Kregel Publications-Andi's Fair Surprise

Andi's Fair Surprise by Susan K. Marlow and illustrated by Leslie Gammelgaard is a great addition to the  bookshelf of any novice reader. Set in 1874, the thoughts, passions and problems faced by young Andi Carter, a six-year old cowgirl in training, are classic and relevant to today's young reader. A handy mini-dictionary of "new words" is included at the beginning of the text to help young readers as they read through this 63 page beginning chapter book divided into 9 chapters. A final chapter titled, "A Peek into the Past"adds an extra educational element providing insight to the historic context of the story.

Andi's Fair Surprise is the latest edition (2011) to Marlow's Circle C Beginnings Series, written for ages 6-8. All the texts in the series showcase the antics and struggles of Andi, a horse-loving, tom-boyish, independent little girl with a big heart. Andi's adventures continue in the Circle C adventure series designed for ages 9-14. Both series are written to illustrate wholesome lessons in "family, faith and friends". All titles from the series can be purchased on the author's website, www.circlecadventures.com

I am always on the lookout for wholesome and engaging beginner readers and was thrilled to receive this title to review as a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew. I had heard of Andi and the Circle C adventure series from fellow homeschool parents, but hadn't shared them with my horse-loving daughter, Sierra yet. Sierra, a 3rd grade, beginning reader, agreed to assist me with this review and shared the following comments regarding the series.

"I think its a great book for little kids. It's a great book to read and it wasn't that hard to read. It's kind of easy and that's what makes it fun. I want to read the older books (Circle C adventures) too"(Sierra, age 9).

The Circle C Beginner Readers sell on the Circle C website for $4.99 each, $9.98 for two, or $15.96 for the first four. The website hosts a treasure trove of information about the characters, books, supplemental study guides and lapbooks for purchase, on-line games and puzzles and a handy link to Andi's blog. Gallop on over and set for a spell. You'll be glad you did.

New Monic Books-- Vocabulary Cartoons

A strong vocabulary is evidence of a great scholar. It is easy to squeeze in subject specific vocabulary when studying science, history or mathematics. I am, however, generally in a quandry when it comes time to schedule vocabulary study to develop scholarly writing. Words like affinity, expunge, laudable and porcine just don't seem to find their way into my kids' language arts lessons and therefore don't appear in their written work or conversations. Vocabulary Cartoons, a product of New Monic Books, Inc. might just be the solution to help my students improve their rudimentary skills with a minimal investment of their time. Vocabulary Cartoons SAT Word Power is designed to appeal to a multitude of ages and can be used in a myriad of ways.

New Monic Books sent me a copy of Vocabulary Cartoons SAT Word Power for free in exchange for this affidavit. I am happy to report unbridled accolades of my own volition. Vocabulary Cartoons SAT Word Power is propulsive in developing language skills.

New Monic describes the theoretical design of their book by defining mnemonic. According to the publisher a mnemonic "is a device that helps you remember something by associating what you are trying to remember with something you already know". Examples include acronyms like DEAR (drop everything and read)-- or rhyming phrases like "In 14 hundred and 92, Columbus sailed the ocean blue".

Vocabulary Cartoons is designed on the principle of a visual mnemonic. For example, "capacious"meaning "roomy, able to hold much" is illustrated with a small boy wearing a baseball hat 10 sizes too large. The phrase "A spacious cap is capacious" is written below the illustration. Using the cartoon visual to connect with the definition encourages the brain to develop a learning connection ensuring the student will remember the word. According to the publisher, "Vocabulary Cartoon mnemonic strategies not only accelerate learning, but they also motivate, entertain and build self-esteem".

The publisher contends standardized test scores for PSAT, SAT/ or even the GRE will improve from a deeper understanding of scholarly vocabulary. The words selected in Vocabulary Cartoons are those most frequently found on the verbal sections of the SAT and GRE exams. Additionally, students enrolled in adult education classes, ESL students and individuals suffering from ADD could all benefit from this unique product because of its strong visual component.

I believe the true test of Vocabulary Cartoons is evident when utilizing it for sporadic vocabulary study. I had Micah, grade 8, use the book occasionally over the past six weeks to note if vocabulary development had occurred or if the book was simply quixotic. Micah took a short quiz included within Vocabulary Cartoons to evaluate her ability to evoke the meaning of the first ten words included. She remembered 70% of the words, but felt the words she did remember were erudite.

"It's a great study tool for vocabulary", said Micah. "I liked the illustrations that they used to help to display vocabulary words or phrases. I found it easy to picture the illustrations in my mind when I was trying to remember the meaning of the word. I think I only got 70% of them correct when I took the test because it had been two weeks since I last looked at the book. I think I will continue to use Vocabulary Cartoons, however to help me remember vocabulary words I don't often use and to look for meanings of difficult words I encounter when I am reading".

Vocabulary Cartoons can be purchased on New Monic Book's company website http://www.vocabularycartoons.com/home/ for $12.95 plus shipping and handling. With casual use and dedication your student will veer from tyro to ubiquitous vocabulary enthusiast.

Tales of Terrestria

Tales From Terrestria, written by Ed Dunlop are the latest Terrestrian stories to be released from Cross and Crown Publishing. The Terrestria Chronicles, an allegorical fantasy series was written by Dunlop to "honor Jesus Christ as King, challenge young readers to serve Him, and to teach them to guard their hearts for Him". Although The Terrestria Chronicles are complete, Tales From Terrestria continue the adventure with stand alone stories of new characters from the land of Terrestria. Both Tales From Terrestria novels and The Terrestria Chronicles are written for children aged 10 and older.

I received the first Tale From Terrestria: The Quest for Thunder Mountain from the publisher for free in exchange for this review. The 203 page paperback sells on the publisher website, www.talesofcastles.com for $7.99. My children Sierra, Micah, and Jonah assisted me with this review.

Set in the middle ages, The Quest for Thunder Mountain introduces readers to young Gavin, an unemployed minstrel. Sick, hurt and needing direction he fortunately meets Sir Wisdom who ministers to his needs and sends him on a quest to Mount Thelema to seek the will of King Emmanuel. The journey is long and dangerous testing Gavin's strength, will and faith. Gavin uses a special book provided by the King to guide him on his journey.
Gavin a true hero is an inspiration, optimistic and strong in his faith. For example, during an unfortunate imprisonment in the "Dungeon of Condemnation" Gavin is bitterly asked by his traveling companion, "Do you have a plan?" Gavin replies, "Nay, but Emmanuel does....He'll show us a way out of here".

The Quest for Thunder Mountain is well written but at times predictable. My older children were not surprised by plot twists nor amazed by the allegorical references. We did understand, however, that these novels could easily draw children with a limited spiritual background into deep and meaningful conversations of Christ. Indeed this is the author's mission. Dunlop dedicates a section of the website to his reasons for trying to reach children with the Gospel. According to his statistics, 85% of people come to Christ between the ages of 5-14.

I asked the kid review panel for their honest reviews of the book. Their comments included the following:

"I can see how the novel would be good for little kids or for kids who really haven't studied the Bible. It was a pretty good story, but since I could understand the symbolism, like the "Shield of Faith", etc. it lessened the affect the story had on me. I would probably recommend these to a friend if they were interested in dragons and Medieval stories" ~ Jonah age 15.

"I thought the storyline was interesting. I think if I was a little bit younger it would seem more exciting to me. The plot was very creative and different from what I find in most books. The beginning especially really caught my attention and helped me care about the safety of the main character, Gavin. I would recommend this book to kids who like Science Fiction or fantasy adventure books"~ Micah, age 12.

"I really liked the story of this book. I liked the people, the action, and that it was in the middle ages. I really like fairy tales and stories of castles, princesses and dragons. I hope I get to read more of these books. There is NOTHING I didn't like about it at all!"~ Sierra, age 8"

The Quest for Thunder Mountain is the first in the Tales of Terrestria series novels. The Golden Dagger and The Isle of Dragons are also currently available with a fourth book, Return of the Dagger planned for release Spring of 2010. All books in the series average 200 pages and carry the $7.99 price tag. In addition, a special price of 3 books for $19.99 is currently being offered on the website.

Critical Thinking Press--Language Smarts

Language Smarts published by Critical Thinking Press is a user friendly language arts workbook that teaches students basic language skills while challenging them to understand advanced critical thinking concepts. Bright, colorful and engaging this 314 page workbook introduces advanced language arts skills to students in a slow yet progressive way. Language
Smarts is designed to be used as a spine for language arts study or as a supplemental resource.

Our family received Language Smarts Level C, the 2nd grade edition of Language Smarts, for free from Critical Thinking Press in exchange for this review. My second grade daughter, Sierra was very excited when I presented the book to her. Sierra struggles with language arts studies, but after reading the title, Language Smarts was convinced this workbook was for her.Workbook pages are glue bound and to my knowledge NOT perforated. The printing is beautiful with vibrant, engaging colors, graphics and text. Different sections of the book are designated with various colors. For example, "Think a Minute" activities in green, vowel/consonant practice in orange, "Word Benders" in bright blue, etc. Language Smarts, Level C sells for $39.95 on the Critical Thinking Press website, www.criticalthinking.com

The beginning of the workbook addresses basic grammar, reading, vocabulary, and writing skills needed for second grade. Once students conquer the essential language arts skills for second grade, they are challenged with advanced third grade concepts. Language Smarts is definitely challenging, yet presents concepts in a slow, progressive manner to avoid stress and frustration.

Language Smarts uses real life examples and teaches information not usually incorporated in typical language arts curriculum. For example, when learning the definition of "mnemonic" students are taught to remember the Oceans by using "I Am A Person" (I for Indian, A for Arctic, A for Atlantic, and P for Pacific). Yet another workbook page teaches following directions by providing practice using a street map. Students are asked to guide a car to a specific location filling in street names and directional words. The variety of concepts included ensure the workbook remains intriguing for students. A comprehensive list of topics covered in Language Smarts Level C can be found by clicking here.

No lesson planning is necessary when using Language Smarts, but I found when using the workbook as a supplemental resource, careful review of topics is important so as not to miss valuable reinforcement opportunities. An answer key is provided on the company website for quick checks of completed pages. I did not discover the answer key until the end our review time, because unfortunately, Critical Thinking Press forgot to publish this detail in the workbook.

Sierra loved Language Smarts initially, but soon became frustrated by some of the pages. Most pages required her to read directions carefully requiring a great deal more critical thinking to complete them successively than she anticipated. I appreciated the challenge, but was quickly reminded of Sierra's strengths and weaknesses with language arts as her frustration settled in.

"I like the drawings, colors and pictures in the book. I think the lessons are hard. Sometimes they are too hard", said Sierra.

Our family uses a non-traditional approach to language arts study. I have never concerned myself with state standards or traditional textbooks for teaching language arts skills, but instead have utilized narration, copywork and spelling practice for younger grades. Language Smarts is designed to align with State standards. Homeschooling families not following strict State standards will most likely benefit by using Language Smarts as a supplemental resource rather than a core curriculum. Using the workbook in this manner will ensure the challenging, yet engaging pages are viewed as a treat rather than a chore.

I will continue to use Language Smarts Level C as a supplemental resource for Sierra. Although challenging for her I can easily see after using the workbook for a few weeks how time spent will become beneficial. Sierra loves workbooks and all things resembling a typical school setting. I think a slow, leisurely pace with this workbook will lessen her frustration and provide maximum educational benefit.

Language Smarts Level C is a great product for 2nd grade language arts study. Critical Thinking Press currently offers Language Smarts Level B for 1st grade and Level D for third grade. The variety, challenge, and real life skills of Language Smarts provide a unique, engaging and enjoyable method approach to language arts study.

All About Homophones.....another treat from the publisher of All About Spelling

All About Homophones is the latest release from Marie Rippel, publisher of All About Spelling. If you have read my previous review of All About Spelling then you will remember that I do not have enough words to tell you how much I LOVE the curriculum. True to the spirit of All About Spelling, All About Homophones is fun, creative, engaging and designed to reach children in the way they learn best. It is a breath of fresh air and wonderful supplement for any language arts curriculum.

Homophones, in case you have forgotten, are those wonderful, tricky words of the English language that sound the same, but have different spellings and meanings. For example, “read” and “red”; accidentally use the wrong homophone in your writing and your sentence can take on a whole new meaning. I was never aware as an adult of the frequency of homophones within American English until I had to teach my first child to read. All About Homophones covers 99 pairs of homophones including a second look at “to, two, too” . The book is designed to assist students in grades 1-8 in grasping the intricacies of the English language.

In addition to age appropriate worksheets for homophone review, Rippel has included graphic organizers for students to keep track of the meanings of new homophones, crossword puzzles, classic card games like “Pig”, “Snap” and “Old Maid”, student record sheets for personal homophone lists discovered, tongue twisters, riddles and puns, and a mega list of homophones. All About Homophones is not a curriculum to be conquered, but a wonderful, fun-based educational resource to be pulled out time and time again. The publishers recommend the book for grades 1-8, but I think even high schoolers could benefit from occasional review with this handy resource.

All About Homophones is available in e-book format for $27.95 or traditional printed format for $29.95 on the All About Homophones website. The e-book format, of course, arrives as a PDF immediately to your inbox and allows you the opportunity to print the worksheets and games which most appeal to your family. I am still a bit on the fence with e-books being an old fashioned pen and paper type of girl. I did spend an afternoon printing out the e-book format of All About Homophones, however, and am happy to report it printed clearly without a hitch. You will want to be prepared with a three hole punch, binder and lots of paper to feed into your printer if printing your e-book as I did. All About Homophones is over 240 pages long! This is a tremendous resource!!

Sample pages are available on the All About Homophones website along with a very fun tool, the Homophone Machine designed to stimulate interest in homophones with kids, but also give adults a peek back into the confusing world of learning to spell the English language. Simply enter a sentence into the machine and click on the convert button. My sentence was “Regenia read the red book while the knight rode his horse to the castle one night.” Converted by the Homphone machine this sentence became, “Regenia red thee read book wile thee night road his hoarse two thee castle won knight.” Scary isn’t it? But, oh so fun!

To celebrate the release of All About Homophones, the publishers are offering readers of this review $10 off any order at http://www.all-about-homophones.com/! To receive the discount, visitors to the site need to enter "FUN" in the customer code box during checkout. The coupon code is good for one week, through February 2, 2009.

If you are still doubting whether homophone study can be fun I would like to leave you with one more thought from the All About Homophones website.

QUESTION: Why did the baker quit making doughnuts?

ANSWER: He got tired of the hole thing. :-)