The Bark of the Bog Owl


Jonathan Rogers - 2004
    His grandparents were among the first settlers of Corenwald’s Eastern Frontier. His father had been one of the kingdom’s greatest warriors. Aidan, on the other hand, lives the quiet, comfortable life of a nobleman’s son. He never has any real adventures, and that, he believes, is the one great injustice of his otherwise happy life. All that will change the day he first hears the bark of the bog owl and meets Dobro Turtlebane. Dobro is one of the feechiefolk—a tribe of half-civilized swamp dwellers who fight too much, laugh too loud, cry too easily, and smell just terrible. But another meeting on that remarkable day may change Aidan’s life even more profoundly. Bayard the Truthspeaker arrives with a startling pronouncement: Aidan Errolson will grow to be the Wilderking—the long-prophesied wild man who will come out of Corenwald’s forests and swamps to lead the kingdom back to its former glory. There’s just one question: Is Bayard the Truthspeaker a prophet or a madman? This initial installment in The Wilderking Trilogy is sure to capture the hearts of young and old, boys and girls alike. Written in the same fashion as The Lord of the Rings or The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Bark of the Bog Owl, as the author says, will help “direct a God-fearing boy’s sense of adventure and warrior spirit – his God-given wildness.”

The Adventure of Christmas: Helping Children Find Jesus in Our Holiday Traditions


Lisa Whelchel - 2004
    Lisa Whelchel was such a mom, but instead of abandoning the traditions of Christmas she rediscovered their original meanings, which were intended to remind people of God’s unfathomable gift. Hanging lights on the house, wrapping gifts, and decorating the tree have become opportunities to teach her children about how they relate to Jesus’ birth. With The ADVENTure of Christmas, mothers can redeem what’s been lost from the very symbols that are gentle reminders of the true meaning of Christmas.Have you discovered that Jesus sometimes gets lost in the middle of the hustle and bustle of His birthday party? Would you like to be able to keep your children's focus on Jesus and also join them in the wonder of the celebration? For each of the twenty-four days preceding Christmas, The ADVENTure of Christmas serves as a fun and handy guide that describes the significance behind your favorite traditions. Hanging lights on the house, wrapping gifts, and decorating the tree will become opportunities to share how these customs relate to Jesus' birth. The ADVENTure of Christmas recaptures the true meaning of this beloved season, giving reasons to celebrate for years to come.Story Behind the BookFeeling like Jesus had gotten lost in the frenzy of the holiday season, I asked the Lord to show me what I could do to teach my children the true meaning of Christmas. I was caught off-guard when He simply replied, "Don’t do anything differently. Look in the middle of the celebration and you will find Me." He was right. There was no need to orchestrate moments to pontificate about "the commercialization of Christmas." Instead, Jesus is beckoning us to come to the party and bring the kids. In doing so, we run into Him at the mall, the movies, even at school. He hides in the lights, the carols, and the cards. He is there when we dress the evergreen tree, when Dad dresses up in a red suit, and even when we eat turkey and dressing!

When the Circus Came to Town


Polly Horvath - 1996
    Then came Elmira Degoochy the snake lady. Then the Flying Gambinis -- all seven of them and their mother. And Mrs. Harrison the fortune-teller, and Mr. Wydel the strongman . . .These are the new residents of Springfield, the formerly peaceful Midwestern town where up to now young Ivy's life had been pretty uneventful. Ivy becomes fast friends with Alfred Halibut, who is an aspiring writer like herself and the son of a circus publicity manager. She also befriends the other circus people who have moved into town. But many of her neighbors are not feeling kindly about this invasion of strange characters. Tensions somersault into a climactic tangle at the Springfield bake-off. In the midst of hurtling pies, one voice alone can bring peace and tolerance back to the community. When the Circus Came to Town is Polly Horvath's funniest novel to date, packed with vivid exaggeration and slapstick scenarios.

Spyhunt


Michele Ashman Bell - 2004
    S. Ambassador. They are especially excited about having time to play their favorite game, Spyhunt, which takes them all over the city, riding busses, streetcars and subways in search of imaginary adventures. But for some reason, Seth and Sadie’s parents are more concerned than usual about the twins’ safety. To make matters worse, they announce that a blind boy named Fami is going to spend several weeks with them. The twins are afraid their fun will be over before it begins. Then they discover that Fami is a great kid who enjoys doing the things they like best. In the midst of their fun, the children spot a mysterious man who seems to pop up everywhere they go. Soon Seth, Sadie, and Fami will have an opportunity to play Spyhunt for real—in a dangerous game that puts their lives in jeopardy.

Tirzah


Lucille Travis - 1991
    Tirzah and her lame brother, Oren, help gather straw to make bricks. She observes the suffering of her people and the injustices that are done to them by the Egyptian police. Moses begs Pharaoh to let them go, but Pharaoh makes them work harder.One night, when the plague of death strikes down Pharaoh's own son, he allows the Israelites to flee on foot, only to pursue them with horses and chariots. He believes he will have them trapped between the mountains and the sea, but God miraculously delivers them. The Israelites celebrate with a song of hope and victory. Tirzah befriends a young Egyptian girl who has fled with them, even though others treat her badly. In spite of hardship and disappointment, Tirzah and her family keep trusting Yahweh to carry them through.

Philomena


Kate Seredy - 1955
    With Babushka's warm advice in her heart, Philomena sets out with confidence but the first thing she must do requires more than that- she must find her Aunt Liska whose married name Philomena does not know. How her fortunes fail at first as Philomena works as a servant girl, and how they become bright at last makes a sympathetic story. The author's drawings, pinpointing important scenes, are in her characteristic meticulously detailed outlines. (Kirkus)

Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles


Tony DiTerlizzi - 2009
    Under the hot Florida sun, Nick Vargas and his annoying new stepsister, Laurie, stumble upon the faerie world. A nixie asks for their help to save her sisters and before they know it, Nick and Laurie are outrunning giants, negotiating with mermaids, and battling a monster that's bigger than they'd ever imagined! Along with Nick's brother, Jules, and some familiar faces, the kids find themselves in a race to save not only themselves, but all of Florida!Three breathtaking books!One incredible journey that takes you...Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles!

The Christmas Star


Marcus Pfister - 1993
    Now available in a sturdy board book edition, this glittering Nativity, by the author of "The Rainbow Fish," is a perfect Christmas gift for the entire family to share.

Diary of a Zombie Hunter (Book 1): The Zombie Specialist (An Unofficial Minecraft Book for Kids Age 9-12)


Mark Mulle - 2015
    His job is to protect the citizens of Minecraft by capturing zombies. Pretty easy, yes? Or, so you thought! What if, something really BIG appears and come your way? Unlike most of Rick’s hunting adventure, his enemy this time is a terrifying Mega Zombie, or Uber-Zombie - probably the largest and most powerful Zombie you’ll ever see! With a power that outmatched Rick’s, can he think of a way to overcome this monstrous enemy? Can he actually capture this Uber-Zombie and save the people? Or, is it going to be Rick’s last mission? Grab this book today and find out how Rick will capture the Uber-Zombie… well, can he??? Don’t miss out on this chance to experience a fun-filled adventure with our new hero, Rick the Zombie Hunter! Other books in the Diary of a Zombie Hunter series Book 2: Zombie or Griefers Book 3: The Captain of Overwatch Author’s Note: This unofficial Minecraft book is not authorized, endorsed or sponsored by Microsoft Corp., Mojang AB, Notch Development AB or any other person or entity owning or controlling the rights of the Minecraft name, trademark or copyrights. All characters, names, places and other aspects of the game described herein are trademarked and owned by their respective owners. Minecraft®/ /TM & ©2009-2016 Mojang/Notch.

Peril and Peace: Chronicles of the Ancient Church


Mindy Withrow - 2006
    From the apostle Paul to Benedict you can discover how the early church still influences today.Live with these people in their hostile and difficult world. Be encouraged as different countries, cultures and times merge together to form the Christian church. Learn from their mistakes and errors and learn from their amazing strengths and gifts.Extra features throughout this book look deeper into issues such as persecution, worship, creeds and councils, and the formation of the Bible.This is the first in a series intended to cover the history of the Christian church through its people. They are written with 9-14 year olds in mind but the modern, relaxed and enthusiastic style is infectious!

Summertime in the Big Woods


Laura Ingalls Wilder - 1996
    Renée Graef’s enchanting full-color illustrations, inspired by Garth Williams’ classic artwork, bring Laura and her family lovingly to life in this sixth title in the My First Little House book series, picture books adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved storybooks.The winter is finally over, and now it is summertime! Laura and Mary are busy all day helping Ma in the garden and playing outside. Renée Graef’s enchanting full-color illustrations, inspired by Garth Williams’ classic artwork, bring Laura and her family lovingly to life in this sixth title in the My First Little House book series, picture books adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved storybooks.

The Not-Just-Anybody Family


Betsy Byars - 1986
    That had been just before Junior spotted a police car approaching the farm in a cloud of dust.Meanwhile Pap, the children's grandfather, sits in disgrace in the city jail. He was arrested for disturbing the peace after his pickup truck accidentally dumped 2,147 beer and soda cans (worth $107.35) on Spring Street.With their mother away on the rodeo circuit, it's up to Maggie and Vern to find a way to rescue Pap and Junior. How will they solve their family problems?

The Moon Is Always Round


Jonathan Gibson - 2019
    In The Moon Is Always Round, seminary professor and author Jonathan Gibson uses the vivid imagery of the moon to explain to children how God’s goodness is always present, even when it might appear to be obscured by upsetting or difficult circumstances. In this beautiful, two-color illustrated book, he allows readers to eavesdrop on the conversations he had with his young son in response to his sister’s death. Father and son share a simple liturgy together that reminds them that, just as the moon is always round despite its different phases, so also the goodness of God is always present throughout the different phases of life. A section in the back of the book offers further biblical help for parents and caregivers in explaining God’s goodness to children. Jonathan Gibson reminds children of all ages that God’s goodness is present in the most difficult of times, even if we can’t always see it.

God King: A Story in the Days of King Hezekiah


Joanne Williamson - 2002
    It is 701 B.C - rule of the Kushite dynasty in ancient Egypt. Young Prince Taharka, a very minor royal son, succeeds unexpectedly to the throne of Kush and Egypt - a "divine" rulership. It's not long, however, before a treacherous plot pushes him into sudden exile and into the hands of Amos, an emissary of King Hezekiah seeking help with whom he will fight - the mighty Assyrian, Sennacherib, promising alliance or Hezekiah, the Jew who trusts in Yahweh. A novel inspired by research of the historical King Taharka and period. Includes an introduction with home-education suggestions.

The Sea Egg


Lucy M. Boston - 1967
    A sea triton hatches from a special egg-shaped stone, to both the expectation and amazement of two little English school boys on holiday at the coast.