The Wheel on the School

We just finished up the most lovely book this past week. It takes place in a little Dutch fishing village and tells the story of a group of young school children trying to get storks to live in their village. I know that doesn't sound too thrilling, but DeJong weaves a completely enjoyable tale of their adventures and all the types of people they meet and the scrapes they get into. Hannah mentioned at one point that it reminded her of Milly Molly Mandy which I completely agree with (one of my favorite children's books). Wheel on the School just had a particular sweetness, a child like simplicity yet tenacity throughout the book. I think the kiddos especially liked it because they could completely relate to getting a fantastic idea in their heads and doing anything in their power to bring it about. You also learn some good life lessons in it. Early on in the book one of the characters makes a very astute observation about one of the townspeople the children had previously been afraid of..."Janus had become real; he had become a part of their village. He wasn't a fearsome ogre to be hated and outwitted. Even the yard with its forbidding high fence somehow looked different now. Lina could have told Pier and Dirk what it was. Lina would have said that it was just because Janus had become important, in the same way that old Grandmother Sibble III had become real and important. He had become a friend!"

And, one last excerpt that made me laugh was when the children were trying to get their fathers to help them with a project..."Pier and Dirk has said to pester the fathers until they gave in. In spite of what your father said or growled, sooner or later he'd do what you wanted....Pier and Dirk had knowingly assured them all that it was much easier than with mothers. You'd get a sound box on the ear from your mother if you kept on pestering her like that. But then your mother had you yapping around her all the time so she had less patience." :)

The kiddos and I both thoroughly enjoyed this book. As with many books, this is probably best enjoyed as a read aloud.

Prepping for a pastors luncheon earlier this week...it's great to have 

such a wonderful group of ladies in our Gospel Community!

We made soups, cookies, and sandwiches...and they all signed up for things so

I didn't end up making anything (well, Jesin came over and we made cookies together)! 

Delegation at it's best :)

Truth Made Simple

This was a book we finished recently in our morning devotions time. It was written back in the 1800s so the wording is a little archaic, but the depth is far better than most children's devotional books you would find today. The subtitle is "Lectures for Children on the Attributes of God" and it does a good job at covering the primary attributes...eternal, everywhere, wise, all knowing, powerful, truth, does as He pleases, holy, and good. Todd does well at writing to the children's level, but having clearly developed points. As with many authors of that time, he writes in an outline type form with main points and then supporting text (which I really like). He makes it interesting by weaving in historical stories and examples from nature. All that's to say...very good little book and highly recommended for a bit older children (10+). I plan to purchase and read some more of his works in the future.

One of my favorite parts in the book was a story called Hafed's dream. It was about a man who desired to live in a "chance world" and what that was like when he desire came true. Fascinating read and gave me a greater appreciation for God's constant and unchanging rule of the world. I pulled it into a Word file if you'd like to read it, but there may be some errors...so just overlook them. :)

Hannah loves this dress...I think it makes her look too grown up :)
I can't remember why she was dressed up that day...
 

 

 

Robin Hood

I happened across another great book the other day at Goodwill (Salvation Army really)...Robin Hood. We had already read stories of Robin Hood a number of years ago which we really enjoyed, but the stand out quality of this book is the amazing illustrations by Greg Hildebrandt...they are really magnificent. I did a little more searching and saw that Unicorn Publishing did a whole series of books, many illustrated by Hildebrandt (I actually purchased a couple others for the kids, but don't tell them! :) ). For some reason, the stories of Robin Hood have always been a particular delight...I think we all have some level of interest in the freedom of the greenwood that these "outlaws" enjoyed...their simple life, yet adventurous...their honing of skills with the bow and quarterstaff. This collection had 24 stories, a number of them we hadn't read in the past. It also gives an introductory story about how Robin Hood came to be an outlaw. I must admit, anytime I read about Robin Hood, I have a small concern about the glorification of men who go against the law...however, King Richard does visit their band and accords them pardon so I guess that makes them okay??? I do wonder a bit about the moral aspects of this story. Apart from that, we thoroughly enjoyed these stories and were sad when the book ended (with Robin's death which kind of ended it on a depressing note). Another nice feature was that it was written partially in an old English type of way...that lent it a greater air of authenticity, but needed a bit of explaining at points. Each chapter also began with a couple lines of poetry which was great fun. 

This is an easy to recommend classic. I also saw that it is free for Kindle (at least right now) although I don't think that version contains any of Hildebrandt's lovely illustrations. In the interest of full disclosure, some people do die in this book and, I think, there was one instance of questionable name calling. 

Listen and hearken, gentlemen,

That be of free-born blood,

I shall you tell of a good yeoman,

His name was Robin Hood.

Robin was a proud outlaw,

While as he walked on the ground:

So courteous an outlaw as he was one

Was never none else found. 

a typical evening around here...always a lot of reading
 

 

 

The Great and Terrible Quest

Reading books is a favorite past time of mine, and I especially enjoy it when shared with my kiddos. A long time homeschool friend shared this book with us over the summer, and we finished it up earlier this week (within a few days of when we started it). The setting is the middle ages with lords and knights and such which fits right in with where we are studying in history. The story tells the tale of a young boy whose parents have died and was taken in by a mean, unloving grandfather. It follows along his life under his grandfather's rule and then once he has been freed of it. As the title infers, there is a great and terrible quest he takes with an unknown man seeking to remember who he is and what he is to do. I don't want to give too much away, but it is a very exciting, page turning story. Just one comment to be aware of...it does have a decent amount of violence towards the end when a man is shot with an arrow and there is a fighting scene...girls may not like that part quite so much. However, both my kiddos greatly enjoyed the book, and I expect I'll purchase a copy for myself. 

we completed a 1000 piece puzzle over Thanksgiving time
it's the first  puzzle I've done in a very long time
I liked it particularly because it reminded me of my grandpa who used to work with trains
 

Grandpa's Box

A couple of weeks ago a friend lent me a new devotional book, Grandpa's Box, by Starr Meade. Since we had just finished up Even Donkeys Speak, we started in on it right away. The subtitle of the book is Retelling the Biblical Story of Redemption and that is a good, concise description of what the book sets out to do. The story surrounds two children, a brother and sister, who spend time with their Grandfather at his second hand store. In his store, he has a box of wooden carvings he's made that tell the story of Redemption. So, each time the kids visit, Grandpa spends some time with them and his box giving another piece of the Redemption puzzle.

It's targeted for the 8 and up set and the author does a good job at weaving in an interesting story line as the backdrop of her telling the biblical account. Each chapter focuses on one section of scripture - the fall, Cain and Abel, Esau and Jacob, etc. What she does that is interesting, and will specifically appeal to boys, is set the biblical stories up as battles...primarily the battle between God and Satan. Meade shows how Satan is constantly, at all points in scripture, trying to undo God's promise of a Redeemer. 

Even though I thought this was a great book and would definitely recommend it, we did not continue on with it. I think because we so recently went through The Story of God it seemed a bit redundant, mostly repeating what we'd just been over. One thing I've realized with the kiddos is that they thoroughly know the basic bible stories, but what they really need help on is reading scripture and applying it to their lives. So, now during the first thing in the morning time, the kiddos are just reading their Bibles on their own. But, if you're looking for a book that ties all of scripture to Christ, this would be a great book for you!

the deck is moving forward...
 

 

late night work on the deck :) I love doing that type of stuff!
 

 

Even Donkeys Speak

This book has been what we've been reading for first thing in the morning "Bible time." It is a compilation of 19 stories about God's work in Asia through the Gospel for Asia ministry. They are a ministry we've supported for a long time both by sponsoring kids and missionaries and general needs. The book tells of how God does amazing things to further the spread of the gospel. There are many sad stories of persecution and many stories of people seeking help and having their prayers answered. I must say there is a small feeling of "health and wealth gospel" in the stories, but on the other hand, I know that God can miraculously heal/provide if/when He desires to. Overall it's an encouraging read of how many serious obstacles are overcome and how God has won people to Himself through a variety of means. 

deck demolition has begun...
before:
 

in progress:

 

 

 

The Roman Mysteries

This series found it's way into our library bag as I was searching for additional living books on Rome. The stories are centered around a group of young friends as they try to solve various mysteries that come their way. The four friends are made up of a Roman girl, an African slave girl she purchased, a Jewish boy (whose family converted to Christianity and is persecuted for it), and a beggar boy. As you read through the story, you pick up bits and pieces of how Rome (and surrounding areas) was during the 70s-80s AD. This first story I read was a tad bit gruesome as it dealt with the mystery of who was decapitating dogs for the purpose of scaring people away from some gold...I think the author chose that route rather than having the troublemaker killing people. It doesn't appear that the rest of the series has that type of thing. One thing I particularly liked was the author addressed some bad choices the children made later on in the book. For example, they snuck out of the house and at the end of the book, it was made clear they shouldn't have done that. So, if you're looking for some overall fun reading for your kiddos with a bit of history mixed in, this series may work well for you.

doesn't this look yummy for breakfast?
 

Boy Books

A friend of mine asked the other day if I'd give her a list of books that Josh has enjoyed...so I decided to share that here as well. Josh has read all these books (unless indicated), and I have read at least some/one of the ones marked with an *.

by author

Chuck Black * - Christian author - quality books

Wayne Thomas Batson (his Dark Sea Annals if for more of a mature audience - Josh hasn't read those) The Berinfell Prophecies are his favorite - Christian author

by set/series

The Wingfeather Saga - Christian author

Terrestria Chronicles * - Christian author - great series

Wormling Series - Christian author

Redwall

Roman Mysteries * - Christian author

My Side of the Mountain Trilogy

The Circle Series * - Christian author

Percy Jackson and the Olympians (has only read the first one, the rest are on order)

Cooper Kids Adventure Series * - Christian author

Hardy Boys

single books

Watership Down

The Cricket in Times Square *

Homer Price

The Hobbit

Call it Courage

Hatchet 

It takes me quite a while to find decent books for Josh to read particularly as he reads so incredibly fast. Mostly I keep my eyes opened for recommendations from people I respect, follow links to books associated with books I know to be decent, and search Amazon reviews for affirmation or questionable material in books I have come across. Please know that I'm not saying all these books are top-notch and are encouraging high character...some of these are just fluff books. Do check these out for yourself as everyone has different convictions.

---Also, please add any other boy favorites in the comments section...that would be great. 

on Sat we went to Cashmere's helicopter ping-pong-ball drop...lots of fun
see the helicopter in the distance...
 

dropping the balls
 

here come the balls...down for the catching...and then for the redeeming of
prizes every child needs
 

Hannibal: Rome's Worst Nightmare

I came across a set of history readers the other day by the title "Wicked History." They had a number of books on historical people I wanted us to read about, so I checked some out from the library. Seeing as no one had recommended them to me and by the title I could tell they were trying to be "edgy," I decided to read one for myself before I passed them along to the kids. They are really quite short, 130 pages, and quite small, 5x7...so a quick read. 

Overall, the book was quite a good, brief history of Hannibal (in my case). They do choose "wicked" people in history so are limited in that degree...none on Hammurabi for instance...I guess they're not quite as exciting to read about. Anyways, they packed in a lot of facts in a generally pleasant form. They are not stories (historical fiction), but are conversational in manner. They also include maps, associated people, a timeline, glossary, pictures and various outtakes to focus on a specific aspect. I should mention that while transitioning to a new part there are "blood droplets" on the page - to keep with the wickedness theme, I'm sure. Many of these historical figures were terribly murderous and evil so the books portray that accurately. They do not, however, go into great morbid details about those events...more just states the facts and moves on. 

I think they do a good job at filling in the gap in readers that are either way too brief or way too intense for my age kids. If they didn't have the wicked/blood aspect to them, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. But, if you can be okay about that, you'll find them to be a good introduction to these characters. 

some more pics from Winthrop/Sun Mountain
 

 

 

 

 

Herein is Love: Genesis

At long last, we've finished our morning bible time book...I think we started it at the beginning of the school year...so that gives you some idea about the length (it's 400 pages of text). Basically, it is a bible commentary for kids, this one on Genesis. It goes through Genesis portion by portion, pulling in selections from other areas of scripture that relate. I would definitely say it is thorough (some kids may find it a bit long), and Ganz does a great job of  giving both the specific Genesis story as well as bringing in NT themes (types of Christ, purpose of sacrifice, etc.). She also candidly yet tactfully deals with what is written in scripture - I particularly think about the command of circumcision and Lot's virgin daughters as a couple of examples.

Also included in the back is 150 page teacher's guide which we didn't do. You could do a whole lesson from each chapter - visual aids, memory work, craft, questions, prayer, psalms to sing, and field trip. Some of the chapters we broke into two or three parts due to their length.

I really appreciated how Ganz didn't just give the basics that we are familiar with, but fleshed out the portions of scripture so that you understood a greater depth of what was happening in that section. As an example when talking about creation on the 3rd day, "Beneath the surface of the earth were rocks and gems and jewels. There were rubies, sapphires, diamonds, emeralds! There was gold and silver and bronze. Underground, God filled the earth with the splendor of all kinds of hidden riches, making this world a vault of priceless treasure...The Son of God was shown their grandeur in an instant. He saw all the landscapes of the world; He saw all the wealth of all its kingdoms, but no other man has had such a view. In an entire lifetime, we behold only a few of our world's spectacular scenes and only a fraction of its immense wealth. But, on that third day, God saw what He had made. From the mightiest mass of mountain to the tiniest grain of sand, from the most magnificent cluster of jewels to the most ordinary clod of mud, God saw what He had made--and God saw that it was good."

There are also volumes on Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. Genesis was out of print for a while, but I see it is not in it's 2nd printing. Lastly, this series is for a bit older child; I probably got more out of it than the kids. :)

some pics from our horseback riding excursion
 

 

 

 

 

 

Cleopatra VII, Daughter of the Nile

We finished a fun book last week or so, Cleopatra VII. It's one of The Royal Diaries series. The book basically chronicles the early life of Cleopatra with additional historical detail given about her later life in a sort of epilogue. Since not a whole lot is known about this part of her life, the author does take some poetic license to fill in gaps while still trying to stay true to Cleopatra's personality and likely events. The writing was very enjoyable and wove in some historical information not actually in her time (Nefertiti, Spartacus). Also the book had a few different settings so you not only learned about Egypt, but Rome and some other Italian towns. A main portion of the story dealt with her time in Rome to gain the Romans' assistance in overthrowing Cleopatra's sister from the Egyptian throne. At that time we are also introduced to the characters of Cicero, Pompey, and Marc Antony. Overall a good, pleasant read that is effective at painting that period in history. I'm looking forward to reading others in this series as those dates come up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Tanglewoods' Secret

We worked our way through another book by Patricia St. John, The Tanglewoods' Secret. True to form, it was another real life book that pointed to Christ. This story surrounds the adventures of a brother and sister who are staying with their aunt and uncle while their parents are away. The sister, Ruth, struggles a lot with her temper and attitude while the older brother is easy going. They enjoy their free time away in the woods studying nature, birds particularly, and exploring. After a particularly miserable encounter with her aunt, Ruth runs away and finds herself sleeping the night in a church. The following morning, she meets the pastor and her life is changed as she gives herself to The Shepherd. The story continues with their relationship to a poor boy who makes a bad decision which ultimately ends up leading to his death (may be a hard subject for particularly sensitive kiddos). Throughout, St. John weaves the gospel and shows how Ruth tells others about Jesus and how her life is changed. As with all her books, many children may not stick with the book totally on their own, but it works well as a read aloud, and my kids always enjoy them. Good book...realistic story line...good challenge to know Christ and become more like Him.