Kim Gravel, best-selling author, entrepreneur, and television personality, imagined a story that would become part of a family’s holiday traditions. A book to be shared, cherished, and read together each Christmas. That idea became Maribelle and the Manger, a beautifully illustrated children’s book filled with seasonal warmth and wonder.
To bring this vision to life, Kim partnered with illustrator Amanda Lenz and Jenkins Group for a full-service publishing journey. The result is a polished, professional children’s book printed in 10,000 high-quality copies and designed to be enjoyed year after year.
A Holiday Story to Treasure
At the heart of Maribelle and the Manger is a message of joy, kindness, and the true spirit of the season. The story follows five woodland friends as they journey under a star-filled night sky in search of the manger, discovering the power of courage, unity, and hope along the way.
Amanda’s enchanting illustrations pair seamlessly with Kim’s heartfelt storytelling, inviting children and families into a world filled with meaning and holiday magic. With a message that resonates across generations, this story is well-suited for all ages and will quickly become part of your holiday tradition.
Jenkins Group’s publishing expertise ensured that every detail, from the words on the page to the final printed copies, was crafted with care and intention for lasting impact.
The Project Scope
Here’s how Jenkins Group supported Kim Gravel in transforming Maribelle and the Manger into a finished children’s book:
Registrations & Copyright Services – Securing the book’s protections to ensure it was ready for the marketplace.
Content Editing, Line Editing & Proofreading – Reviewing and refining the story for clarity, flow, and overall content while preserving Kim’s unique voice.
Interior Design & Layout – Creating a layout that blends readability with Amanda’s artwork for an engaging reader experience.
Cover Design – Designing a festive, inviting cover that reflects the warmth of the story.
Illustrations – Partnering with Amanda Lenz to produce whimsical, heartfelt art that brings Maribelle’s journey to life.
High-Quality Printing – Delivering 10,000 vibrant copies, designed to last on bookshelves for years to come.
Partnering with Jenkins Group for Impact
From manuscript to market, Jenkins Group guided the project every step of the way. With our full-service publishing model, Kim was able to focus on her story and vision while knowing that content editing, design, illustration, and large-scale production were handled with expertise.
The result is Maribelle and the Manger—a holiday book that families will read, gift, and treasure for generations.
Where to Buy Maribelle and the Manger
This holiday season, Maribelle and the Manger reached new audiences when Kim Gravel shared the story during a featured segment on QVC. From there, it found its way into homes across the country as families this magical Christmas book .
To learn more about Maribelle and the Manger or to purchase your own book, visit maribelleandthemanger.com.
Ready to Share Your Story?
Whether you’re inspired to write a seasonal children’s book like Maribelle and the Manger or a story of your own, Jenkins Group can help bring it to life.
With our white-glove publishing approach, you are supported at every stage. From shaping your idea and refining content to illustration, design, and large-scale printing, we take care of the details so your book shines.
Let’s turn your vision into a story the world can hold.
