Category: books

We took a nice long break for the holidays in our homeschool this year.  We finished off some work and have just been enjoying playing games, reading and watching movies since the 18^th.  We plan on resuming a traditional schedule after the first week in January.  That’s one of the things I love about schooling year round!

Of course we never ‘really’ take a break from learning, so many of the things we do even on our time off from textbooks are still educational.

THE STORY TEMPLATE is a programmed learner that allows the writer to develop her story from chaos. The book uses a series of exercises for the writer to construct her story’s four foundational pillars; learn how to use the “secret weapon” of story structure: the story template; build character depth and believable change; and construct subplots. THE STORY TEMPLATE then reviews writing techniques, and finishes with discussions of editing, writing the synopsis and query letter, submitting one’s work to agents, and types of publishing that the writer may wish to pursue.

This new book, with more than 100 experiments provided by Mad Science and step-by-step instructions, shows kids how simple experiments can help them better understand the world around them.  “Following the success of Super Science Book, we created Big Book of Science Experiments to offer kids a supplement to everything they love about science. Annual science fairs continue to grow in popularity. This book provides a myriad of ideas to bring science directly to your home,” said Bob Der, Editorial Director, TIME For Kids. “We filled the book with incredibly cool experiments for kids to explore in a fun, family-friendly way.”

Unwittingly chosen to join an army of fairies, who fight for the Light of the One, a teenaged girl learns about spiritual warfare as she attends a military academy with fantastical beings.

FROM THE BACK COVER:

Here lies a most precious treasure,
Awaiting one Chosen to deliver.

Seek out the red cousins in the East,
For on this your greed mustn’t feast.

Jeff Kinney’s popular series “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” has a new book out on the shelf Cabin Fever.  Cabin Fever is the sixth book in the series.  Released on November 15th, 2011 by Abrams Publishing, Cabin Fever sold over 1 million books in its first week out!

In Cabin Fever, Greg Heffley is in big trouble.  School property has been damaged, and Greg is the prime suspect.  But the crazy thing is, he’s innocent.  Or at least sort of.

The holiday season isn’t always ‘holly and jolly’ for everyone.  It may bring about thoughts of a loved one that has died, or perhaps there is an incurable illness in the family, a loss of a job may mean economic hardships.  Whatever that ‘tough time’ might be, Devotional Stories for Tough Times would be an encouraging gift for that person you know or perhaps even for yourself.

For years Chicken Soup for the Soul books have been resources for those looking for comfort and hope.  This particular anthology of stories shares the circumstances of those who have struggled with tough times, sharing how their faith has brought them through it.  Each story concludes with a short prayer.

My Favorite Bible is a delightful Bible story book for children.  This book is endorsed by MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers).

This collection of best-loved Bible stories will get children excited about God’s Word by introducing them to the basic truths of Scripture.  Fun and colorful illustrations are featured throughout and My Favorite Bible includes activities and questions featured on “Family Talk” and “Family Fun” pages to share with your children. 

Trapped in a forgotten city, bound by secrets, Ellie and Bealomondore must enlist the dragons of the watch to find freedom.

Ellie knows exactly where she is going. She just wants to experience the pomp and circumstance of a royal wedding, then settle into a simple life with a country husband.

I love DK Publishing as they produce all kinds of neat books for kids and grown ups that are just kids at heart.  In our home LEGO’s are prized possessions and my daughter and husband have quite the collection of assorted bricks and Star Wars LEGO kits.  So it was with great enthusiasm that I was able to participate in this blog campaign for two of DK Publishings LEGO books.

“Simply defined, the ‘grace effect’ is an observable phenomenon—that life is demonstrably better where authentic Christianity flourishes.”

What does Christianity give us beyond televangelists, potlucks, and bad basketball leagues?  Not much, according to the secular Left.  The world, they say, would be a better place without it.