Billboard-charting singer-songwriter, podcaster, and mother of two JJ Heller gives language to everything a parent feels, hopes, and dreams for their child in her heartwarming read-aloud picture book HAND TO HOLD (7/20/21, WaterBrook). Illustrated by Alyssa Petersen and expanding on the lyrics of Heller’s beloved lullaby “Hand to Hold” (10 million streams and 875k YouTube views), this tender and memorable story is an opportunity for parents to bless their children and reassure them of their boundless love and God’s faithful presence.

Fans of Heller’s contemporary lullabies and other young families will delight in snuggling up together with this sweet bedtime read. As they close out their nighttime routines, little hearts will be anchored in the promise that their parents’ love will hold steady through every season of life.

Heller writes, “If you’re anything like me, you might have a hard time telling your children exactly how you feel about them, and that’s why I wrote this book. It gives language to our love.”

Heller is available for interviews and can speak about:

• the inspiration behind the song “Hand to Hold” and turning it into a book
• tips for loving and supporting your kids well (e.g., prayer, empathy, listening, guidance)
• the tension of parenting—equipping and letting go as little ones grow into adults
• how writers can give language to thoughts and emotions that are often hard to express
• embracing and finding inspiration in your child’s sense of wonder
• her musical journey; how the road blocks helped her find her voice
• the millions of listeners who have resonated with her songwriting, including foster and adoptive families and families who have children with disabilities
• how a reality show contestant catapulted her into the public eye

For more information, visit www.waterbrookmultnomah.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

JJ Heller is known for crafting hopeful and contemplative songs of peace for the child inside all of us. Her songs and lullabies are heard by millions of listeners every month, and she's donated over 100,000 copies of her album I Dream of You to hospitals and families of young children. Heller lives in the Nashville area with her husband and two daughters. For more information, visit www.jjheller.com.

@jjhellermusic (48.3k)    facebook.com/jjhellermusic (195k)  @jjheller (12.5k)

Alyssa Petersen has worked in both the animation and illustration industries. She currently enjoys being a full-time mom and working as a freelance illustrator during naptime and after the kids go to bed. She lives in Texas with her husband and two children.

ADDITIONAL PRAISE FOR HAND TO HOLD

“JJ Heller’s words and songs are a big part of our family’s bedtime routines with our children. Now JJ brings her soothing words and rhythmic experience to this beautiful, special children’s book. My children and I love Hand to Hold so very much. The promise of constant support and a soft place to land is just the message they need.”

—Emily Ley, founder and CEO at Simplified

“This dream of a book will enchant and encourage every reader young and old. It’s a beautiful reminder of how comforting and encouraging it can be to have a hand to hold.” 

—Brad Montague, New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, creator of Kid President 

“JJ Heller has used her gift of words to create a gift for all of us. This is the kind of book I search the shelves for because it is full of the messages I have tucked away in my heart for my children. A book to read night after night!”

—Heather Avis, narrative shifter and author of Different—A Great Thing to Be!

“So warm and lovely! With her characteristic profound simplicity, JJ Heller has written both a delightful read-along and a memorable blessing from mother to child.”

—Randall Goodgame, creator of Slugs & Bugs music, books, and TV show

“JJ Heller’s ethereal songwriting translates beautifully to the page in this lovely little book. It’s sure to become a bedtime favorite.”

—Amanda Bible Williams, cofounder of She Reads Truth

For more info on JJ Heller, visit the JFH Artists Database.

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