Book Review: Hunt for the Devil's Dragon by Marianne Hering and Wayne Thomas Batson

About the Book: If you’re brave, follow cousins Beth and Patrick to Libya in the 13th century. The town of Silene is being terrorized by a vicious animal that is eating livestock. The townspeople believe it’s a dragon sent by the devil. In order to appease the beast, the people believe they must offer a human sacrifice—a young girl named Sabra. When Beth tries to help Sabra escape, she too is tied up as an offering for the dragon. Meanwhile, Patrick and a new friend named Hazi join Georgius, a Roman knight who is serving in Africa to keep peace. Georgius decides to find the dragon and kill it. Georgius’s plans go awry when Beth and Sabra beg him not to kill the dragon. The girls know the true secret of Silene—the dragon isn’t its worst enemy.

My Review: I have really enjoyed The Imagination Station series thus far. Hunt for the Devil's Dragon is the eleventh book in the set, and in it Beth and Patrick meet up with two creatures they have only ever read about in books. This book's historical context is perplexing to me. The back cover says that the story is set in the 13th century  but the narrative is an adaptation of St. George the dragon slayer which took place a thousand years earlier. I tend to believe that the back cover blurb is incorrect. One thing that I have enjoyed about this series is the varied historical times that the cousins travel to. While this book may be one of the most exciting books in the series, I am left wondering how accurate it is. Were there really fire breathing dragons in that day? This story makes for a very exciting read, and I'm sure that young readers will love this adventure with Beth and Patrick.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to young readers of faith-based fiction and fans of Adventures in Odyssey.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.

Book Review: Challenge on the Hill of Fire by Marianne Hering and Nancy I Sanders

Back Cover: "You have made us slaves to your darkness and fear too long."

Patrick and Beth climb on board the Imagination Station in hopes of traveling to the land of leprechauns and shamrocks. When they reach fifth-century Ireland, however, there's no rainbow or pot of gold waiting for them. Instead, they must escape from evil druids and find their way to the bishop, who is their only hope of safety  But after meeting the bishop, the cousins find that he's a rebel set on defying the druids - even though it could mean his death. Who is this man who isn't afraid to die for his beliefs? Is he indeed safe, or will he lead Patrick and Beth toward the greatest danger they've faced so far?

My Review: I really love these Imaginations Station books. Challenge on the Hill of Fire is the tenth book in the series. The cousins Patrick and Beth are thrust into another daring adventure in history as they learn about standing up for your faith even against certain death. I'll admit that when I first saw the cover of this book, I thought the kids were going back in Bible times to Elijah's challenge against the prophets of Baal. It took me only a few pages to realize I was wrong. Instead the book took me to Ireland in days gone by where real evil kept the people captive in superstition and fear. I think that these books give young readers and exciting glimpse into the past and provide a way for them to see how important it is to stand for what they believe. I look forward to the day when my son will be old enough to read these books.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to young readers ages 7 and up.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.

Book Review: Escape to the Hiding Place by Marianne Hering and Marshal Younger

Back Cover: "God doesn't always protect us from danger. But He's always with us when we face danger. And that's enough."

World War Two has come to Holland . . .
and so have Patrick and Beth.

When the cousins hide at a farm with Dutch Resistance workers, they are given a secret mission: smuggling a Jewish baby to her mother. A broadcast from a hidden radio tells them that it's not safe to leave the farm. But the Resistance workers tell them that it's not safe to stay. Time is running out. Patrick and Beth must race to the hiding place to save the baby's future. But the Germans are everywhere: the woods, the roads, the city, and even the sky. Is there really a hiding place? Or will the Germans find that, too?

My Review: The ninth book in the Imagination Station series starts out with a rush as a plane falls from the sky and Patrick and Beth are thrust into a very dangerous situation. Once again, history comes alive as the cousins try to survive in German occupied Holland. I personally found this book to be very enjoyable and look forward to sharing the story with my nephews, and later my son when he is old enough. This is a great series!

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to young readers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.

Book Review: Battle for Cannibal Island by Marianne Hering and Wayne Thomas Batson

Back Cover: "I claim this boy as my prisoner," the cannibal king said.

Join Patrick and Beth in the Imagination Station as they travel to Fiji in the 1850s. Patrick hopes it's for a tropical vacation - instead he finds out that cannibals are alive and well on the islands. In truth, the cannibals are burning down every Christian village they can find. When Patrick and a sailor named Nettleton get knocked overboard, the cousins are separated.

Patrick must fend off escaped convicts and a terrible storm - even worse, he finds the cannibal king without even trying! Meanwhile, Beth follows missionary James Calvert as he searches for Patrick. But Calvert's greater mission is to find the king of the cannibals and tell him about the Bible. Is Calvert leading Beth away from danger or straight toward it?

My Review: The Imagination Station series continues with this thrilling book about cannibals and a famous missionary. I love the way that the story weaves together history in a way that young readers can understand and take part in it. Who wouldn't want to go back in time and have adventures like Patrick and Beth? I know I often wished that Mr. Whittaker lived near me. This book would make a great gift for any young reader that you know. The book is recommended for ages seven and up, and I'm glad that I have it in my library to share with my son when he gets a little older. This is a great addition to the series, and the emphasis on sharing the gospel is wonderful.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book, and the rest of the series, to young readers and their parents.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.

Book Review: My Favorite Bible by Rondi DeBoer and Christine Tangvald

Excerpt: 

The time was now.

The time was here.

The time had come for the

Promised One

to appear!

God marked this awesome

and amazing birth

with a special sign hanging in the dark night sky,

A giant,

glorious,

twinkling

star

silently shone a brilliant bright light.

Wow!

What an

incredible sight.

My Favorite Bible, pg 186-187

Back Cover: Bring the Bible alive!

The most treasured stories of the Bible come alive in My Favorite Bible.

Start your little ones on a life-long love of God's word!

This colorful and dynamic gospel-centered Bible storybook guides children through the foundational truths of Scripture. Each story is fully and vividly illustrated and includes a simple narrative with things children ages 4—8 love: repetition, rhythm, and energy, along with a key biblical theme, a key Bible verse, an activity page, and discussion questions.

Adults and children will cherish time together as they grow closer to God.

My Review: I love this Bible story book! The colors are so vivid and the stories told in a wonderful and exciting way. I enjoyed reading through this book for myself, and I can't wait to read it over and over again to my son as he grows up. I know it will become one of his favorites. I like how at the end of each story there is a page for talking about this story as a family, and suggestions for activities to do that correspond with the story. This is a delightful book that I know our family will enjoy for years to come.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to parents that are looking for a fun book of Bible Stories.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: Problems in Plymouth by Marianne Hering & Marshal Younger

Excerpt: The chief looked at each of the children and spoke. "I am Aspinet," he said. "Chief of the Nauset tribe."

He fixed his dark eyes on them. "You and your people have caused us much pain."

Patrick gulped and wondered, Is the chief planning to cause us much pain in return? Problems in Plymouth, pg 32.

Back Cover: "We'll rescue Squanto, or we'll die trying."

Travel with cousins Patrick and Beth in the Imagination Station to Plymouth Colony, 1621. There they find plenty of problems - a lost Pilgrim boy, stolen corn, and natives on the warpath. But the cousins can't find Hugh, a time-traveling villain causing trouble everywhere he goes.

Has Hugh kidnapped Squanto? Did he start the battle that wounded three Indians? Can Patrick and Beth find and stop Hugh before he changes American history? If they can't the cousins fear the first Thanksgiving feast may turn into the first Pilgrim-Indian war.

My Review: Patrick and Beth are now on an adventure in early American history. There was always trouble in Plymouth, but now things seem to be getting worse. Is Hugh behind all of the bad things that are happening? I did enjoy this book, but there were parts that didn't quite work in this story line. Mostly, I wondered about Hugh's involvement in the events described. That part seemed a little far-fetched to me, but then again, children love a far-fetched story.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book for young readers who enjoy adventures in history.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.)

Book Review: Showdown with the Shepherd by Marianne Hering & Brock Eastman

Excerpt: "My name is David, son of Jesse," the young man said.

Beth and Patrick looked at each other. Thy smiled. This is the famous David from the Bible. Showdown with the Shepherd, pg 24.

Back Cover: "If none of you will fight Goliath, then I will!"

Travel to the Holy Land, 1000 BC with Patrick and Beth. Their goal is to find the menacing Master Hugh, get the Whittaker family ring, and then send Hugh back to 1450s England. But problems await the cousins as soon as they step out of the Imagination Station. First they meet an angry bear, later an angry giant.

Set against the background of the David and Goliath story, the cousins must stop Hugh from changing history and helping the Philistines win. Along the way, the cousins learn that having a giant faith is better than having a giant on your side.

My Review: I'll say it again. I love Adventures in Odyssey! Showdown with the Shepherd is the fifth book in the Imagination Station series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because of the Biblical backdrop. The story of David and Goliath comes to life in these pages, as the cousins try to stop Hugh. I can't wait to read these books to my son, when he is old enough to enjoy them, and then, one day, see him reading the stories for himself. These books are a welcome edition to our library!

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book for young readers who enjoy adventures in history.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.)

Book Review: Revenge of the Red Knight by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker

Excerpt: Patrick reached out and took a step. His fingers touched a rock wall. It was bumpy and slimy.

"We're in a cave," Patrick said.

"A cave!" Beth said. "What cave? Where is it?"

"You mean 'When is it?'" Patrick said. "I think we jumped to another time." Revenge of the Red Knight, pg 9.

Back Cover: In this adventure, cousins Patrick and Beth finally meet Albert. But they also meet with more trouble at Lord Darkthorn's castle. The cousins are accused of stealing the very treasures they've been trying to return! To save Albert and themselves, Patrick and Beth need to sort friend from foe, traitor from teammate. And they must do it before the new moon. That's when Lord Darkthorn will return and lock Albert in his terrible tower.

My Review: Beth and Patrick are really in a fix this time. They have no idea how they got to  where they are, and the dangers awaiting them are perilous. Can they solve the mystery of the missing artifacts before the new moon, or will they be sent to the terrible tower just like Albert? This adventure will keep young readers on the edge of their seats, turning the pages to find out what is going to happen.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to young readers and their parents.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.)

Book Review: Peril in the Palace by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker

Excerpt: "Stop!" Patrick said. He was busy watching Beth, and he didn't see the other rider. The man rode close to him. He wrapped an arm around his waist and drew him up.

"Put me down!" he shouted at the horseman.

The man paid no attention. He dropped Patrick onto the front of the saddle. He kicked the horse to speed up.

The man looked grim. He carried arrows and a bow on his back.

This can't be happening, Patrick thought. We're being kidnapped by Mongol warriors! Peril in the Palace, pg 21-22.

Back Cover: The place? - China 1271. The task? - find the golden tablet of Kublai Khan. The problem? - just about everything!

On this adventure cousins Patrick and Beth are kidnapped by Mongol warriors. Only the friendship of fellow traveler Marco Polo saves them from harm. At the Shangdu palace, Kublai Khan dislikes their gifts and their message about Christianity. Next, the Mongol magicians challenge the cousins to a spiritual power showdown, war breaks out, and Beth and Patrick are locked up to prevent their escape.

How do the cousins get the golden tablet they need to save Mr. Whittaker's friend Albert? How do they escape the city and find the Imagination station? Enter the perilous palace and find out!

My Review: I've been a fan of Adventures in Odyssey since my own childhood, so when I was given the chance to review this book I jumped on it. Peril in the Palace is the third book in the new Imaginations Station series. After Patrick and Beth have faced the Vikings and the Romans, they make their way to ancient China. Things are not going well for the cousins on this adventure. I do have to admit, of the four books in the series that I have read thus far, I liked this book the least, but it was still an exciting read. Of course, the way the book ends, you just have to read the next one to know what is going to happen.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to parents of young readers.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.)

Book Review: Attack at the Arena by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker

Excerpt: Patrick and Beth blinked. A bright light replaced the darkness of the Imagination Station. It was the sun. They felt a breeze move against their faces. Their feet settled on warm sand.

The Imagination Station slowly faded out of sight.

The cousins looked around. They were in a huge empty arena.

"It's as big as a pro baseball stadium," Patrick said.

"It's amazing," said Beth. "The walls are beautiful."

Rrrowl.


The sound came from behind them.

The cousins spun around.

They were suddenly looking at a black-and-orange tiger. The two froze with fear. The tiger was only twenty yards away. It gazed at them and growled again. Attack at the Arena, pg 15-16.

Back Cover: Cousins Patrick and Beth are off on their second Imagination Station adventure. Mr. Whittaker's mysterious invention takes them to ancient Rome where they must find a special silver cup. Near the city gate, the cousins are separated when Beth is enslaved to the emperor and Patrick meets a wise monk named Telemachus. All three end up in the famous Roman arena. Telemachus wants to share and important message with the emperor. Beth wants to know who to get the cup. And Patrick just wants to escape with his life!

My Review: Having just returned from their adventure with the vikings, Patrick and Beth are on their way to ancient Rome. I love the way that this story shares the history of the era, as well as the sights and sounds of the arena. Children will enjoy this adventure, I know I did, and be left wanting to read what else happens to these daring cousins in their future adventures with the Imagination Station.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to parents of young readers.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.)


I'm giving away a copy of this book over on my writing blog (click here). Stop by and leave a comment to enter.

Book Review: Voyage with the Vikings by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker

Excerpt: Beth froze with fear. All she could do was stare at the sharp antlers.

Patrick's heart all but stopped. The animals were coming too fast. There were so many of them. It would be useless to run.

Whoosh! A spear came flying through the air.

Thud! It landed right in front of Patrick.

"Where did that come from?" Patrick shouted.

"Who cares?" Beth shouted back at him. "Use it!"

Patrick pulled the spear out of the ground. He moved in front of Beth. He turned the spear sideways and faced the animals.

"Out of the way!" he shouted to the coming reindeer.

He waved the spear to his left. Then to his right.

The animals did not change their path. They charged straight at the cousins. Voyage with the Vikings, pg 28-29.

Back Cover: Mr. Whittaker, a kind but mysterious inventor, has sent cousins Patrick and Beth to Greenland through the Imagination Station. It's the year 1000, and they meet Viking Erik the Red, who is angry about the new God. Mr. Whittaker wants the cousins to find a Sunstone, but what does one look like? And what does it have to do with the mysterious letter found in the inventor's workshop? Most important, can Patrick and Beth find a Sunstone before Erik's son Leif sails away with the Imagination Station on board his ship?

My Review: I grew up in the early days of Adventures in Odyssey, and the Imagination Station. I remember clearly trying to remember to turn on the radio at the exact time that the program was going on. I didn't always make it, and more often then not missed the program completely, but I have fond memories of the times that we did listen. My enjoyment of Odyssey has continued with me into adulthood. That is one of the reasons that I jumped at the chance to review this book. Voyage with the Vikings is a completely delightful, easy reader. The book is recommended for children ages 7 and up, and I can't wait to be able to share this story with my son when he reaches that age. The book is not overly Christian in it's message, but it is an enjoyable and clean adventure for young readers to immerse themselves in. I wish that I had books like this when I was younger. I might have taken an interest in reading sooner.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to parents of young readers who are looking for a clean adventure for their children to enjoy.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.)


I'm giving away a copy of this book over on my writing blog (click here). Stop by and leave a comment to enter.

Book Review: Really Woolly Bible Stories by Bonnie Rickner Jensen

Excerpt:
Through these stories you will discover
That God is faithful and true,
And Jesus, the Good Shepherd,
Will always take care of you.
Really Woolly Bible Stories, Introduction.

Back Cover: Curl up for story time in God's Word, and let the lovable Really Woolly characters help you discover the wonder of the Shepherd's great love and power. Playful rhymes retell all-time favorites from both the Old and New Testaments - including the Creation, Noah, and Jonah, along with the birth, life, and miracles of Jesus.

My Review: I love the Really Woolly cards that Dayspring puts out, so when I heard about this book for review, I had to see it. Julie Sawyer Phillips does a great job with the illustrations in this beautiful board book. The lamb, bunny and duckling add so much color and cheer to the pages. Bonnie Rickner Jensen's poetry add a fun dimension to the familiar stories of the Bible. The rhymes are interesting and the verses easy to read. I look forward to the time when I'll be able to share this book with either my own children, or children that come and visit me. I can see that this book would be a wonderful addition to any young child's library. The padded cover adds to this already well crafted book.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book for any young child's library.

(I received this complimentary book for the purpose of review.)

Book Review: The TALLEST of smalls by Max Lucado

"Perhaps you don't know -

then, maybe you do -

the Too Smalls of Stiltsville

and their story for you,"

The TALLEST of smalls, pg 1.

Every day at six, the people of Stiltsville go to the center of town to find out who is going to be in the cool crowd. In Stiltsville, cool people walk around on stilts and look down on the common people. A little boy named Ollie waits with the crowd. He is a very common little boy with mismatched socks, but to everyone’s surprise Ollie gets to walk on stilts. He loves it at first, but when the birds start using him as a perch, Ollie falls from his stilted height. Jesus is there to pick him up and show him just how special he is.

After reading Max Lucado’s Fearless, I can see how this children’s book ties in with the theme. Too often we listen to what other people say about us, and not what our Lord has to say. We let the world tell us that we aren’t good enough, smart enough, pretty enough or wealthy enough to matter. But the truth is that God loves us, and made us just as we are. He has a purpose for our lives and we don’t have to listen to what those around us have to say. It is God’s Word that matters.

I really enjoyed this book. The illustrations are wonderful, and the message is very timely. I can’t wait to read this book to my Children’s church class.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing.)

Book Review: A Heart Ready to Fly!

"The night we got home, I began writing our travel experiences in my diary. The ride was amazing. I learned a lot about God on the flight home. Who would have guess? That was the day that my heart began to giggle and fly." A Heart Ready to Fly!, pg 12.

Sophia Rose Giggleheart is in for a real adventure when she and her little brother Luke have to fly from California to Michigan by themselves. A captivating cast of characters, including an angel named Frank, help Sophia deal with a host of heart issues. This little girl learns the truth about judging people and her not-so-nice attitude.

I am looking forward to the day that I will be able to share this book with my children. Jackie Chirco Cogswell does a great job getting to the “heart” of the matter in a fun and educational way. I love the plot line that she has set up to teach, and the entertaining characters and dialogue. This book is great! I can’t wait to read the next one in the GiggleHeart Adventure Series.

Book Review: The I Believe Bunny

"Once upon a time
in a land hard to find
lived the I Believe Bunny,
who was funny and kind."
The I Believe Bunny, pg 1.

The land where Bunny lives is not always full of sunshine and flowers. Sometimes it rains, and Bunny, just like the little boys and girls (ages 4 to 8) who would enjoy this book, thinks that the rain should stop. "It's been raining all morning. I think that's enough." Bunny declares. It was during one such rainy day, that the Bunny finds someone in grave danger. First he doesn't know what to do. He calls for help, but there is no one around. Bunny will have to save the day, and as he does, he calls on the help of God.

I really enjoyed this story. The rhyme is easy to read, and lyrical in nature. The pictures are beautiful and full of action and suspense. What I liked the most about this story was the clear message that it sends. We can't do lots of things, but through God's power we can do anything. I would recommend this book to anyone who has children, grandchildren, or hopes to have children someday. I look forward to reading this book to my children, when the Lord finally blesses us in that way. This series of books, by Tish Rabe, will have a special home on my children's bookshelves!