Publisher Profile: InterVarsity Press (IVP) / IVP Kids
The CBC asks Terumi Echols, President and Publisher, questions about the publisher.
How did your publishing house start out?
InterVarsity Press (IVP) began as a small service branch of the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA campus ministry just before World War II, until it was officially established as a book publisher in 1947. IVP Kids, an imprint of IVP, launched in 2021 with its first title, Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver, written and illustrated by Ned Bustard.
What is your publishing house most known for?
IVP Kids has a commitment to the themes of justice, spiritual formation, and discipleship (among others)—key pillars of IVP for over seventy-five years. Our children’s books explore these themes in ways that are accessible and engaging for young readers. This line serves as a vital tool for parents who wish to nurture their children’s understanding of Christian identity, their role in God’s kingdom, and their potential to influence culture.
Where in the country is your house based? What do you love about being based there?
Our main office is located in Lisle, Illinois, but our team of over seventy members is spread across the United States, from Washington to South Dakota to Florida. While many of us are based in the Chicago area, being near a major airport in Lisle is advantageous. It facilitates gatherings for our entire staff several times a year, enabling us to reconnect with our mission and strategize for the future of the press. We appreciate the convenience and the sense of community it fosters among our dispersed team.
What conventions and conferences does your publishing house usually attend?
IVP will participate in nearly twenty conventions and conferences this year. These are carefully selected events that align with our goals of amplifying voices of color and engaging with diverse audiences. Some of the notable conferences where IVP will have a presence include the Gospel Coalition Conference, the American Association of Christian Counselors, the E. K. Bailey Preaching Conference, and Jude 3’s Courageous Conversations. Additionally, our IVP Kids imprint will be represented at events such as KidzMatter and Teach Them Diligently, among others.
What are some of your house’s publishing priorities over the next few years?
Over the next few years, IVP has set several strategic priorities, including expanding our digital infrastructure and growing our publishing program. A significant new endeavor is our move into Spanish-language publishing. Additionally, from July 2024 to May 2029, we will develop a range of resources for families as part of the Lilly initiative. Earlier this year, IVP was awarded a $1.25 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative. With this grant, IVP has the unique opportunity to create and develop an array of resources, from multimedia content to a comprehensive resource hub aimed at nurturing the faith of families, children, and future generations.
Which title has your house recently rallied behind?
Zion Learns to See: Opening Our Eyes to Homelessness, written by Terence Lester and his teen daughter, Zion, is just one example of an IVP book—and young author—that can change the culture one community at a time. Inspired by real events, this book allows kids and adults to learn with Zion about people experiencing homelessness and see how she is moved to respond as she recognizes that all people are valued by God. This fall, IVP will support Terence and Zion’s initiative to establish Zion’s Closets in schools located in underserved areas. These closets will provide clothing and hygiene items to students who may not have ready access to such essentials.
Which upcoming titles is your house buzzing about?
Birth of the Chosen One: A First Nations Retelling of the Christmas Story is going to be one of the most unique children’s books on the market. In 2021, we published the First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament by Terry Wildman, which embraces the beauty and rich tradition of Native storytellers in English, while remaining faithful to the original language of the Bible. Now Wildman tells the story of the birth of Jesus for IVP Kids in the same Native language. Including illustrations from Native artists Hannah and Holly Buchanan, Birth of the Chosen One is a beautiful way to honor the indigenous culture and experience the story of Jesus in a fresh way.
Name a few of your favorite backlist titles that people should check out.
Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit by Esau McCaulley, illustrated by LaTonya Jackson. This award-winning book beautifully depicts the diversity of God’s kingdom, offering a vibrant and spiritual narrative that engages young readers in understanding the Holy Spirit’s role in a richly diverse world.
God, Right Here by Kara Lawler, illustrated by Jennie Poh, celebrates the beauty of God’s creation and the changing seasons. As a winner of two children’s book awards, this book shows how God’s handiwork and presence are constant and everywhere, no matter the time of year.
Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver, Saint Patrick the Forgiver, and Saint Valentine the Kindhearted, all three by Ned Bustard, dive into the lives of three familiar saints, offering a historical and child-friendly perspective on the holidays associated with each. Ned Bustard’s award-winning illustrations and storytelling bring these figures to life in a way that resonates with children and teaches them the deeper meanings behind these celebrations.
Each of these titles not only entertains but also educates, making them invaluable resources for both young readers and their parents.
Thank you, IVP Kids!
