I love this book! 

What Really Happened to the Dinosaurs by John D. Morris and Ken Ham is a fun look at the Pre-Flood world where dinosaurs and other animals lived alongside humans. 

In this imaginative, fun-filled adventure Tracker John and his pet dinosaur D.J. learn more about dinosaurs. 

It is refreshing to read a child-friendly and beautifully-illustrated picture book that is written from a biblical perspective about dinosaurs. I get so tired of hearing and reading about the worldly myth of evolution. I love being able to read a book aloud to my kids that is truthful when it comes to Creation and dinosaurs. 

My children loved this book, especially my son Jimmy. Of course, what boy doesn't love dinosaurs? They are just super-cool animals!

In addition to being a great story that will capture children's imagination, I have used this book in our ancient history studies and our science studies. I found the information to be accurate and helpful in our homeschooling. 

We hang candy canes on our Christmas tree each year. Do you? 

We also love reading the sweet story aloud at Christmastime each year. The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg is a delightful tale set at the turn of the 20th century. 

When a stranger rides into town, folks hope he will be a doctor or merchant. Instead, the children's wish comes true. He is a candy-maker. 

Little Lucy befriends the candy-maker. In turn, he reveals the true story of how the candy cane came to be. Lucy is delighted! Readers will be, too. 

Lucy learns all about the symbolism of the candy cane. If you hold the candy cane one way, it is a "J' for Jesus. If you hold it the other way, it is a shepherd's crook. In addition, the red strips stand for the blood of Jesus. 

Together, the candy-maker and Lucy share the message of the Christmas candy cane with the whole town. The message of Christmas reaches everyone!

All of us, young or old, have endured moments or days or years where we felt like we didn't fit in, like we were, well, like we were the ugly duckling. 

The Ugly Duckling is an old fairy tale written by Danish author and Christian Hans Christian Anderson. All of his tales are enchanting. Some have happy endings. Some have bittersweeet endings. 

The Ugly Duckling ends happy, but it sure starts out sad. 

You see, an ugly little bird is born at the farm. No one is sure where he came from and everyone makes fun of him. He wanders away from the farm to live with ducks and geese, but they are scattered by a hunter. As, you can guess, he moves place to place, but never fits in. 

Of course, you and I both know that he's an "ugly" duckling because he's not a duckling at all. He grows up to be a graceful, beautiful swan to his own delight and the complete shock of the other animals. 

​We have five grown children who love Jesus.

This little book is one of the tools we used to raise godly children.

You see, Mike would read a story to the kids each night before bed, often a Bible story and we would read the Scripture to the kids in the morning.

When we had outgrown our favorite picture Bible books, we wanted something that would be meaty, but accurate. 

365 Read-Aloud Bible Bedtime Stories by Daniel Partner is a great next step for young children ages 3 to 8 who are ready for the next step.

We love this book! So many stories, such a good adaptation from Scripture. We give a copy to every new parent we know. 

There is a story for every day of the year and each story is straight from Scripture.

After I finished reading The Secrets of Ancient Man, I had to read The Genius of Ancient Man.

I found this book equally compelling.

​Like his other book, it was easy-to-understand and beautifully illustrated book with charts and graphs to make things clear for me as a reader.

I was blessed to learn more about the Bible, ancient history texts, and archaeology.

These books led me to other resources and further study. In preparing to teach a homeschool co-op class on Ancient Times, I found The Genius of Ancient Man and The Secret of Ancient Man ​to be invaluable resources in class prep. 
 
Let me share a little bit from the book to whet your appetite.

Trusting God

I love telling you about great books to put on your library shelves. But, don't leave this one on the shelf. Pick it up and read it cover to cover!

Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan is a Christian classic that was written in a jail cell. John Bunyan (1628-1688) was a Puritan pastor in the seventeenth century (1600’s).

​John was arrested for his faith and teaching which did not line up with the Anglican Church viewpoint at the time. From his jail cell, he wrote down a dream. Wow! What an intricate dream!

This allegory (symbolic story) follows Christian, the hero of the story and a pilgrim on a journey from the City of Destruction to the Heavenly City. An allegory is a story on two levels. On the first level Pilgrim’s Progress is a literal adventure story with all kinds of twists and turns. But, there is a second level to the story. The symbolic story is the story of every Christian who tries to live a pure Christian life. We each have our own adventure of trials, temptations, and tribulations.

John was not a godly little boy or young man.

​​
​Since we were studying Ancient History again in our home school, I thought I would do a little investigating on my own to find new stories and archaeological discoveries.

The title, The Secrets of Ancient Man, grabbed my attention and as I leafed through it, I was intrigued.

​After finishing the easy-to-understand, beautifully illustrated book, I was grateful. I learned new information about the Bible, ancient history texts, and archaeology.

Not only was the book easy-to-read and understand, it was packed with beautiful illustrations, charts, and quotes. 

I was so excited as I read through it and just had to tell you about The Secrets of Ancient Man.
 
Let me share a little bit from the book to whet your appetite.

The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss is a wonderful family classic! What a marvelous role model for homeschooling families!   

Our children love to hear this book read aloud. And we love reading it!       

The adventure story begins with a couple and their four sons being the last aboard a ship that wrecks.

The family prays, puts their hope in God and with creativity and ingenuity escapes to a deserted island where they begin a new life of adventure and hard work in isolation for ten years. During this time they maintain habitual morning Bible reading and prayer, as well as family worship services on Sunday. (Hmmm—I don’t remember those scenes from the Disney movie version of the book—go figure!)

Would you like to learn more about this amazing family and exciting adventure novel?

They are able to rescue many valuable things from the ship. Then the family explores and “subdues” their island home: acquiring pets, cultivating the land, hunting, building summer and winter homes, inventing machines, creating all types of things, making improvements, building bridges, facing disappointments, and overcoming obstacles. As they go about their daily lives, every opportunity is taken to teach their sons about nature, animals, morals, and other educational aspects of life. The parents share a deep and committed love with one another. The wife is treated with honor and respect by her husband and sons.     

Early on in their adventure the wise father tells one of his sons, “’I want to see my sons strong, both morally and physically,” said I. ‘That means, little Franz,’ as the large blue eyes looked up inquiringly at me, ;brave to do what is good and right, and to hate evil, and strong to work, hunt, and provide for themselves and others and to fight if necessary.’” (pg. 131 The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss)

Have you ever thought about writing a book? Is there a novel inside of you waiting to get out? 

If so, once you get through the hard work of writing, what do you do? 

Don't worry, this book has the answers you need about writing and publishing. Short and easy-to-understand, this book takes you through the complex maze of getting your book out into the public arena. 

​Felice has taken her book from idea to her reader's hands. She understands the process thoroughly as the author of numerous books.

​Best of all, she wants others to succeed and enjoy the fruit of their own book ideas. Felice is a born coach and this book is like sitting down for a cup of tea with her and listening to her good counsel.

​Bertie’s War by Barbara Tifft Blakey takes you back in time to the early 1960’s when America was facing the Cuban Missile Crisis.

It was a stressful time for everyone, but especially for our protagonist, Bertie, the youngest of three children. Her father is strict and Bertie tries very hard to please him, but it is the threat of missiles pointed at the United States that is hard for Bertie to understand.

When her father builds a bomb shelter for her grandparents, she is baffled. Why isn’t her father protecting his wife and children too?

Barbara takes us inside Bertie’s heart to feel her struggles and fears. We see the world through her eyes. We meet the people she loves and those she struggles to relate to. Children and young adults reading the book will relate to Bertie and her inner thoughts. 

Celebrations are never complete without stories.

And our American Thanksgiving is full of stories.

Here are two chapter books that are lovely to read aloud to your children or grandchildren during the week of Thanksgiving.

Divide the chapters up so that you can finish the whole book in a week. The children will love these books and they give them a look back in time to the very first Thanksgiving.  

​Celebrations are never complete without stories.

And our American Thanksgiving is full of stories.

You can Learn from the Pilgrims and Puritans in my blog, but there are many more picture books and chapter books that are lovely to read aloud to your children or grandchildren.

Here are some picture books to read aloud.

Samuel Eaton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy by Kate Waters with Photographs by Russ Kendall (Scholastic 1989) is a lovely picture book with photographs taken at Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum. Samuel sailed over on the Mayflower with the Pilgrims. At the beginning of the book, you meet Samuel and he shows you his village. Then we go through his entire day with him, from putting on his stockings to doing his chores, from helping with the rye harvest to gathering mussels for the evening meal.

My children loved this book when they were little. Children love to learn about other children! Samuel is obedient and prays before he goes to sleep. The family says a blessing before their meals. It’s refreshing to see prayer included in a Scholastic book. I don’t know if this has been edited out of more recent versions. The photographs are vivid and attractive. There is a also a section in the back where you can learn more about Samuel Morton, Plimoth Plantation, and the rye harvest at the back of the book. 

​Plimoth Plantation by William Bradford is a history of the local church in Scrooby that fled to Holland and later crossed the Atlantic Ocean to settle at Plymouth Plantation. William Bradford served for many years as governor of the first settlement in New England. Plimoth Plantation is a detailed history of Plymouth Colony from 1621 to 1646. You will learn about key people in the colony too. William is considered the Father of American History.

Similar to other books you will read from the colonial period, William compares the events that occurred in Plymouth with events from the Bible. You will learn about the Mayflower Compact, early colony laws, and treaties with the Indians. I find it interesting that Mr. Bradford very carefully shows you details of the Lord’s blessing and judgment. I learned things in this book that I had never heard before in history class. 

I love meeting moms who have raised godly children who are raising godly children. You see, I want to learn from women who have done it right and have good fruit to show for it. I also love meeting moms who are funny and spunky.

So, for me, reviewing this book was not like other reviews because I got to meet a happy, energetic mom who has run the race and is now enjoying her grandchildren. Her daughter is carrying on the principles her mother lived by and heartily endorsing them.

Secret Cody Time: Creating an Unbreakable Bond between Parent and Child by Sky McNeill and Paula Stevenson is a book about relationships. This lovely book is not just for homeschooling families. Any parent that wants to forge a close relationship with his/her child will appreciate this book.

Secret Code Time is written by Paula and Sky, a mother/daughter team who believe in the relational principles of Secret Code Time and practice what they preach. Well written and engaging, the book is 142 pages long. Not a long book to get through. You will enjoy all the photographs through the pages of the authors and their family. The book itself looks lovely and would make a great gift for another homeschooling mom for birthday or Christmas.

When Sky was a baby, Paula purposed in her heart to begin building a lifetime friendship with her daughter. The foundation of the this relationship is loving communication.

When Sky needed to talk to Paula, she would say, "Secret Code Time 305." Paula would drop everything. Sky was able to say anything she wanted without fear of punishment, reprimand, or any other reprisals. Sky could talk to Paula about anything, any place, any time.

This established complete trust as the foundation of their mother/daughter relationship. They remained close through the middle and high school years. Today, they remain dear friends and Sky has continued this tradition with her own children.

Paula did instruct, encourage, and help Sky walk through issues in her life with Biblical principles, but Secret Code Time was simply a time that Sky could share her thoughts and feelings freely.

Another relationship builder was a weekly date with Mom and a weekly date with Dad. Though Paula admits that weekly dates would be impossible with large families, she does encourage monthly dates instead for parents of many children. Paula did everything she could to make these dates special by dressing up, going some place fun, and even shopping for special treats.

Paula began these all these habits with Sky when she was a very young child and calls it "Advanced Parenting." She set the stage early in life for Sky to know that she was valued and loved unconditionally.

What about Boys?

While some boys are great talkers, willing to share their emotions with Mom and Dad, others would rather visit the dentist than share their feelings. So, can this work with boys too?

There is advice given to help with boys who are more active and less likely to want to sit and chat. Recommendations include throwing the football together or engaging in an active pastime together first. But, the authors believe that Secret Code Time is just as important for boys as it is for girls.

Does the Book Talk about Anything Else?

​When Sarah's Wish by Jim Baumgardner arrived to be reviewed, I decided to read the book and found myself immediately involved in Sarah's life and dreams.

Emotionally involved, I wanted her to find a family, to help her friends escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad, and to protect her from the evil slave catchers that made her life miserable.

I felt scared with Sarah sometimes and, other times, found myself laughing aloud at her antics.

When I finished the book, I wanted to read more about Sarah, to stay involved in her life. I felt like I had made a new friend. ​

"Read this one, please," Katie Beth's chubby hands held the book up to me. I adjusted Julianna who had finished nursing and was asleep on my lap. I opened the lovely Christmas picture book and began to read aloud. Katie Beth and I smiled at each other and the baby slept peacefully.

Fast forward 20 years. My baby is a grown up lady. Katie Beth and my third baby, Jenny Rose, are cuddled up on the couch reading Anne of Green Gables aloud. They have both read the book several times, but there is something wonderful about reading a good book together aloud.

This summer I went to visit my aunt with two of my daughters. The four of us enjoyed an Agatha Christie short story together. We took turns reading aloud. My aunt wrote me a note the next week about how much she had enjoyed that sweet time reading aloud together.

What is it about reading aloud that is so wonderful? Is it the story? Is it the sound of someone you love reading aloud? Or is it the sense of togetherness? There are several Christmas picture books out there. Which are the best for reading aloud?

"How do you like the game?" I asked my four volunteers: Maria, Aisha, Christina, and Saxon.

"Saxon is frustrated because he can't get any of his dogs out," Maria answered first.

"Well...." Christina paused. (She is twelve and the game was created for much younger children.)

"I love it!" twenty-two year old Aisha gushed. She is very young at heart.

"It's a lot like Parcheesi," Maria added, "You move around the board and if you land on someone else's spot you send them back, no wait, that's the other game. In Tornado, you just share a spot.

I glanced at the small plastic game board. It was bright, cheerful, and colorful. The little doggie pieces were cute as could be. Thirty minutes later, Saxon, who had by then gotten out onto the board, was enjoying the game immensely. Saxon is nine years old!

Hank the Cow Dog is a lovable mutt that solves all kinds of mysteries with his friend and fellow Cow Dog, Drover. The game, the children were playing was based on Hank and his life. We received a book, Hank the Cow Dog: The Case of the One-Eyed Killer Stud Horse by John Erickson, the Tornado game, CD, and audio tape to review.

My son, Jimmy and I both read the book, agreeing that Hank the Cow Dog was hilarious. The book was a little young for Jimmy, age eleven, but we thought his friend, Saxon, age nine, would enjoy it. Neither of us could help laughing aloud at Hank's escapades on the ranch where he lives with his assistant, Drover, Sally May, Loper, Little Alfred, and his nemesis, Pete, the cat.

Hank is always doing something he shouldn't do, whether it's snacking on bacon grease, licking Sally Mae's nose, or stealing the family's pumpkin pie. Hank is incredibly funny as he narrates the book, telling the whole story from his perspective. I loved to see the story unfold through his eyes. For the most part, Hank is a wholesome character, but in the beginning of the book, he does encourage his readers to lie about wetting the bed. It's all very tongue-in-cheek and silly, but still...However, though Hank gets into trouble because of the choices he makes, in his world, good is good and bad is bad. Bad deeds are punished and good deeds are rewarded. And though the stories are silly, I felt like I was visiting a ranch in Texas. I liked the book!

"We are just starting out," the young woman informed me with shining eyes. I thought that she was a high school homeschooler with her fresh smile and "girl-next-door" looks.

I smiled to myself remembering those days. Was I ever a young mom who didn't need to reach for her reading glasses to check a writing paper or look at the numbers to explain a math problem? How wonderful those early years were when we enjoyed making volcanoes of papermache and going to the zoo for a field trip.

"I need all the wisdom I can get," my new young friend interrupted my thoughts.

"Well, have I got a book for you!"

Though I have read many books on homeschooling over the past twenty years, this was my first time reading The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling by Debra Bell (sent to me by Apologia Press to review).

The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling by Debra Bell is an honest look at homeschooling from a mom whose run the race with joy and success! You will like Debra. She is honest and insightful. She doesn't sugarcoat homeschooling. Debra and her husband, Kermit, have four children, all homeschool grads. Saved in college, Debra never envisioned herself homeschooling, but she saw good fruit in the lives of homeschooled children in her church. This led her to pursue homeschooling for her own family.

Debra homeschooled her children and built friendships with other homeschooling families. She mentions the support group, coop, and homeschooling friends in her book over and over. As she mentions her family, you can tell that she values relationships. Her lives, and the lives of her children, have been changed in these relationships.

Reading this book was not only a time of equipping for me, it was like having tea with a kindred spirit who loves homeschooling too! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, "meeting" Debra, and hope that you will consider reading it too.

Here are some topics that Debra covers in her guide to homeschooling. She covers these topics realistically, practically, and honestly.

• Advantages of Homeschooling
• Ingredients of a successful homeschooling
• Relationships
• Learning Styles
• Husband's role in homeschooling
• Choosing curriculum
• Home management
• Scheduling
• Can I homeschool my kids?
• Testing
• Support Groups
• Setting up a learning environment
• Preventing burnout
• Lesson planning
• Computers

There is a constant reminder to make learning relevant to real life. Learn computer skills with blogging. Start a family business to learn about economics and business. Learn about government and politics by participating in an election campaign.

 She also has many suggestions to avoid burnout such as the following:

• Raise your children to be independent learners
• Teach your children to be responsible and work around the house
• Go on some fantastic, fun field trips
• Plug into a support group or coop

Raising the Reluctant Learner

Originally published by E. P. Dutton Co., Inc in 1941, Stephen Foster and His Little Dog Tray by Opal Wheeler and illustrated by Mary Greenwalt is a biography of Stephen Foster with music scores of his most famous works included in the book. The story is lively and engaging, beginning with his birth into a large, slave-owning family in Pennsylvania.

From the very beginning, Stephen loved music! When he was two years old, he "borrowed" his sister's guitar and plucked a melody out on the instrument. Soon, he was plucking piano keys with lovely results to his family's delight and enjoyment. Stephen's music was profoundly influenced by Negro Spirituals sung by the black slaves of America. His songs often adopt the style or melody of a specific spiritual. Because of this, I had always assumed that he was a "Southern Boy," but it turns out he spent most of his life in Pennsylvania!

This biography is easy enough to be read and enjoyed by young children, but interesting and full of enough information that older children would enjoy it too. My first thought:  a great family read aloud book! Best of all, the Bible is mentioned, as well as the family's devotion to God!

The study guide, Stephen Foster and His Little Dog Tray Study Guide by Judy Wilcox, impressed me! This slim book and companion guide was jam-packed with great info and divided into four sections. Each section covered a section of the book with maps, timelines, tidbits of interest, reading comprehension questions, and a focus on character qualities evident in Stephen Foster's life.

"Mr. Fogg reminded me of a richer, smarter, older Cody," Josh said, referring to his older brother. 

"I liked the yellow in China--the royal color..." I began.

"Only the royalty could wear it, unless you were over 80," Josh interrupted with excitement. "I loved that!"

Christina, Josh, Jimmy, and I continued to discuss this book that we were all ready for our geography co-op. We each had to chose a fiction book each month to read that would help geography come alive. What a great choice we all had made!

Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne is an amazing book with a great story line and enough twists and turns to keep us interested. 

"Functional Neatness" was a concept I could latch on to in Homeschooling at the Speed of Life by Marilyn Rockett, a helpful guide to organizing your home and life. Full of practical wisdom from a mom who's been there, this book helps you stay on task while keeping your priorities in balance. This book might be very helpful for you! It was for me.

This book covers all the topics that are difficult and stressful for moms like me: de-cluttering, taming the paper monster, and keeping organized records. Marilyn is very administrative. She sounds like she enjoys organizing and de-cluttering. The book is positive and upbeat because her enjoyment shines through! Though I have learned to organize and keep tidy records for our family school, I don't enjoy it one little bit. I see it as a necessary evil. If you are like me, you will appreciate Marilyn. She is truly "The Mom's Mentor" dispensing wisdom with encouragement. Marilyn thinks that we can get organized and she just might be right.

Marilyn is refreshingly honest and real, but the bottom line is that she knows how to manage her home and homeschooling. She can pass on to us what she knows. This is a Titus 2 woman!

"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the Word of God," (Titus 2:3-5 NIV).