lose his hands. But what the killers meant for harm, God intended for good. The cords that bound him served as a tourniquet, saving his life when his hands were hacked away. This new disability eventually fueled Frederick’s passion to show the world that disabilities do not have to stop you from living a life of undeniable purpose. From that passion, the Ubumwe Community Center was born, where "people like me" come to discover their own purposes and abilities despite their circumstances. Through miraculous mercy and divine appointment, Frederick forgives those who harmed him and goes on to fully grasp his God-given mission. In this extraordinary true story of forgiveness, faith, and hope, you will be challenged, convicted, and forever converted to a believer of the impossible.

Cuddle up with your little one and share a mother''s love with this heartwarming story from bestselling author Amy Parker of the Night Night series. With sweet rhymes and adorable panda bear illustrations, Thank You, God, for Mommy encourages little ones to treasure God’s special gift of mothers and say thank you for hugs and cuddles, patience and encouragement, guidance and love. This charming board book will delight mother and child with its simple and grateful story. Thank You, God, for Mommy? helps children, ages 0 to 4, express gratitude for their mother;? is perfect for read-aloud story time and bedtime routines; and? makes a touching and budget-friendly Mother’s Day gift or mom’s birthday gift from kids.? Don''t miss the rest of the Thank You, God series: Thank You, God, for Daddy Thank You, God, for Grandpa? Thank You, God, for Grandma?

This sweet book celebrates all the ways dad cares for his little one and encourages children to show gratitude and appreciation for their own father. In this adorable rhyming story from bestselling author Amy Parker, a little lion cub thanks God for his wonderful daddy--a daddy who gives big hugs and piggyback rides; who protects, teaches, and plays; and who offers love, guidance, and encouragement. Thank You, God, for Daddy helps children, ages 2 to 5, express gratitude for their father is perfect for read-aloud story time and bedtime routines makes a touching and budget-friendly Father''s Day gift or dad''s birthday gift from kids Don’t miss the other "Thank You" titles: Thank You, God, for Mommy Thank You, God, for Grandpa Thank You, God, for Grandma

Little ones will adore this sweet board book from bestselling author Amy Parker as they thank God for the new life of spring and the Easter season In?An Easter Prayer?your toddler or preschooler will follow an adorable bunny discovering all the surprises that spring brings. Your child will smile at the cheerful rhyming poem and cute animal illustrations; learn that all blessings come from God, especially Jesus; and delight in the basket-shaped board book for ages 0 – 4. Celebrate the colorful renewal of spring and Easter with your kids as your family learns about gratitude for God''s love. This small book will fit perfectly in any Easter basket and makes a sweet baptism or baby shower gift.

Little ones will delight in the wonders of the fall season and learn to be thankful to God for His blessings. Celebrate the abundance of the harvest season through charming illustrations and sweet rhymes that are perfect for young hearts. Families will cuddle up close during the autumn months and enjoy colorful pumpkins, crunching leaves, and crisp breezes in this sweet board book. A Pumpkin Prayer is Perfect for children ages 2 to 5 years old A great gift for Thanksgiving or Halloween A celebration of God’s promises during the harvest season and fall months Look for other titles in Amy Parker’s Time to Pray?series: An Easter Prayer An "I Love You" Prayer A Night Night Prayer A Christmas Prayer And more!

A young boy tosses his Christmas list and makes a new one in which he asks God to help those in need.

What if God’s love were like the sun, constant and unchanging? What if one day you realized nothing could take that away? Firebird is a bright orange baby oriole who just loves the sunshine. But whenever a storm blows in, he frets and asks Mama why God allows the rain to take the sun away. When Firebird is finally old enough, his mother gently instructs him to fly up through the thunder and lightning to see what’s on the other side. It’s a rough flight, and just when he’s about to give up, Firebird rises above the storm to discover the sun shining where it always had been. God never lets the storm take the sun away. With that truth in his heart, Firebird continues to bask in the sunshine, but just as important, he learns to rejoice in the rain. Firebird is a children’s book that parallels the life of Samantha Crawford, a storybook artist in the inspiring new film Unconditional (scheduled for a theatrical launch in fall 2012) who has lost sight of God’s love.

The executive producer of box office hit Courageous introduces students to courageous men and women of the Bible (Abraham, Ruth, Paul, etc.) so that their own faith will be enlivened today.

Children will be reminded that God shows His love in a lot of ways, including rainbows, flowers, and special friends, in this charming addition to Amy Parker’s Time to Pray series featuring a cuddly kitten and a dog. Join two animal best friends as they share the importance of saying “I love you!” and thanking God for His love in sweet rhymes. This board book for children ages 1–5 has adorable cat and dog illustrations by Frank Endersby; celebrates God’s love in everyday things; and makes a great Valentine''s Day present or a holiday, baby shower, or baptism gift. Look for other titles in Amy Parker’s Time to Pray series: An Easter Prayer A Pumpkin Prayer A Night Night Prayer A Christmas Prayer Amy Parker’s children’s books have sold more than a million copies, including two Christian Retailing’s Best award-winning books and the bestselling Night Night series.

Cuddle up with your little ones and count all the blessings God put in their day. This book is a precious way to put your little ones to bed at night and fill their thoughts with the many good things that have filled their day. It’s a great way to teach them gratitude and help them sleep soundly at night. Whether it’s Mommy’s goodnight kisses, Grandpa’s comfy lap, or pancakes stacked THIS high, there are so many blessings to count before bed! Written in rhyme and coupled with adorable illustrations, this follow up book to best-selling Night Night Prayer will be an instant bedtime hit.

Snuggle in this holiday season and offer up A Christmas Prayer. In the tradition of A Night Night Prayer, this precious little child wanders through the house on a snowy Christmas night offering a prayer of thanks and blessing. The child finishes with thanks to God for the greatest Gift of all. Noting all the characters in the Nativity, this lovable little nighttime prayer book has interactive dialogue and soothing rhyme for a child to repeat as they look around their world at Christmastime. Between the soft Christmas glow of the illustrations and the smooth rhythm of the child’s prayer, A Christmas Prayer will make every parent and child want to snuggle up by the tree and offer a prayer of thanks to God for His many Christmas blessings. Meets national education standards.

An easy way to help young boys see God’s promises and how they can rely on His love in their daily lives. The promise verses in this book are selected from the bestselling International Children’s Bible® to offer comfort and encouragement when a boy is feeling afraid, lonely, worried, angry, dissatisfied, discouraged, sad, rebellious, impatient, or sick . . . and when they need reassurance of God’s protection, love, forgiveness, help . . . and that He listens when they pray. It’s a great way for children to hide God’s Word in their hearts. Sample text: Sometimes it’s hard to tell the truth when you feel like you have something to hide. But remember—when it’s hard to be honest: God promises to reward Truth—not Lies! "You must do these things to enjoy life and have many happy days. You must not say evil things. You must not tell lies." Psalms 34:12-13

An easy way to help young girls see God’s promises and how they can rely on His love in their daily lives. The promise verses in this book are selected from the best-selling International Children’s Bible® to offer comfort and encouragement when a girl is feeling afraid, lonely, worried, angry, dissatisfied, discouraged, sad, rebellious, impatient, or sick . . . and when they need reassurance of God’s protection, love, forgiveness, help . . . and that He listens when they pray. It’s a great way for children to hide God’s Word in their hearts. Sample text: Monsters. Spiders. Being alone. Do any of these things make you feel afraid? When you start to feel fear, hold on tight to these words: God promises to take your fear away! "So don’t worry, because I am with you. Don’t be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you. I will support you with my right hand that saves you." Isaiah 41:10

Shhh, it''s time for sleeping, for getting snuggly in my bed. But first, I say my night night prayer and bow my sleepy head. Shh, the puppy''s sleeping, a toy under his chin. When he rouses from his sleep, we''ll play hide-and-seek again. Night night, puppy. This lovable little nighttime prayer book has interactive dialogue for a child to repeat as they look around their world to see the sleeping sun, trees, puppy, baby, etc. The repetition within the text and the reassuring message help little ones calm down and prepare to go to sleep. This bedtime book introduces thanksfulness and prayer in an evening routine. Accompanied by endearing illustrations that depict a cozy bedtime, A Night Night Prayer will quickly become a "read it one more time" book for young children.

Hilarious and educational, Boogers Are Blessings will have your child counting and giggling along with its mischievous host, whose mission is to inform the world of all of the glorious qualities of boogers. This little boy knows the importance of counting his blessings, and he does so-in a way that only little boys can. Along with teaching your child to count from one to ten, he reminds us that each and every piece of God''s creation is wonderful-even the slimy ones.