About Us

Share a book with a child and share a moment of love.

For years, this statement adorned the back cover of every children’s book we published. And it’s a sentiment that still drives our editorial vision. We strive to publish books for children that inspire and entertain—and teach a thing or two. We want our books to be those that a child turns to again and again as he or she climbs into a loved one’s lap, huddles on the floor with a friend or sibling, or takes a solo flight of fancy.

Ideals Publications publishes 20 to 25 new children’s titles a year, primarily for two- to eight-year-olds. Our backlist includes more than 400 titles, and we publish picture books, activity books, board books, and novelty and sound books covering a wide array of topics, such as Bible stories, holidays, early learning, history, family relationships, and values. Our bestselling titles include The Story of Christmas, The Story of Easter, Seaman’s Journal, How Do I Love You ?, My Daddy and I, and The Story of Jesus. Through our dedication to publishing high-quality and engaging books, we never forget our obligation to our littlest readers to help create those special moments with books.

The history of the company begins not with our children’s books but with a magazine named Ideals, which continues today. In the early 1940s, Van B. Hooper began adding bits of poetry, prose, quotations, and art to the company publication he edited for the Louis Allis Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Interest in the publication grew, with requests for it coming in from outside the company and industry. In response to the demand, in 1944, Mr. Hooper launched Ideals magazine with the first Christmas issue. By the 1960s, Ideals had branched out and was publishing children’s books as well. Like the magazine, the books centered around family, home, holidays, and God. One of the best-loved early titles is Jolly Old Santa Claus, which has been published in a variety of formats over the years, all featuring the stunning artwork of George Hinke. Another early favorite is The Littlest Angel, the story of an unruly young angel in heaven who must determine what to give to Baby Jesus.

In 2000, Ideals was acquired by Guideposts, America’s leader in inspirational publishing. Guideposts, a nonprofit organization, touches millions of lives every day through products and services that inspire, encourage, and uplift. Through magazines, books, websites, a prayer network, and outreach programs, Guideposts helps people connect their faith-filled values to their daily lives. The flagship title, Guideposts, has a paid circulation of 2 million. Guideposts.org offers inspiration through stories from everyday people, celebrities and experts, blogs, photos, and videos, as well as a library of free eBooks. The Guideposts family also includes Ellie Claire Gift & Paper Expressions, the parent company of popular Christian book publisher Summerside Press. To learn more visit www.guideposts.org/about or www.guidepostsfoundation.org

Thank you for stopping by our website and learning a little more about Ideals and Guideposts.