New Children’s Story Book Penned by Author of Goodnight Moon

(Nashville, Tenn.) Millions of children have been lulled to sleep by one of Margaret Wise Brown’s bedtime classics such as Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny. Wise Brown published more than 100 children’s titles during her career, with more than 20 million titles sold. But the prolific author died unexpectedly in 1952 (at age 42), and many of her unpublished manuscripts, handwritten on onionskin paper, were placed in a cedar trunk where they remained undisturbed in an attic for decades. Though the original manuscripts yellowed through the years, Thomas Nelson is reviving one of Wise Brown’s forgotten stories and combining it with illustrations from Linda Bleck. Margaret Wise Brown’s Moon Shines Down will publish for the first time in November 2008 ($16.99, hard cover, 48 pages, ISBN #: 978-1-4003-1299-3).

Wise Brown based the Moon Shines Down text on the classic New England Sampler prayer, “God Bless the Moon and God Bless Me.” The author’s unique poetic style and original wording yield a rhyming tale that will remind readers of Goodnight Moon’s lullaby rhythm and moon motif. Indeed, Wise Brown often wove themes from one book into the text or illustration of another, and this new classic continues that tradition. The rhyming text calls for God’s blessing on all the world’s children as a brilliantly glowing moon shines over each one. READ MORE »

Rick Shear Promoted To Vice President of Christian Retail Key Account Sales

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today the promotion of Rick Shear to the position of Vice President, Christian Retail Key Account Sales. In his new role, Shear will lead the Christian Retail Key Account team and will be responsible for the cultivation and continued growth of this integral sales channel.

Shear began his career at Thomas Nelson over 20 years ago, working as a Field Sales Representative in Kansas. For the last eight years, he has worked in Key Accounts of the Christian Retail Sales division, most recently working as a Key Account Director.

“Over the last several years our Christian retail key accounts have grown significantly. In order to keep the momentum building in these accounts, we need a strong leader who knows their business and can focus solely on their needs,” said Gary Davidson, Senior Vice President of Christian Retail Sales and Nelson Ministries. “Rick’s extensive experience in publishing and retail has given him a wonderful background for this role. His servant leadership style has made him a favorite with customers and colleagues alike.” READ MORE »

Nashville, TN – “We are all salespeople! Whether we are aware of it or not, we are constantly selling something. Entrepreneurs sharing business opportunities with others, parents persuading their children to adopt the proper values and principles to be successful in life, professionals offering their skills and talents—they are all selling.” This is the main idea in Dr. Camilo Cruz’s new book, Secretos del vendedor más rico del mundo, (Salesman’s Secrets) published by Grupo Nelson.

Selling is not limited to the simple presentation of products, as many believe, but rather it has to do with the way we communicate our ideas, offer our services or introduce our talents and professional skills to others. And though this book is primarily aimed at people involved in sales, it contains universal concepts that are applicable for achieving success in any area of life. READ MORE »

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today that six of their products have been chosen to be finalists for the 2008 Christian Book Awards. The Christian Book Awards are presented annually, since 1978, to the highest quality in Christian publishing in six categories – Bibles, Bible Reference & Study, Christian Life, Fiction, Children & Youth, and Inspiration & Gift. The awards are selected by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) based on excellence in content, literary quality, design, and significance of contribution.

The winner in each category will be announced at the CBA & ECPA Awards Celebration to be held opening night, Sunday, July 13th during the International Christian Retail Show in Orlando, Florida. In addition, one title will be selected from the finalist to receive the top honor, Christian Book of the Year. This award is based on editorial excellence and sales achievement.

The Thomas Nelson finalists are:

• Dad’s Bible: The Father’s Plan, NCV Edited by Robert Wolgemuth- Bibles
• The Word of Promise New Testament Audio Bible, NKJV - Bibles
• Read and Share Bible by Gwen Ellis - Children’s and Youth
• Who Stole My Church? by Gordon MacDonald - Christian Life
• Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin - Fiction
• Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson - Fiction READ MORE »

The Busy Person’s Guide to Permanent Weight Loss by Dr. Melina B. Jampolis

(Nashville, TN) Discovery Network’s FitTV Diet Doctor, Melina Jampolis has evaluated many diets as the host of her hit show. From Weight Watchers and South Beach to Zone, she’s seen it all. But who has time for diets? Between business meetings, rush hour traffic, chasing the kids, or your friend’s dinner party, counting carbs and calories often takes the backseat to hectic days and busy nights, but not anymore thanks to The Busy Person’s Guide to Permanent Weight Loss (ISBN: 978-0-7852-2810-3, May, $14.99). READ MORE »