Crown Books for Young Readers/Random House Children’s Books is adding to its line with a book about faith: Lord Help Me, written by Emme Muñiz—the 12-year-old daughter of singers Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony. Inspiration for the book came from Muniz’s concern for endangered animal species, and it will feature “ordinary moments when Emme asks God for help—some small like waking up for school or getting along with a sibling, and others big, like helping to save the planet and all its creatures,” according to the publisher. Madrid-based artist Brenda Figureroa will illustrate the book, which is slated for publication in English and Spanish on September 29.

V-p and publisher for Crown Books for Young Readers Emily Easton, who is editing Lord Help Me, tells PW that the book will help meet the needs of readers amid the global Covid-19 pandemic, and that she connected with its message “right away.”

"I had been looking for a simple book about faith for young readers, and Emme's very personal story about the positive impact prayer has had on her daily life was straight from the heart,” Easton says. “I believe Emme's book will inspire families to bring prayer into their own lives and find moments of calm and reflection even in these very challenging times."

Crown’s v-p of marketing, licensed, and proprietary brands Kerri Benvenuto, agrees, telling PW: "Today, more than ever, family, faith, and power of prayer resonates with families and kids in particular.”

Marketing and publicity for Lord Help Me will include targeted nationwide outreach to faith-based audiences via Christian media, influencer, and social media campaigns, according to the publisher. In addition to ad placement geared toward the spiritual or faith-based content consumer, Crown is focusing on partnerships with Christian mommy bloggers and dedicating outreach to parochial educators and librarians. Lastly, the publisher will work with Muñiz’s team on a direct marketing campaign to her Christian network.

And announcing news of the book to her over six million followers on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, Jennifer Lopez wrote: “So proud of my lil coconut Emme, as she shares her own daily prayers in her very first book LORD HELP ME! This book will offer families a way to embrace the peace and power of everyday faith.”