EXTON, PA — Actor David Henrie and his wife, Maria Henrie, are moving into children’s publishing with a Scripture-based picture book due Nov. 10 from Exton-based Ascension, extending their faith-focused work into a market aimed at families with young children.
“Is God Bigger Than a Dragon?” is the couple’s first children’s book and is intended for children ages 3 to 7. Ascension has opened preorders ahead of the November release.
The book grew out of questions the Henries’ young son asked about the size of God. Its story follows a boy and his father as they compare God’s greatness with increasingly large concepts, including dragons, dinosaurs, roller coasters and heaven.
The rhyming narrative incorporates Scripture throughout the book, with Bible verses included on its pages. Ascension is also providing a free downloadable Bible study guide designed to help families continue discussions prompted by the story.
“As a parent, there’s two very separate things: there’s story time and then there’s Bible time,” David Henrie said. “This book brings both of those together.”
Henrie is best known for playing Justin Russo on Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place.” Maria Henrie, who married David in 2017, was crowned Miss Delaware in 2011.
The project gives Ascension another celebrity-linked entry in its religious publishing business. The Exton company is also the publisher behind “The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz),” a podcast built around daily Scripture readings and commentary.
Illustrator Adam Gustavson created the artwork for the hardcover book. His work has appeared in more than 30 children’s books, and he is a professor at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey.
Actor Jonathan Roumie of “The Chosen” endorsed the book, describing it as a family-centered story that introduces children to Scripture and “the enormity of God’s love for them.”
“Is God Bigger Than a Dragon?” is available for preorder at www.AscensionPress.com/Bigger, with publication scheduled for Nov. 10, 2026.
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