"Thomas Jefferson" and other figures from US History

Thomas Jefferson By Cheryl Harness / Random House, Inc

I purchased this book at a book sale several years ago in anticipation of using it when we reached early American history in our studies. I was very pleased with the level of information provided and found the illustrations strikingly beautiful. This book covers the life of Thomas Jefferson in full, which is wonderful because the background information on his life before his involvement in the founding of our nation helps one to understand him more in depth. The book provides a good overview of Jefferson and his accomplishments in an easy flowing story that will hold the interest of most children. Children reading on a 4th grade level and up can read this book on their own, but we greatly enjoyed this book as a read aloud for our family.

My Rating: 5 stars for the level of information, easy flowing story, and excellent illustrations.

NOTE: The A Note From The Author page in the beginning of the book touches on the issue of slavery and the issue of Mr. Jefferson's relationship with a slave, Sally Hemmings. This information is not a part of the story line and could easily be skipped over when reading aloud to your children. If you intend to give this book to your child to read you may want to read over this page before doing so.


Other books by Cheryl Harness

The Remarkable Rough-Riding Life of Theodore Roosevelt and the Rise of Empire America By Cheryl Harness / Random House, Inc

Young Abe Lincoln: The Frontier Days: 1809-1837 By Cheryl Harness / National Geographic Children's Books

Abe Lincoln Goes to Washington: 1837-1865 By Cheryl Harness / National Geographic Children's Books

Three Young Pilgrims By Cheryl Harness / Aladdin

The Adventurous Life of Myles Standish and the Amazing-but-True Survival Story of Plymouth Colony By Cheryl Harness / National Geographic Children's Books

George Washington By Cheryl Harness / Random House, Inc

The Tragic Tale of Narcissa Whitman and a Faithful History of the Oregon Trail By Cheryl Harness / Random House, Inc

Not having read all of the books listed here I cannot speak to the appropriateness of each book for the Christian family. However, you may find that you can preview the books by borrowing from a friend or a local library before purchasing for your own home library.

Blessings,
Missy

Jonathon Park - Adventure, Creation Science, and FUN!

As a homeschooling parent I have long desired to instill in my children an awe for the wonders of God's creation. When they were very young that task was a little more simple, but as they've grown older their minds require more detailed information. Not only do I want them to understand that all of the nature they see around them was brought forth by their Creator, but I want them to understand how science provides evidence for their Creator and His mighty works of creation. Using a wonderful science text such as Apologia science has helped tremendously. However, I found something that they can enjoy outside of "school" hours that provides them with not only scientific evidence of the Creator, but also hours of enjoyment. The Jonathon Park audio series is a fascinating audio adventure series that provides hours of family friendly entertainment and teaches children (and adults as well) how science provides strong evidence for the Creator. If you are looking for wholesome, quality, Christian entertainment for your family with the added benefit of teaching them something of value I suggest you try the Jonathon Park audios. Titles are available individually or as a set. You can find more information by clicking on the links below.

My Rating: 5 stars for quality entertainment, strong scientific evidence for Creation communicated in a way that young and old alike can understand, and for the adventurous well scripted story lines.

Find out more about Jonathon Park at Vision Forum

or

at Christian Book Distributors by clicking on the links or images below

Jonathan Park Volume 1: The Adventure Begins, Audio CD By The Vision Forum, Inc

Jonathan Park Volume 2: No Looking Back, Audio CD By The Vision Forum, Inc

Jonathan Park Volume 3: The Winds of Change, Audio CD By The Vision Forum, Inc

Jonathan Park Volume 4: The Hunt for Beowulf, Audio CD By The Vision Forum, Inc

Jonathan Park Volume 5: The Explorer's Society, Audio CD By The Vision Forum, Inc

Jonathan Park Volume VI: The Journey Never Taken By The Vision Forum, Inc

Additional packaging options and other items related to Jonathon Park

Jonathan Park Audiodramas on CD, Volumes 1-5 By The Vision Forum, Inc

Jonathan Park Goes to the Zoo Audio CD Set (4 CDs) By Pat Roy / The Vision Forum, Inc

Jonathan Park Goes to the Aquarium Audio CD Set By The Vision Forum, Inc

Jonathan Park Communicator Watches (2-Pack) By The Vision Forum, Inc

Jonathan Park & the Secret of the Hidden Cave By Sandy Roy / New Leaf Publishing Group

Blessings,
Missy

Yay! The Duggars: 20 and Counting is finally available! My family has been following the adventures of this Christian home schooling family for several years as they have grown from 14 children to 18 children (#18 due Jan. 1, 2009). We have been encouraged by their strong Christian convictions, their desire to develop Godly character in themselves and their children, and how they manage home, family, and home schooling. Get your copy now and be encouraged by the story of their family.

The Duggars: 20 and Counting! By Michelle & Jim Bob Duggar / Howard Books Take a close inside look at the supersize Duggar family (18 children plus parents)! Since their first documentary on the Discovery Health Network, viewers have been fascinated with the story of this couple's faith and belief that children are a blessing from God. Their first book, The Duggars: 20 and Counting, is an inspiring and entertaining collection of stories, photos, recipes, tips, traditions, and practical ideas designed to answer the questions of the curious. Some of the questions they answer are "Why do you have so many children?", "How do you provide for your family financially?", "How do you handle mealtimes...transportation... laundry...birthdays?", "How are your children so well behaved?", and "Why do all your children have names that begin with J?". Adopt a few ideas from the Duggars and improve the peace and love inside the walls of your own home. Paperback.

Blessings,
Missy

**************************UPDATE**************************************************

I read this book cover to cover when I purchased it and I loved it. I would suggest it to anyone who would like to learn more about the day to day details of how this large family functions and thrives. There is a lot of the history of Jim Bob and Michelle's growing up years and how they met, including their testimony and how God has been at work in their lives. It is a wonderful testimony and would be a great encouragement to you. I read portions of it to the family, leaving out certain sections that were not applicable to young children. My children and husband enjoyed hearing about their lives and seeing God's hand at work in them. They are such an encouragement and I hope they write another book later. If you haven't gotten your copy I would encourage you to do so soon.

Blessings,
Missy

Girls' Best Book of Knitting, Sewing and Embroidery

What a great little book! This is an excellent book for introducing knitting, sewing, and embroidery skills to young girls, and it is packed with information. The text and illustrations introduce the reader to the tools needed, stitching instructions, how to use a pattern, and much more. Some sections include practice cards and templates. There are also projects to make with instructions, supply lists, and illustrations. The image of the girl on the front cover is actually a pop out doll (the cover is heavy duty board). Some of the projects in the book are for making clothes for the doll on the front cover. This book would be fun for girls ages 9-12 who want to learn a little about knitting, sewing, and embroidery.

Animal Books Worth Roaring About

Here are some great books about animals. I found all of these at my local library. Some of them have a spiritual application, and others just teach us about the wonders of God's creation. If your student is studying animals, or has a love for animals, these books would be great additions to your reading list.





The Camel's Lament
A poem by Charles Edward Carryl
Illustrated by Charles Santore

This is a cute book that compares the camel and it's abilities to other animals in the animal kingdom. We all know that the camel is not really an exciting animal, but it is a very useful creature, as are all of God's creation. The book is filled with cute and colorful illustrations, and the smooth rhythmic flow of the text will keep your child's attention. A very cute book for a not so cute animal.





Violet Comes to Stay
by Jan Karon
Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully

Jan Karon, author of the Mitford series, is one of my favorite authors. I absolutely fell in love with the Mitford series, and somehow along the way realized that she also had authored several children's books. "Violet Comes to Stay" is one of my favorites of her children's books. There is such an endearing quality to the story and the beautiful illustrations. It is the story of a kitten named Violet who feels as if she doesn't quite fit in and isn't wanted by anyone. Violet is taken in by several owners, but it seems that everywhere she goes she makes a mistake and is returned to her mother. Finally just the right person adopts Violet and she finds unconditional love and a sense of security in her new home. This is a wonderful story that reminds us that God has a plan for each of us just as He had a plan for Violet.






Tigress
by Nick Dowson
Illustrated by Jane Chapman

Tigress follows the life a mother tiger from just before she gives birth to her cubs through the day that her cubs go off on their own. Vivid illustrations throughout the book portray the scenes of the daily life and struggles of a tiger raising cubs on her own. The text is two fold - it is a good story, and it provides facts about tigers and how they live. This book would be a great addition to an animals study, jungle study, or study on countries where tigers are native. This book is also available with audio. For more information click here: Tigress with Audio: Read, Listen, & Wonder







The Web at Dragonfly Pond
by Brian "Fox" Ellis
Illustrated by Michael S. Maydak

A true life story told by the person who experienced it. As a young boy the author learned a great deal about the ecology of the pond as he spent many days fishing it's waters. As you read you will learn about the food chain in pond life. The illustrations of the habitat and the insects, amphibians, and animals that live in the pond are spectacularly detailed and brilliantly colored. This is a great book for the study of this particular habitat or any of the creatures that live in it. There are a couple of pages at the back of the book that provide further information on the creatures that are discussed in the book. The information is very well stated and in a manner that children can easily understand, just be sure to read it before giving it over to your children in case there are any statements that are of concern to you. I read the book aloud to my children and we discussed it without problem. There were a couple of areas such as the father making a comparison of the changes a human goes through from conception to adulthood as compared to the changes that a dragonfly goes through in its lifecycle. I don't think the author intended it to sound as if human and dragonfly were the same, but I did make sure that my children understood this comparison he was making. All in all this is an excellent book.


I hope you enjoy reading and learning about animals. Be sure to check back soon as I have some books on historical people to review. Most of us are embarking on the summer break, but while you are out for the summer don't forget to keep reading! Take part in a summer reading program through your local library or join in with other homeschoolers as we splash into summer with the Summer Reading Splash sponsored by The Old Schoolhouse. Whatever you choose to do read, read read!


Blessings,
Missy

The Queen's Progress: An Elizabethan Alphabet by Celeste Mannis

"The Queen's Progress: An Elizabethan Alphabet" is much more than an alphabet book. It is the story of the long journey that Queen Elizabeth I would take into the English countryside each year to see the state of her kingdom and enjoy being among her subjects. As we watch this journey unfold in the pages of this book we learn much about Queen Elizabeth I, her court, and her subjects. The alphabet rhyme, details of the journey and the stops made along the way, the personal information about the Queen and those traveling with her, and the amazingly detailed illustrations will draw the reader into the travels of this most beloved Queen. I could not take my eyes off some of the pages to read the text because the illustrations were so beautiful. The illustrator, Bagram Ibatoulline, did not spare the details or the richness of color and embellishments. My children enjoyed trying to see on how many pages three of the characters would appear as I read the book aloud and showed the pictures. I would highly recommend this book for your 3rd through 7th graders. As an added bonus for us we read this book upon recommendation of our curriculum publisher (My Father's World) after finishing a brief overview of the life of Queen Elizabeth I, so it would be a wonderful addition to your Middle Ages studies.

Blessings,
Missy

The Quest for Seven Castles

View a trailer for the Terrestria Chronicles book series

The Quest for Seven Castles
by Ed Dunlop

Dunlop Ministries

And beside this, giving all diligence,

add to your faith VIRTUE;
and to virtue KNOWLEDGE;
and to knowledge TEMPERANCE;
and to temperance PATIENCE;
and to patience GODLINESS;
and to godliness BROTHERLY KINDNESS;
and to brotherly kindness CHARITY.
for if these things be in you and abound,
they make you that ye shall neither
be barren nor unfruitful
in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
II Peter 1:5-8

Thus begins The Quest for Seven Castles. If you are looking for a Biblically based fiction series for young readers then look no further. Ed Dunlop has hit a home run with the Terrestria Chronicles series. God has truly gifted this man to communicate, as no other has yet been able, the simple truths of the Christian life in a juvenile fiction series. The books are well written, teach Biblically sound principles of living the Christian life, and offer young readers a great deal of adventure along the way. They are written simply enough that young readers can make the connection between the allegory and the real life principle, yet are thought provoking and provide sound theology. Set in the Middle Ages these books will be an excellent addition to your Middle Ages studies as well. We use these books as family read-a-louds so that we are able to learn and discuss these Biblical principles together, but recently my son began reading the first book in the series on his own because the books are so great. With each book we read from this series my kids beg for "one more chapter" because the stories are so captivating. If you have a youth in your life that does not know the Lord Jesus Christ I would strongly urge you to put these books into their hands immediately. Book one in the series (The Sword, the Ring, and the Parchment) begins with the best illustration of salvation that I have ever read. What a great way to reach a young person for Christ!

In The Quest for Seven Castles Young Prince Josiah must leave the Castle of Faith to go on a quest for seven castles...the Castle of Virtue, the Castle of Knowledge, the Castle of Temperance, the Castle of Patience, the Castle of Godliness, the Castle of Brotherly Kindness, and the Castle of Charity. Along the way he will encounter many difficulties. He will be tempted to let pride keep him from always being on guard against his enemy, to cheat someone to accomplish his own goal, to disobey because he thinks it won't harm anyone, and to avoid being completely truthful. He will encounter the skeptic who twists the truth to deceive him causing him to doubt the promises of his King. He will learn to see others as King Emmanuel sees them, and to be forgiving. He will learn to trust his King to provide for all of his needs even when the enemy attempts to mislead him, and he will learn compassion and sacrifice in order to save another's life. Most importantly Prince Josiah will learn to listen to the voice of the Dove, to use his Book as his guide and his weapon, and to trust King Emmanuel. This book is as exciting as the first in this series (The Sword, the Ring and the Parchment), but more importantly it will cause you to examine your own life and your service to your King.

As an added bonus Ed Dunlop has made available for this seven book series a study guide called Visits to Terrestria. We have found that this guide adds another level of understanding to the Christian life principles being presented in the books. The study guide covers all seven books in the series, and includes questions from each chapter with a list of fun activities you can try. After we finish our daily reading from the book I use the questions in the study guide to make sure that the kids have a good understanding of what has happened in the story thus far. This also serves as a great review of what we have read and helps the kids to remember more from the books. The study guide is available for purchase from Dunlop Ministries. You will also find the answer key available on their web-site as a free download.

Where can you get the books?

I'm glad you asked! The books are available for purchase as individual titles or as a set from Dunlop Ministries. You can even request that the author autograph your copies.

In addition you will find these books available for purchase through the following links:

From Christian Book Distributors:

The Terrestria Chronicles, Volumes 1-7 By Ed Dunlop / Dunlop Ministries

The Sword, the Ring & the Parchment, The Terrestria Chronicles #1 By Ed Dunlop / Dunlop Ministries * Travel back in time to a land where royalty lives, castles rise, and dragons roam! Terrestria is the realm of good King Emmanuel. But the country is torn! Evil blacksmith Argamor wants the throne. Who will win the war? And why has young Josiah been chosen to be a royal prince? Ages 10 and up. 187 pages, softcover from Dunlop Ministries.

The Quest for Seven Castles, The Terrestria Chronicles #2 By Ed Dunlop / Dunlop Ministries

The Search for Everyman, The Terrestria Chronicles #3 By Ed Dunlop / Dunlop Ministries * Travel back in time to a land where royalty lives, castles rise, and dragons roam! Prince Josiah, Princess Gilda, and Prince Selwyn race to deliver the King's pardon to condemned Adam Everyman. But Argamor's forces are determined to stop them! Will the young warriors find the dungeon before it's too late? Ages 10 and up. 161 pages, softcover from Dunlop Ministries.

The Crown of Kuros, The Terrestria Chronicles #4 By Ed Dunlop / Dunlop Ministries * Travel back in time to a land where royalty lives, castles rise, and dragons roam! When a priceless crown is stolen, the knights frantically search for the treasure. But only Prince Josiah can recover the prize. Does he have the courage to fight an impossible battle---and face an unanswerable question? Ages 10 and up. 189 pages, softcover from Dunlop Ministries.

The Dragon's Egg, The Terrestria Chronicles #5 By Ed Dunlop / Dunlop Ministries * Travel back in time to a land where royalty lives, castles rise, and dragons roam! When Gilda and Selwyn refuse a forbidden gift, bedazzled Prince Josiah accepts. Nobody will know! But when a fierce dragon terrorizes the kingdom, Josiah is powerless to control the beast---and his deceitful heart is revealed. Ages 10 and up. 199 pages, softcover from Dunlop Ministries.

The Golden Lamps, The Terrestria Chronicles #6 By Ed Dunlop / Dunlop Ministries * Travel back in time to a land where royalty lives, castles rise, and dragons roam! King Emmanuel commands that a castle be built to protect a small village from Argamor's attack. Construction goes well until the workers discover mysterious lamps. Will the powerful lights doom the project---and the people? Ages 10 and up. 201 pages, softcover from Dunlop Ministries.

The Great War, The Terrestria Chronicles #7 By Ed Dunlop / Dunlop Ministries * Travel back in time to a land where royalty lives, castles rise, and dragons roam! The war for control of Terrestria has come to a climax. Evil Argamor's determined to capture Princess Gilda---causing a final defeat for Prince Josiah and the Castle of Faith. Will King Emmanuel stop the dark forces? Ages 10 and up. 205 pages, softcover from Dunlop Ministries.

Visits to Terrestria Study Guide By Ed Dunlop / Dunlop Ministries * Young readers and their parents will love the adventures and powerful imagery of The Terrestria Chronicles. And you'll appreciate the spiritual truths this allegory teaches! Covering all seven books of the series, this guide prompts family discussions of its life-changing message. An answer key is available as a free download. 115 reproducible pages, spiralbound softcover from Dunlop Ministries

From Amazon: