Contact: Helen Cook, 903-654-0938

EAGLE RIVER, Wis., April 18, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Christian Small Publishers Association has just announced the winning books, within their association, published through their Christian publisher members.

And the winner is . . . With My Rifle by My Side by Kimberly Jo Simac. The book took high honors in the category for children's books for ages 4-8 years. Originally released in July 2010 by Nordskog Publishing, Inc.'s Young Heart Books imprint, the book made its debut at the International Christian Retail Show in St. Louis, MO and seems to still be a topic of interest to many Americans, having been featured on Glenn Beck's syndicated radio talk show and his TV show.

In today's atmosphere of political correctness and leftist idealism, you'll not see many children's books like With My Rifle by My Side by Kimberly Jo Simac. Written for children 8 and younger, the book tells two stories at once: A boy's initiation into rifle safety and hunting; and his awakening to the solemn necessity of firearms for preserving personal and national liberty.

Through this, her fourth children's book, Simac expresses her belief that it is past time for Americans to defend the country that has offered so much to its citizens, beginning with the Second Amendment "Right to Bear Arms." Said Simac: "We have reaped the bountiful harvest that America offers and not sown a single seed. The result is a transformation of America rendering Lady Liberty helpless to defend and protect her people. If America is to persist, we must stop indoctrination contrary to the beliefs passed down to us. It is our duty and responsibility to defend the ideals and principles our Constitution was founded upon and restore the link to our heritage. With My Rifle by My Side teaches children that both honor and responsibility come with the ownership and handling of guns."

Publisher Gerald Christian Nordskog said of With My Rifle by My Side, "How will American children achieve greatness if no one instills such attributes as courage, integrity, and honesty in their hearts and minds? This book will inspire children to take their place as the future leaders of our nation. It is intended to motivate youngsters to know their gun as companion and defender."

In addition to author, Simac is a wife, mother, grandmother, talk radio host, national motivational speaker, and conservative activist. She and her husband have raised nine children. She leads the Wisconsin tea party group "Northwoods Patriots" and is active in the conservative political movement.

Illustrator Donna Goeddaeus is an award-winning illustrator of children's books.