Bash and the Pirate Pig - A book review and a giveaway

Bash and the Pirate Pig 

 

 

Bash and the Pirate Pig, by Burton Cole, is the story of a cranky city kid named Raymond "Beamer" Boxby who must spend summer vacation at his younger cousin, Bash's, farm. 

Beamer prefers air conditioning and video games. He can't see what good can come of this so-called country fun that includes riding cows, river rafting with a pig, or playing with skunks. 

But hang tight, Beamer, because Bash's zany adventures with his "Fishin' and Farmin' book" (The Bible) just might lead to the coolest discovery of all. 

About the Author

Burton Cole is a Pulitzer Prize nominated journalist with thirty years of experience and more than fifty humor writing awards to his credit. He grew up on a farm in northeast Ohio and attended a small-town church with a slew of cousins and buddies. That same boyhood inspires his colorful stories today. 

About the Illustrator 

Tom Bancroft has more than twenty years of experience in the animation and illustration industry and worked with Disney on films including Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Aladdin. Other clients have included DC Comics and Big Idea Productions. 

Bash and the Pirate Pig 

Written by: Burton Cole 

Illustrated by: Tom Bancroft

Publisher: B&H Kids

Hardcover: 224 pages 

$12.99

Stay Connected: 

B&H Kids Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BHPubKids

B&H Publishing Twitter: @BHKidsBuzz

Website: http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/books/products.asp?p=9781433680694

Our Thoughts:

I read this book as a read-aloud with my 11 year old daughter.  My 4 year old daughter also listened in most of the time.  In my opinion, this book is geared more towards boys.  The two main characters are boys and the story is full of their crazy adventures and pranks during a summer on an Ohio farm.  While boys may enjoy it more, we still got a kick out of reading it.  The antics are humorous and the predicaments the boys find themselves in caused me to laugh out loud more than once. 

This is a Christian book and it presents the Gospel message beautifully.  I enjoyed hearing it explained through the words of a young boy; he explains it simply and clearly.  It could be a great way to witness to young children (about ages 8 to 14).  Jesus' plan of salvation and the Romans Road are woven into the story nicely. 

The story does include a great deal of name calling.  No curse words, by any means.  Just a lot of name calling (like nitwit and numbskull) between the two boys.  This didn't bother me, but I know some people might like to know ahead of time, if name calling is something that your child might already struggle with.

Bash and the Pirate Pig was a fun read-aloud.  My daughters and I all enjoyed it.  The presentation of the Gospel Message is awesome and I hope that it will be used to reach souls and change lives.

Giveaway 

One lucky reader will receive a copy of this book, courtesy of FlyBy Promotions.  Just leave a comment on or before October 1, 2013.  I will choose one comment at random.

 

 

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Alone Yet Not Alone Book Review and Giveaway

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About the book:

About Alone Yet Not Alone (novelization):

Settled in the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania, deep within America's new frontier, the Leininger family celebrates the blessings of a beautiful homestead and bountiful harvest. That is, until tragedy strikes with the beginning of the French and Indian War and the devastating raid known as the Penn's Creek Massacre. 

The lives of this simple, God-fearing family are forever altered when Barbara and Regina, two young sisters, are carried away by the Delaware tribe. Driven by their faith in God and the powerful bonds of family, Barbara and Regina hold firmly to the belief that they are never alone, even in their darkest hour, and that they will be reunited again. 

Rich in historical details, Alone Yet Not Alone is an inspirational, true story of a family caught in the cross fire of the French and Indian War. 

About The Author: 

Tracy Leininger Craven loves history and retelling real-life stories in her historical fiction books. She also loves spending her free time in the great outdoors with her husband David and their four children.

Alone Yet Not Alone (the book)

Written by: Tracy Leininger Craven

Publisher: Zonderkidz 

Paperback: 148 pages 

About the movie:

About Alone Yet Not Alone (THE MOVIE):

Releases in theaters Sept 27th, 2013 - Find a Theater Here: http://seatzy.com/main/moviedetail/alone-yet-not-alone

Families will love this film based on a true story!  Awarded 5 Doves from the Dove Foundation and approved for ages 12+.

Starring: Kelly Greyson, Natalie Racoosin, Clay Walker, Jenn Gotzon, Joanie Stewart, Ozzie Torres, Tony Wade.

Bring Alone Yet Not Alone to Your City: http://seatzy.com/main/moviedetail/alone-yet-not-alone

Our Thoughts: 

I am a big history buff, so I was excited to see that this book was based on a true story.  I am also fascinated by this particular time period (1700s), so that made it even more interesting.  We received the book and read it as a family (me and my 3 daughters).  We read it over a period of a few weeks and just recently completed it.  The verdict:  We all enjoyed reading this book.

It is a great history lesson, which will allow readers to learn much about the time period of the late 1700s in Pennsylvania... clothing, chores, the French and Indian War, immigration, customs of the Delaware tribe, etc.  

It is also a lesson in faith, family, values... remembering that no matter the circumstance, no matter how alone a Christian may feel, he/she is never truly alone.  God is always with us.  Barbara and Regina lived out their faith, hiding God's Word in their hearts, remembering that even through the darkest of times, they never were truly alone.

I enjoyed this book and encourage others to read it as well.  Share it with your older children.  They can learn much from this inspiring story.  Some scenes are frightening and intense, so I would suggest ages10 and up.

Giveaway 

One lucky reader will receive a copy of this book, courtesy of FlyBy Promotions.  Just leave a comment on or before Sept 20, 2013.  I will choose one comment at random.

 

 

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

A Child's Geography: Explore the Classical World - A Review

A Child's Geography: Explore the Classical World
 by Terri Johnson

I had heard of the "A Child's Geography" series, but had never read one... or seen one in person.  Recently, I had the opportunity to edit/proofread the 3rd book in the series (Explore the Classical World).  I was very impressed with the quality of the book; what a pleasant surprise.  Reading the book was like listening to a friend tell about her travel adventures.  It wasn't like reading a textbook; it was like reading a friend's travel journal.  After seeing the final product in eBook form, I was even more impressed.  The full color photographs added such a nice touch.

The book takes you along on a  journey of several countries in the classical world, such as Italy and Greece.   These countries have so much history; I learned so many new things about these "old" lands.  Not only does the book touch on the history of the countries from a Christian worldview.  It also discusses landmarks, terrain, customs, local delicacies, and more. 

Each chapter ends with a "Field Notes" section.  This section gives your child a chance to review the lesson and wrap-up their thoughts by answering the provided questions in a notebook or journal.  This will make for a nice keepsake.  The included images of maps and timelines are also a nice and helpful addition.

The CD includes even more useful items to make the whole experience come alive.  You will find great resources such as recipes unique to the individual countries.  One of the neatest resources in my opinion is the Prayer Guide.  This guide tells a little about the religious state of the country, such as the main religion and the condition of the Christian Church, and then includes specific prayer requests for that country.  What a great addition!

I so enjoyed reading through this book during the proofreading.  I am looking forward to sharing the complete and final product with my daughters.  In my opinion, this book is an awesome way to study geography.  It is a great alternative to a dry textbook.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned below for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

New School Year... New Decisions

Another school year over and done.  Now summer is upon us and well under way.  Before I know it, another school year will be starting.  In the meantime, I have just a matter of weeks to make my final curriculum choices for my children. 

For some courses, the decision came easy.  For other courses, I am still struggling, trying to decide what curriculum will work best.  Textbook, living book, online class, DVD class.  So many choices from so many publishers.  It is hard to decide.

To make matters more complicated, I have such a wide age range.  My oldest daughter starts high school this September.  And my youngest daughter, well... she will be born in September. 

Then I have to decide how many classes will be done independently, such as math.  Then, decide how many classes will be studied together, such as history. 

I am so grateful for the privilege to homeschool my children.  I am so thankful for all the wonderful curriculum suppliers and all the wonderful choices they have provided.  The possibilities seem endless.  A homeschool parent could spend hours perusing websites, catalogs, conferences. 

I'm praying for guidance and wisdom.  I want to make good decisions.  I don't want to waste our money or our time on choices, which will not work well for our children. 

So, how do you decide?  Do you use the same publisher each year?  Do you use the same publisher for each child?