GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan, August 10, 2008—Zonderkidz, the children’s division of Zondervan, today announces three new additions to its I Can Read!™ series, with the release of the four-book Ali Cat Series and four-book Owl and Otter Series, which will be available in stores Nov. 1, 2008. Two books in the Desert Critters Series will also be available in stores this November.

Since 1957, the popular HarperCollins I Can Read!™ books have sold more than 60 million copies, combining an easy-to-read format with an affordable price point of $3.99.

“The Zonderkidz I Can Read!™ books are an inexpensive way for families and educators to help children build their beginner reading skills, while still communicating valuable spiritual lessons early in their lives,” said Annette Bourland, Vice President and Publisher of Zonderkidz. “The Zonderkidz I Can Read!™ books have been very well-received. We have had successful sales since our launch of the faith-based titles in July 2007.”

The new Ali Cat Series by renowned children’s author Dandi Daley Mackall and illustrated by Janet McDonnell releases on November 1, 2008. The series is composed of Level 1 I Can Read!™ books, intended for children ages 4-7. The storyline follows Katy, a young girl who discovers and adopts a stray kitten named Alison J. Cat (a.k.a. Ali Cat). However, Katy’s new cat has much to give back in return, teaching her important lessons about God’s love and protection.

Throughout the series, Katy learns important life lessons, including teachings on responsibility in Ali Cat Finds a Home, insight into security and confidence in God’s love in Ali Cat Is a Scaredy-Cat, the real meaning of the winter holiday’s in An Ali Cat Christmas, and the importance of what’s inside rather than outward appearances in Just Ali Cat.

The new Zonderkidz I Can Read!™ Level 1 Owl and Otter Series written by Crystal Bowman and illustrated by Kevin Zimmer begins when best friends Otter and Owl make a sailboat that can’t sail. They eventually learn that they don’t have the power to do everything, but can rely on God in Otter and Owl Set Sail. In Otter and Owl and the Big Ah-choo!, readers learn about friendship; Otter and Owl's Helpful Hike focuses on kindness and caring for God’s creatures, while forgiveness is the theme of Otter and Owl Say I'm Sorry.

Bowman also has two new books in the now six-book The Jake Series, with Jake Learns to Share (ISBN: 978-0-310-71679-2) and Jake’s New Friend (ISBN: 978-0-310-71678-5) releasing in November 2008.

Zonderkidz is also releasing two new books this fall in the I Can Read!™ / Desert Critters Series by Mona Hodgson with illustrations by Milena Jahier. In The Best Breakfast intended for Level 2 readers, children meet Peck, a chubby desert quail who learns by having his friends over for breakfast that God made everyone different on purpose, and that friendship is the very best thing to share! Thank You God for Rain, also intended for Level 2 readers, reminds children to be grateful for even the simplest things through a story about a variety of desert critters—from owls, wrens, and roadrunners to jackrabbits, lizards, and crickets—who all have reason to be thankful for a cool summer rain.

Other recent I Can Read!™ series releases include the four-book Mrs. Posey series by Robin Jones Gunn (May 2008) and the four-book Howie Series by Sara Henderson (May 2008).

About the Zonderkidz I Can Read!™ Authors:

Dandi Daley Mackall still can’t believe she gets to write for a living, helping children of all ages grow spiritually. A professional writer for over 20 years, she has written dozens of articles for popular magazines and published around 400 books for children and adults alike, with sales of over 4 million. A frequent guest on radio and television talk shows, she lives in rural Ohio with her husband, three children, horses, dogs and cats.

Crystal Bowman likes using rhyming words in her stories and poems. When she was ten years old, her favorite book was a collection of funny poems which she still has to this day. Besides writing stories, poems and rhyming words, Crystal enjoys spending time with her husband and grown children, going for long walks, and eating ice cream. They divide their time between Michigan and Florida.

Mona Hodgson is the author of more than twenty-two children’s books. In addition to writing and speaking, Mona likes to hike Arizona, travel to Africa, and read mysteries and love stories. She lives in central Arizona.

Robin Jones Gunn has more than 3.5 million books sold worldwide. Robin loves to travel and often speaks locally and internationally. She and her husband live near Portland, Oregon, where the view outside her window is green all year round.

Sara Henderson lives in Minnesota and has spent over 25 years keeping up with her elementary students. Now she also spends her time keeping up with Howie, the biggest kid she knows.

All four I Can Read!™ / Ali Cat Series books by Dandi Daley Mackall with illustrations by Janet McDonnell will be available in softcover at retailers nationwide in November 2008 for $3.99. The titles are:

Just Ali Cat (ISBN: 978-0-310-71701-0)
An Ali Cat Christmas (ISBN: 978-0-310-71703-4)
Ali Cat Is a Scaredy-Cat (ISBN: 978-0-310-71702-7)
Ali Cat Finds a Home (ISBN: 978-0-310-71700-3)

All four I Can Read!™ / Otter and Owl Series books by Crystal Bowman with illustrations by Kevin Zimmer will be available in softcover at retailers nationwide in November 2008 for $3.99. The titles are:
Otter and Owl Set Sail (ISBN: 978-0-310-71704-1)
Otter and Owl and the Big Ah-choo! (ISBN: 978-0-310-71705-8)
Otter and Owl's Helpful Hike (ISBN: 978-0-310-71706-5)
Otter and Owl Say I'm Sorry (ISBN: 978-0-310-71707-2)

Two I Can Read!™ / Desert Critters Series books by Mona Hodgson with illustrations by Milena Jahie will be available in softcover at retailers nationwide in November 2008 for $3.99. The titles are:
The Best Breakfast (ISBN 978-0-310-71740-9)
Thank You God for Rain (ISBN: 978-0-310-71741-6)

About the Zonderkidz I Can Read!™ Levels:
My First SHARED READING-Basic Language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with your emergent reader.
Level 1 BEGINNING READING-Short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts for children eager to read on their own.
Level 2 READING WITH HELP-Engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play for developing readers.
Level 3 READING ALONE-Complex plots, challenging vocabulary, and high-interest topics for the independent reader.
Level 4 ADVANCED READING-Short paragraphs, chapters, and exciting themes for the perfect bridge to chapter books.

For more faith-based I Can Read!™ titles, visit www.zonderkidz.com