Showing posts with label Book List. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book List. Show all posts

Wednesday 18 December 2013

Christmas Books We Love


I really enjoy celebrations and using this time of the year to create family traditions.  One of the things I have done over the years is find a Christmas book to add to the read in December box.  I'm passionate about beautifully illustrated books so that is one of the criteria I have for when looking over a book to add to the Christmas Book Box.  Today I want to share the books we love with you.

 Jotham's Journey Trilogy.

The very first book that I purchased is Jotham's Journey.   We loved this book so much that we have purchased the three books in trilogy. These books help to change our focus from all things Christmas to Christ.  We are currently reading Jotham's Journey this Advent season.  If you have never participated in Advent before I highly recommend this series of books for your shelves.
Tabitha's Travels
Bartholomew's Passage

The Jesse Tree
By (author) Geraldine Mccaughrean, Illustrated by Bee Willey

This book is fairly new on the Advent scene. It's the story of short tempered Mr Butterfield the wood carver and the annoyingly persistant boy who arrives at different points in the church where Mr Butterfiled is carving a Jesse Tree. It's a story of redemption, forgiveness and healing. The story of the Jesse Tree, the Word of the Lord and a young boy who knows about neither.

Format: Paperback 93 pages
ISBN 13: 9780802854032
ISBN 10: 0802854036

Advent Storybook: 24 Stories to Share Before Christmas
By (author) Antonie Schneider, Illustrated by Maja Dusikova
This is an Advent book for younger audiences.  Follow Benjamin Bear as he impatiently waits for Christmas to arrive.  Follow Benjamin each day on his journey to Bethlehem along with full colour illustrations.

Format: Hardback 64 pages
ISBN 13: 9780735819634
ISBN 10: 0735819637

The Animals' Christmas Eve
By (author) Gale Wiersum, Illustrated by Alexandra Steele-Morgan

This little Golden Book is a story of where a group of animals recount the events of the birth Jesus.

Format: Hardback 24 pages
ISBN 13: 9780375839238
ISBN 10: 0375839232

An Angel's Story
Author Max Lucado Illustrator: Greg Dearth

I really enjoy Max's encouraging books and I am always attracted to books with beautiful illustrations. This is a story of imagination and many parts are true. Through the story we can focus on the One who made us, His greatness, His plan, His mercy and most of all His TRUTH.  It is truth that sets us free (John 8:32) You can read an excerpt from the book over at Max Lucado's website along with why he wrote An Angel's Story formally published under the title A Cosmic Christmas.

Number of Pages:96 pages
ISBN: 9781418512712

The First Christmas
By (author) Paul L. Maier (Illustrated) by Francisco Ordaz

A beautifully illustrated narrative of the the nativity story that is a wonderful read aloud for young children.  Old and young alike will enjoy the pictures in this book.


ISBN 13: 9781859853283
ISBN 10: 1859853285
Two from Galilee
(author) Marjorie Holmes

A love story of Mary and Joseph.  I read this book when I was about 15 years old and spent the next 20 looking for a copy of my own it impacted me so deeply.  Marjorie does an amazing job of taking you on the journey of Mary and Joseph from an earthly perspective.  These two, chosen by God to provide the earthly home for His son. This teenage woman and young carpenter who had to live on earth and face the reactions of the unbelieving around them.  Who walked the streets with unbelievers and suffer at the condemning glances of the town.   This is a beautifully written account of the nativity written with sensitivity and insight.  A worthwhile book for any well stocked library.
Format: Paperback 224 pages
ISBN 13: 9780553281002
ISBN 10: 0553281003

Christmas Doll

By (author) E Woodruff
This is a new book for me I have not read it yet the write up in the catalog caught my eye: "Lucy and Glory are orphaned sisters with no real place to call home. Only their memories of a beautiful doll named Morning Glory brighten their bleak lives. When a deadly fever sweeps through the workhouse where the girls live, Lucy and Glory flee to the mean streets of London. One day the girls find an old battered doll that Glory senses is their beloved Morning Glory. But Morning Glory is no ordinary doll--the girls learn that she has magical powers that will change their lives in amazing ways.. With the help of the doll, the sisters discover the true meaning of the Christmas spirit." {Amazon}

ISBN 13: 9780613573047
ISBN 10: 0613573048

The Watchmaker Who Saved Christmas
By (author) Bruce Whatley
This is another beautifully illustrated book.  Follow Peter the boy upstairs and the watch maker as they repair a very special pocket watch.  A story of precious things, friendship, time and sacrifice.  Beautifully written.


Format: Paperback 32 pages
ISBN 13: 9781741662245
ISBN 10: 1741662249

The Christmas Mouse
By (author) Stephanie Jeffs, Illustrated by Jenny Thorne
Follow the adventures of this little mouse as late one cold wintery night he finds a beautifuly wrapped gift beneath the Christmas Tree. Upon opening it he finds himself
ISBN 13: 9781853453151
ISBN 10: 1853453153

The Christmas Mystery
By (author) Jostein Gaarder, Illustrated by Rosemary Wells, Translated by Elizabeth Rokkan

This one is new to our shelves and I am looking forward to reading it out loud next year.  "In the corner of a dusty old bookstore, Joachim discovers a magic Advent calendar. When he opens the first door on December 1, a small piece of paper falls out. On it is the beginning of a story about a little girl named Elisabet who traveled through time to be present at the birth of Jesus.- Book Depository".

Format: Paperback 222 pages
ISBN 13: 9781559213950
ISBN 10: 1559213957



Christmas Books
Do you have any favourite Christmas books you take out each year to enjoy as a family ? I'm always on the look out for beautifully written and illustrated books to add to our Christmas / Advent collection.

If you would like to find some more book lists be sure to check out the Schoolhouse Crew Blog tomorrow. There are over 50 lists and books to look through for inspiration from the crew.

Blessings
Chareen
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Tuesday 3 December 2013

Our Top 6 Favorite Chapter Read-Alouds


I have so many read aloud chapter books that are my favourite that it was very hard to narrow down the list to 6!  This list is in no way our only favourites but they are some we have enjoyed recently and some are ones that spring to mind when thinking of read alouds I read to my oldest two years ago. I would love to know what are your favourite read alouds.


Little Britches Series 
Author Ralph Moody. 
The Ralph Moody Collection has been one of the most amazing journey's we have undertaken as a family.  My older two roses would sit waiting at the window for daddy to come home and when he arrived would race out to the car begging "Daddy PLEASE read to us!"

 Carry on, Mr. Bowditch
Author Jean Lee Latham
This is one of those sit on the edge of your seat historical novels.  It is excellently written.  Interestingly enough when we looked up Nathaniel Bowditch in our encyclopedia set it recommend this book as the number one resource on his life. It was also awarded the John Newberry Medal.
Handel: At the Court of Kings
Series Great Musician Series Book Collection

This is the first chapter book on great musicians that we've ever read and we really enjoyed every minute of our music study.  There are a total of 16 musicians covered in this series.




Follow My Leader
Author James B. Garfield
It's a story revealing the consequences of our actions at the same time giving us a hope for the future. We walk with Jimmy as he learns to forgive and go with him on a journey as to what it would be like to be blind.

The Phantom Tollbooth
Author Norton Juster

This book is amazing !  If you love reading then this is a must for your shelf.  It is so much fun.  I enjoyed the play on words and the literal use of words.  It is so very cleverly written. Every page is a play on words and the linguistic talent of the author is so very enjoyable. 

Little Lord Fauntleroy
Author Frances Hodgson Burnett

For beautiful language and character rich books I highly recommend the books by Frances Hodgson Burnett.  When I asked him which book was his favorite read aloud so far he named this book.  The story of a young man destined for great things. Born into poverty yet a prince.  An excellent read aloud for the whole family.

Chareen

This post is part of the Homeschool Help series brought to you by a group of homeschool Mom's from around the globe.  Do not forget to visit and read their inspirational insight.



This week
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Tuesday 26 March 2013

Books to Support New Homeschool Mom's

Thinking back over the years I started homeschooling at the best time. The internet was a thing that very few people had and so the only place you could access information was from your neighbor or the homeschool Mother up the road.
If you wanted to home school you had to find the local support group. I miss the days of fellowship over a cup of tea while the children played outside.
The highlight of our time together would be seeing a new book, new home school catalog or curriculum.  Today Mom's ask Google, if you do a search for home school help you will find ten million hits. It's over whelming where do you begin? Today I want to share my top four home school support books.

In no particular order here are My Favorite Four

A Charlotte Mason Companion is Karen Andreola's memoir of implementing A Charlotte Mason education. This beautifully illustrated book is full of encouragement and how to chapters. Karen covers practical topics like: The Art of Narration, Mother Culture, Shakespeare and Dickens. Topics of Art and Music appreciation along with Grammar, History, Nature Study and a few more kernels of wisdom.  A beautiful book full of gorgeous line illustrations.

Purchase this book from Book Depository, Amazon

For online encouragement meet Karen over at Moments with Mother Culture.

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Been on the journey for a few months and needing a little deeper understanding ? This is the book for you.
Bill and Diana Waring have compiled this absolute gem of a little book which is a great reflection of their mission "To serve families by encouraging and  equipping". Things we wish we'd known (232 pages) is divided into five sections covering: The Concepts, The Basics, The Priorities, God's Involvement, Christian Character and The Blessings.
In each section is a number of letters from veteran home school parents to you.  Each write up is started with a photograph and short biography followed by their kernel of wisdom. Each one is concise and well written. This little book is worth it's weight in gold and will answer most of your questions with wisdom and balance.

Purchase this book from Diana Waring Presents, Book Depository, Amazon
For online encouragement Facebook, Twitter, and Diana shares gems on her blog Diana Waring Presents!

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After years of feeling like she was barely hanging on Diana cried out to God and desperately asked to get Beyond Survival (288 pages) and walk in Abundant Life Homeschooling. In her well known conversational style Diana shares the keys that released the joy in her home school journey.
This little gem answered so many of my why is this happening questions. It is full of insight and will broaden your understanding of the way your children learn and do life. Diana shares many funny happenings from her journey along with an honest look at things we struggle  with behind closed doors. I enjoy the honest transparency of this book.

Purchase this book from Diana Waring Presents, Book Depository, Amazon
For online encouragement Facebook, Twitter, and Diana shares gems on her blog Diana Waring Presents!

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Educating the Whole Hearted Child has seen a few revisions over the years and still contains a life time full of information to carry you through any season of homeschooling. Clay and Sally have graduated three students and are passionate homeschool encourager.
This book (384 pages) is divided into four main sections: Home, Learning, Methods and Living.
This book is full of words of encouragement and insight. Sally and Clay have filled this book with practical know how and insight. They use wonderful acronyms to help you implement and formulate your homeschool plan. I love how they give information and then share 'In Our Home'. They take each topic and break it down in to easy to understand bite size pieces backed up with research and scripture.
Purchase this book from: Whole Heart Ministries, Book Depository, Amazon.
For online encouragement Sally Blogs over at I Take Joy, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest.

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Encouragement and support on line
Final Thoughts
  • Many are the things that will take from your energy levels and enthusiasm on the homeschool journey. It is incredibly important for you to invest in your selves or you will find yourselves burnt out and desperate. The art of Mother Culture is something sorely lacking in our sub culture of home education today.  I would encourage you to take some daily minutes for yourselves in order to be the very best you can be. Equip yourself well for the task at hand.
  • Charlotte Mason advised the teacher to replenish her soul with a continual supply of ideas. ...stimulates your educational thought in many directions and keeps you from drifting into mere routine... Do not think this is a selfish thing to do, because the advantage does not end with yourself.".  
    •  
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Tuesday 7 February 2012

Tuesdays Treasure {26} - Honey for a Child's Heart

 Welcome to Tuesdays Treasures.  I started these posts as a way of sharing great books in honour of my friend in New Zealand who would arrive with the treasures she had unearthed at her weekly trip to the library!

There are so many wonderful books out there hiding on shelves so I invite you to blog about a book on your shelf, one you're reading or one you found at the library and add your post to Learning All the Time Favourite Resource Link Up. 



This week ...



  • Format: Paperback
  • Number of Pages: 251
  • Publishers: Zondervan
  • Publication Date: 
  • ISBN: 978-0-310-24246-8
  • Author Gladys Hunt
  • Illustrator: 
When I first started home schooling this was one of the first books I invested in.  I loved the idea of twaddle free living books but did not have enough experience to pick them.  This book became an invaluable resource along with my Sonlight Catalog.

Personally I do not endorse every book that Gladys has listed but as a family we have certainly enjoyed a good many.

The book is divided into two parts:

Part One: Using Books to Help Children Grow
    Part Two: Best-Loved Books for Children.

    "Every child ought to know the pleasure of words so well chosen that they awaken sensibility, great emotions, and understanding of truth "- Gladys Hunt

    Blessings





    Gladys Blog:  Honey for a Child's Heart.
    Remembering Gladys Hunt.
    This post is linking with: Favourite Resources over at Learing All the Time.

    Purchase the book from (NOT Affiliate Links)
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