Splish invites you to join him once again,
On a fun-filled adventure in the Schoolhouse Store.
Head over there and find Totally TOS,
To see great products to explore.
Our newest line of wonderful books
To add fun to your learning day
Are the WannaBe™ Series made just for you,
That will make learning feel like play.
Find the TOS WannaBe™ page,
Splish will be hiding there.
In the header he waits for you,
With the next clue he wants to share.
Summertime has officially arrived,
With warmth and lots of sun,
Continue the adventure and join us this week
And add to all the fun.
This week to start off you will have to go,
To the home page of the Schoolhouse Store.
Look down the left side bar for “Important Links”
Find “All Products” and get ready to explore.
Click “All Products” and open the page,
Look closely for the “Sort By:” drop down,
Choose “Date Added-Old to New”,
Gift Certificates will be the first found.
Open the Gift Certificate item
And the next clue will be
Waiting beside the lily pad,
For you to see.
As you can see, I've been having lots of fun with the coloring pictures. I picked out my very favorite and used it to make a new header for my blog. DO YOU LOVE IT? It was colored by my friend Morgan (age 14). To thank Morgan for this great-looking header, I'm going to send him a copy of a brand new book from Kregel - Bertie's War.
Everything has been going wrong for Bertie lately.
No matter how hard she tries to do and say the right thing, Bertie keeps tumbling into embarrassing--and sometimes dangerous--situations. Her stern father has too many rules, her know-it-all sister won't stop teasing her, and her mischievous younger brother keeps getting into trouble. But what makes her really afraid are those Communist missiles pointed right at the U.S. As Bertie starts seventh grade in the fall of 1962, news of these missiles throws the nation into a panic and Bertie suddenly feels completely out of control. Can Bertie confront an ugly truth about herself and face her fears--once and for all?
You'll also notice that I picked 2 from the younger category and put them in my sidebar. Cute, huh? These were colored by Mikayla (age 8) and Amber (age 10). I've selected a special book to send to each of them as well. Both of these books were donated by ZonderKidz. Mikayla will be receiving This is the Day! and Amber will get The Story for Kids.
Each day of the week our world holds a new surprise if we pay attention to what God has given us.
A unique edition of the NIrV done in story format to parallel the adult edition of The Story, TNIV.
I love giving away books! I'll have many more to give away throughout the summer!
It's time to announce the winners of our first coloring contest, and I am so excited. Before I tell you who are winners are, I just wanted to share that we had 246 entries in the 10 & Under category and 49 in the 11 & Up category! That's 295 awesome pictures that I got in the mail and via e-mail. Because I have been enjoying looking at all of them, I've decided that I'll share some of them with you each week, during the remainder of the Summer Reading Splash program - so, even if you didn't win, watch my blog each week as I share randomly selected coloring pages with you!
Now, for our winners (who were selected via random drawing)...
The winner in the 10 & Under category is
Hannah (age 7)
Here is Hannah's coloring page:
*Hannah will be receiving a gift pack of books by Sleeping Bear Press, which will include:
Ten-year-old Dandi (affectionately called "Dan" by family and friends) lives and breathes baseball. She may not be a fence buster but she can "hit 'em where they ain't" in the neighborhood pick-up games. The boys know she's a contender. And there's no bigger fan of the 1961 Kansas City A's. So when Charlie Finley, the A's new owner, announces an essay contest to get batboys, there's no doubt Dandi will enter the contest.
Dandi not only enters the contest--her essay wins! However, her joy is short-lived when the contest officials enforce the For Boys Only rule. Long before the boundary-breaking ruling of Title IX, young women across the country used grit and determination to prove that barriers of gender have no place on a level playing field. Dandi Daley Mackall's true-life story gives voice and testament to the spirit of these young sports pioneers.
Although America officially declared its independence in 1776, we owe much of our heritage, culture, and even style of living to England, our mother country. In B is for Big Ben: An England Alphabet, young readers are given an armchair tour of a country that may be small in size (smaller than the state of New York!) but a giant in history, achievement, and influence.
Of course, everyone has heard about England's famous kings and queens, and castles and monuments. But did you know that many of our everyday conveniences started as British ideas? Charles Babbage designed the first computer in the nineteenth century. And guess what contribution came from the Earl of Sandwich?
From the ancient stillness of Stonehenge to the picturesque charm of the Lake District to the bustling streets of London, B is for Big Ben reveals the many treasures, past and present, of merry old England.
Libraries, like books and kids, come in all shapes and sizes and are as individual as every story and freckled face. Readers will learn about Kenya's Camel Library Service, Zimbabwe's Donkey Libraries, and Northern Europe's Book Boats.
There is so much to discover and celebrate about the history and inner workings of our community libraries -- How do libraries keep track of all the volumes? Where was the first library and who was its first librarian? How many miles of books are housed in the Library of Congress? And what is the scriptoria?
From the first jump ball and its humble beginnings at a YMCA with a couple of peach baskets, to the final buzzer and the glam of an NBA slam, basketball bounces onto your bookshelves with J is For Jump Shot. As with the other Sleeping Bear sports titles (7 titles and over 400,000 in print) it is the perfect introduction to the game. Whether reluctant or voracious, readers will be entertained as they learn the rules, fundamentals, famous players and plays.
Young fans and old will find nothing but net with Mark Braught's dynamic illustrations as their many questions are answered -- What was the role of Dr. James Naismith in developing the game? Why do referees sometimes place their palm on their head? And who scored more points than any other NBA player?
Democracy -- America has it and it seems like many other countries want it. But what exactly is a democracy and how easy is it to maintain? Despite the banter in today's media, many Americans are still in the dark when it comes to knowing and acting upon their rights and responsibilities as citizens of a democratic society. In refreshingly candid and straight-to-the-point language author Elissa Grodin takes readers of all ages on an A-Z trip through our government's structure, from its earliest beginnings to definitions of basic components and concepts (including immigration and taxation). Engaging, disarming, and frequently thought-provoking artwork from illustrator Victor Juhasz emphasizes the magnitude of the subject. From founding fathers, first ladies, and the First Amendment to the presidential oath of office, D is for Democracy details the political processes, parties, and people of democracy, American-style.
The winner in the 11 & Up category is
ADINA (age 12)
Here is Adina's coloring page:
*Adina will be receiving a great series of books from ZonderKidz (a division of Zondervan publishing).
Growing up is hard when you don’t have a mother—but God helps Lucy find her way.
Lucy is a feisty, precocious tomboy who questions everything—even God. It’s not hard to see why: a horrible accident killed her mother and blinded her father, turning her life upside down. It will take a strong but gentle housekeeper—who insists on Bible study along with homework—to show Lucy that there are many ways to become the woman God intends her to be.
Lucy’s bossy, career-minded Aunt Karen thinks eleven-year-old Lucy needs a woman’s influence. Enter Inez—a housekeeper with a will as strong as Lucy’s—and her granddaughter Mora, a girly-girl who is Lucy’s polar opposite. Will the girls ever find common ground? Inez just might have the answers when she teaches them the story of Ruth and Naomi.
In Lucy Out of Bounds, Mora’s gone boy-crazy for Lucy’s best friend, and the town might sell the soccer field Lucy plays on. Lucy feels betrayed by everyone, but in the book of Ruth she just might find a role model for perseverance … and forgiveness.
Lucy has come a long way from that tomboy who wouldn’t give pink the time of day. She’s developed into an authentic tween who has learned that girls make great friends, that teamwork means more than stardom, and that God is real. But she’s still Lucy. In the third book of the series, she runs headlong into some new—and some old—problems.
Although Lucy has come to love and respect Inez and more than tolerate Mora, with school out for the summer, the three of them have more together time than anybody can stand! That worsens when the “monsoon” season keeps them cooped up in the house for three solid days without Dad to referee (he’s stranded at the radio station).
When Dad is stuck at the radio station without his assistant Luke, the new management finds out just how much Dad depends on his assistant and threaten to fire Lucy’s father. Lucy is freaked out at the thought of moving.
Plus it gives Aunt Karen more ammunition for her fight to have Lucy come and live with her in El Paso. That would be heinous enough, but Lucy just can’t leave now, not with the soccer team making tremendous progress and Coach Auggy scheduling three unofficial games with neighboring teams during the summer to get them ready for the real soccer season in the fall.
And not with Januarie getting into “iffy” territory with the new kids her own age that Lucy and her friends have encouraged her to hang out with so she’ll leave them alone. Child Protective Services gets involved when Januarie gets in trouble, and Lucy has to be there for her, especially since this could affect her friend J.J. too.
When the weather dries up, wild fires break out with a vengeance.
A big one threatens Los Suenos. Myteriously, the only thing destroyed is the soccer field. The big developer who has tried to buy the property before swoops in for the kill. Lucy and her team have to convince the town to come together and restore the field, rather than give up and sell it.
Meanwhile, Lucy, Mora, Dusty, Veronica, and Inez study Esther. Lucy grows even closer to God through her Book of Lists and her resonance with Esther, even though she was a girly-girl. That helps her not only save the soccer field, get Januarie out of trouble, and get herself an audition with the Olympic Development Program (without Aunt Karen’s help), but it enables her to make a huge sacrifice for Dad and agree to live without him for six weeks while he goes to a special technology school for the blind in Alamogordo. That’s going to mean having Aunt Karen come to live with her in the fall. But Lucy is the only one who can do this thing in this time and this place. Like Esther, she is willing to make the sacrifice.
CONGRATULATIONS, HANNAH & ADINA!
I hope you will enjoy these new books and will add them to your summer reading lists!
*Stay tuned to my blog - I will be posting more great coloring contest pictures in the weeks to come. I will also chose a favorite in each category to use here on my blog!
This week we’ll start where we left off last,
Head on over to the Schoolhouse Store and we’ll have a blast.
On the left sidebar find the E-book Download FAQ,
Go to that page and read it through.
At the bottom of the page you will see
A question to answer, there it will be.
Choose the right answer, yes or no,
Find the correct answer and away we’ll go.
I would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who shared their summer reading lists with me. We got 53 lists from kids and 18 lists from parents. That makes for a lot of reading and a lot of great books! Next week, I plan to start sharing MY READING LISTS with you.
For now, though, I'd like to announce the winners of our reading list contest ...
The 2 winners of The Little Man in the Map book are
#18 - Rebekah
#28 - Ashley
The adult winner is
#1 - Vicki Barnes
Please e-mail me with your full name and mailing address so that we can get your prizes in the mail in time for summer reading! CONGRATULATIONS and stay tuned for more contests and more free books throughout the summer!
She is looking for a high school level, Charlotte Mason-style reading list.
If you have something like this, please leave a comment on this post.
Thanks,
Yesterday, I posted a contest for the kids, along with a place to share their Summer Reading Lists with me. Today, I wanted to post a place for you PARENTS to share your Summer Reading Lists as well. And, because I love books and promoting reading, I even have some to share with YOU!
Jessie Stone has spent thirty-five years fantasizing about marriage proposals, wedding dresses, and falling in love. She’s been a bridesmaid eleven times, waved dozens of couples off to sunny honeymoons, and shopped in more department stores for half-price fondue pots than she cares to remember.
But shopping in the love-of-her-life department hasn't been quite as productive. The man she thought she would marry cheated on her. The crush she has on her best friend Blake is at very best…well, crushing. And speed dating has only churned out memorable horror stories.
So when God shows up one day, in the flesh, and becomes a walking, talking part of her life, Jessie is skeptical. What will it take to convince her that God has a better love story than one of the thousands she’s cooked up in her journals? Will she trust Him with her pen when it appears her dreams of being the bride are forever lost?
A romantic comedy with a spiritual twist, Never the Bride is what it means to lose control—and getting more than any woman could ever imagine.
Cheryl McKay is the co-author (with Frank Peretti) of the Wild and Wacky, Totally True Bible Stories series, which has sold nearly 200,000 copies, and the screenwriter of the award-winning film The Ultimate Gift. Rene Gutteridge has published thirteen novels including Ghost Writer, My Life as a Doormat, the Boo Series, the Occupational Hazards Series, and the Storm Series. Together, McKay and Gutteridge are the authors of The Ultimate Gift, a novelization based on the feature film and popular book by the same title.
It’s 1905 and the Chicago Cubs are banking on superstar Donald “Duke” Dennison’s golden arm to help them win the pennant. Only one thing stands between Duke and an unprecedented ten thousand dollar contract: alcohol.
That’s when sportswriter David Voyant whisks Duke to the one-horse town of Picksville, Missouri, so he can sober up in anonymity. He bides his time flirting with Ellie Jane Voyant, his unofficial chaperone, who would rather hide herself in the railway station ticket booth than face the echoes of childhood taunts.
Ned Clovis, the feed store clerk, has secretly loved Ellie Jane since childhood, but he loves baseball and the Duke almost as much–until he notices Ellie Jane may be succumbing to the star’s charm.
Then there’s Morris, a twelve-year-old Negro boy, whose only dream is to break away from Picksville. When Duke discovers his innate talent for throwing a baseball, Morris might just have found his way out.
Four individuals, each living in haunted isolation, each harboring a secret passion. Providence brings them together. Tragedy threatens to tear them apart. Will love be enough to bring them home?
Allison Pittman spent seventeen years as a high school English teacher, and then shunned the advice of “experts,” quit her day job and set out to write novels that bring glory to God. She relishes inspiring other writers and leading the theater arts group at her church. She and her husband and three sons live in Universal City, Texas.
*both books provided by www.waterbrookmultnomah.com
So, go ahead - post your reading lists on your blog, then come back here and sign Mr. Linky with a direct link to your reading list post. On June 12th, I'll do a random drawing, and one of you will win these two books for fun summer reading!
Kids aren't the only ones reading this summer! Several parents have sent me their reading lists as well! Check these out:
Judy's list:
I enjoy books by Debbie Macomber and am always looking for books by her. This summer I hope to read her Twenty Wishes, Summer on Blossom Street, and I recently saw another new one I haven't read yet!
Amy's list:
1. Little House series
2. The New Answers Book 1
Susan's list:
Blessed Man Ted Dekker
Take one Karen Kingsbury
Take Two Karen Kingsbury
Crazy Love by Frances Chan
The Secret by Beverly Lewis
Where do I go? Neta Jackson
Who do I talk to? Neta Jackson
Black Ted Dekker
White Ted Dekker
Red Ted Dekker
Rhineland Inheritance T Davis Bunn
Gibraltar T Davis Bunn
Sahara Crosswind T Davis Bunn
Christa's list:
1. Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan
2. Beverly Lewis books
3. Fireproof, Eric Wilson, Alex Kendrick, Stephen Kendrick
4. Shaker Series, Ann Gabhart
5. 1984, George Orwell
6. Gone With the Wind, Margaret Mitchell
7. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
8. Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë
9. Diary of Anne Frank
10. A Separate Peace – John Knowles
11. Anne of Green Gables series – Lucy Maud Montgomery
12. Little Women, Louisa May Alcott
We have provided reading logs for you to fill out throughout the summer, as you finish reading your books. However, I'm curious to know if you have a list of books you hope to read this summer, during the Summer Reading Splash program. I DO! I'm going to be sharing MY LIST with you, a little at a time. So be sure to watch my blog (if you haven't already, put your e-mail in the box on the sidebar to sign up for e-mail notifications) - I'll be posting about all the books that I want to read this summer, along with author information and links to where you can purchase these books. Then, at the end of our 10-week program, I'll be giving ALL OF THESE BOOKS away!
I'd love to see your reading lists! If you have a blog, please post your Summer Reading Splash Reading List on your blog, then sign the Mr. Linky below (with a direct link to your list post). If you do not have a blog, but have a parent who does, please ask your parent to post your list on his/her blog for you. This way, everyone can stop by and see your list (and maybe get some ideas of books that they would like to read).
And, just because I LOVE to give things away, I think we'll turn this into a contest! Since this will give us an opportunity to visit blogs and websites all over the blogosphere, I'd like to give a geography book! I have two copies of The Little Man in the Mapby E. Andrew Martonyi to give away. This book is written in poetry form, and contains many little hints to help you quickly learn and remember the 50 states and where they are located. You can read more about this book at the Schoolside Press website. My friends over at the TOS Homeschool Crew had opportunity to review this book last year; if you're interested, you can read all of their reviews here.
Everyone who signs the Mr. Linky below will be automatically entered into a drawing to receive one of two copies of this book. You have two weeks to get your reading lists posted and share the link with us here. Then, on Friday, June 12th, we'll draw to winners (via random drawing).
Parents - you are welcome to participate in this as well! The more, the merrier! However, I will create another post (and another Mr. Linky) just for you. Please do NOT sign the Mr. Linky below - this one is just FOR THE KIDS!
PLEASE NOTE - I had to remove a few links from the Mr. Linky below because they were not DIRECT LINKS to your reading list posts. If you want to participate in this contest, please sign the Mr. Linky with a direct link to your reading list. If you don't have a blog or website, you can e-mail me with a copy of your list and I will be happy to post it on the blog to share (please include first name and age).
Several of my friends have sent their book lists via e-mail ... Jessica's book list:
*Dating Mr. Darcy by Sarah Arthur
*A Candle in the Darkness Refiner's Fire book 1 by Lynn Austen
*The Fledgling Hall Family Chronicles book 4 by Jane Langton
Anna's book list (age 8):
So far this summer I have read Manatee Blues and Inside Edge. I enjoy the Vet. Volunteer's books. I have a number of them in my collection for this summer to read.
Brandon's book list (age 12):
Dragon Quest by Donita K. Paul
Dragon Knight by Donita K. Paul
Dragon Fire by Donita K. Paul
Dragon Light by Donita K. Paul
Kingdom Dawn by Chuck Black
Left Behind Series for Kids
Bible
Christine's book list (age 11):
Lord of the rings series by J.R.R Tolkien
Island of the blue dolphin by Scott O’Dell
City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Tanglewood Secrets series by Patricia St. John
Zachary's book list (age 13):
The Sword, The Ring and The Parchment, Ed Dunlop
The Quest for Seven Castles, Ed Dunlop
The Search for Everyman, Ed Dunlop
The Crown of Kuros, Ed Dunlop
The Dragon’s Egg, Ed Dunlop
The Golden Lamps, Ed Dunlop
The Great War, Ed Dunlop
The Quest for Thunder Mountain, Ed Dunlop
The Golden Dagger, Ed Dunlop
Kingdom’s Edge, Chuck Black
Kingdom’s Call, Chuck Black
Kingdom’s Quest, Chuck Black
Kingdom’s Reign, Chuck Black
Noelle's book list (age 5):
1. The Berenstain Bears, Jan and Stan Berenstain
2. Clifford the Big Red Dog, Norman Bridwell
3. Tikki Tikki Tembo, Arlene Mosel
4. The Runaway Bunny, Margaret Wise Brown
5. Where's Spot, Eric Hill
6. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Bill Martin Jr.
7. The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter
8. The Cat in the Hat, Dr. Seuss
9. Mother Goose Rhymes
10. Bread and Jam for Frances, Russell Hoban
11. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Judith Viorst
12. Curious George, H.A. Rey
13. Ira Sleeps Over, Bernard Waber
14. Harry the Dirty Dog, Gene Zion
15. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carle
16. Millions of Cats, Wanda Gag
17. Frog and Toad, Arnold Lobel
18. George and Martha, James Marshall
19. Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak
20. Madaline, Ludwig Bemelmans
Christina's book list (age 12):
1. Inkheart Trilogy, Cornelia Funke
2. Lord of the Rings Trilogy, JRR Tolkien
3. The Dark is Rising Trilogy, Susan Cooper
4. Jurassic Park, Michael Crichton
5. The Edge Chronicles, Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell
6. The Babysitters Club Series, Ann Martin
Catie's book list (age 10):
1. Pippi Longstocking, Astrid Lindgren
2. Number the Stars, Lois Lowry
3. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Judy Blume
4. Where the Red Fern Grows, Wilson Rawls
5. Dear Dumb Diary, Jim Benton
6. Indian in the Cupboard, Lynne Reid Banks
7. Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist series, Jim Benton
8. Sideways Stories from Wayside School, Louis Sachar
9. Stuart Little, E.B. White
10. Saving Shiloh, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
11. Anne of Green Gables series – Lucy Maud Montgomery
Gracie's book list (age 3):
1. Goodnight Moon, Margaret Wise Brown
2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carle
3. Corduroy, Don Freeman
4. Alfie Gives a Hand, Shirley Hughes
5. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, Bill Martin, Jr.
6. The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter
7. Olivia and the Missing Toy, Ian Falconer
8. The Squeaky, Creaky Bed, Pat Thompson
9. When Moon Fell Down, Linda Smith
10. Does a Cow Say Boo?, Judy Hindley
Joy's book list (age 17 months):
1. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Bill Martin Jr.
2. What’s on my Head?, Margaret Miller
3. I Went Walking, Sue Williams
4. Flower Garden, Eve Bunting
5. Llama Llama Red Pajama, Anna Dewdney
6. Good Night Owl, Pat Hutchins
7. Guess How Much I Love You, Sara McBratney
8. Peekaboo Kisses, Barney Saltzberg
9. Fuzzy Yellow Ducklings, Matthew Van Fleet
10. Wiggle Waggle, Jonathan London
Marcus' book list (age 4):
1. Ten, Nine, Eight, Molly Bang
2. Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree, Eileen Christelow
3. Trucks Whizz, Zoom, Rumble, Patricia Hubbell
4. My Truck is Stuck, Kevin Lewis
5. Days With Frog and Toad, Arnold Lobel
6. The Mysterious Tadpole, Steven Kellogg
7. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carle
8. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see?, Bill Martin, Jr.
9. The Rainbow Fish, Marcus Pfister
10. Caps for Sale, Esphyr Slobodkina
Some of my friends have e-mailed me asking how to get the coloring pages to print out properly. I tried them on my computer and they printed out just fine for me. For the older kids, you'll want to be sure to set your printer to "landscape" mode.
My friend Heather sent me some instructions that worked for her, so I thought I'd share them you: Under "file" click Print Preview
Use the right pull down tab to change from "shrink to fit" to "30%"
Use the "margin movers" indicated by small arrows around the picture to adjust and center the picture.
Print.
If you have another method that worked for you, please feel free to leave a comment and share!
Thanks. I am enjoying seeing all the wonderful coloring pages!
It's hard to believe that so many months have passed and it's time to kick off our SECOND ANNUAL SUMMER READING SPLASH! We had so much fun last year and hope that you and your children did as well. We're looking forward to another summer filled with lots of reading and great books! (This reading program is open to ANY homeschooled student - you do not have to be a TOS magazine or E-newsletter subscriber in order for your children to participate.) As a matter of fact, we are so passionate about getting children to read, we'd love for you to share this information with EVERYONE you know! Please forward this e-mail to all your homeschooling friends and share the news about the Summer Reading Splash!
Over the next 3 months, we'll provide lots of great information and creative ideas for encouraging your children to read. Below, you will see (in more detail) what all we have available to you NOW. As the summer progresses, we will add more resources to Splish's blog. You'll want to check back often! In the coming weeks and months, we will be offering several freebies and downloads to enrich your family's reading fun!
Summer is a fantastic time to promote reading to your child(ren). Take a break from your regular studies and just spend some time reading to and with them. We are looking forward to another fun summer and hope that you will encourage your children to participate. Please continue reading below to learn more about some of the awesome things we have planned for the summer. Then, go pick up a book and READ!
Set Reading Goals
We will be providing you with downloadable record-keeping sheets; these are available in two formats- for younger students and older students.
We encourage you to help your children set attainable reading goals this summer. Let your children take an active role in helping to set their own goals; they will be more eager to read if they are doing it for themselves! At the end of our 10-week program, you'll have opportunity to share your child's reading logs and he/she will automatically be entered in a drawing for free books!
Reading & Literacy Statistics
Students who reported having all four types of reading materials (books, magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias) in their home scored, on average, higher than those who reported having fewer reading materials.
Studies of out-of-school reading habits of students have shown that even 15 minutes a day of independent reading can expose students to more than a million words of text in a year.
This year, we have decided to kick things off with a fun coloring contest! We have two coloring pages - both featuring our mascot, Splish the frog - one for older kids and one for younger kids.
To enter the contest, click here. Download the appropriate coloring page(s) and print. Then, follow the rules for submitting your entries. (Be sure to read the entire page.)
The winning entries will be "popping up" throughout the summer on Splish's blog. And, the best part ... we've got a great prize package of summer reading material for the winners as well! So, get those crayons, markers, and colored pencils out and get to work!
All submissions due by June 16th.
Scavenger Hunt Fun
Throughout the Summer Reading program Splish invites you to join him in his scavenger hunt with great freebies given away each week. Climb aboard and join the fun, The adventure is about to begin, Follow the clues along the way, To see what you will win. Look around and you will see, Splish's favorite place to read. Hop upon his lily pad, And let the hunt proceed.
Be sure to visit Splish's blog
If you are repeat participants in our Summer Reading Splash program, then you already know about Splish's blog. This is the "hub" of the summer reading program.
If you have not already subscribed to follow this blog, or if this is your first year to read along with us, you will want to subscribe to the blog ASAP (sign up in the sidebar). You won't want to miss any updates.
Throughout the summer, we will be sharing about some wonderful books that you will want to read and authors you may want to learn more about. We've had donations from some great authors and generous publishers. At the end of the program, we will be having a drawing to give away ALL these books! We may even throw in a surprise contest here and there.
So, be sure to keep track of EVERYTHING you read this summer! Splish wants to know all about it.
We hope that you will encourage your children to participate in the SECOND ANNUAL SUMMER READING SPLASH, not only by reading books this summer, but by playing along in our weekly scavenger hunts. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
Sincerely, Splish and the rest of your friends atThe Old Schoolhouse(r) Magazine
Summer is almost here and that means it's time for another Summer Reading Splash! We've got lots of fun things planned - book giveaways, a fun scavenger hunt, and much more! Be watching this blog and have your parents watch their e-mail for more information - COMING SOON!
We'll be kicking things off with a Coloring Contest in a few days.
I look forward to reading with you this summer,
My friend Lulu sent me a short story that she has written. I think you'll enjoy it. Please be sure to leave a comment and let her know your thoughts.
Chapter 1
8 year old Katie Beddows felt tears sting her eyes as she hugged her father in the train station. He released her and turned to hug her twin sister Kathy and then her mother.
It was 2006 and Jim Beddows was going off to Iraq to fight. His brown eyes were shadowed with pain as he surveyed his family.
He ascended the steps of the train and disappeared from Katie's sight. As the train slowly moved out of the station she unashamedly let her tears flow.
Later that evening Katie's family was gathered in the living room. "Mommy," Katie asked pushing back a lock of her straight blonde hair.
"Yes dear?" her mother responded.
"What do you think Daddy is doing right now?"
"Well he should be calling us soon so you can ask him yourself."
As she said the phone rang a few minutes later. "Hello," Mrs. Beddows said. After a few minutes of conversation she turned the phone on speakerphone.
"Hi girls," he said.
"Hello Daddy," they responded gathering around the phone.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"I'm sewing something for you." Kathy responded playfully.
"I miss you, Daddy." Katie said in her soft voice.
"I miss you too, honey."
They continued talking and soon they ended the conversation. Later that evening Katie cried herself to sleep as she thought of everything that could happen to him. She loved her father and couldn't live without him.
8 months later Lieutenant Jim Beddows sat in the office trying to comprehend what his commanding officer was saying.
"Now there is no guarantee that anyone will make it back from this mission but we have to try," the man said.
The army had decided that Jim should lead 3 men into dangerous territory by night to gather information. Jim knew that the chance of their making it back was slight and he was worried. He did not fear death-for he was a Christian- but he worried about what would happen to his family if he died.
When he left the office he went to his room and sought comfort by seeking his heavenly Father in prayer. He finished with a peace that whatever happened, God would provide for his family.
That evening the men set out. As they walked along the ground in the danger zone Jim could see fear in the other men's faces-a fear which he himself felt.
All of a sudden he heard voices and footsteps running along the ground. They were discovered. He heard bullets punching the air. Next to him Sergeant Hines fell and up ahead Bradford yelled in pain and pitched forward. Jim felt a searing pain in his thigh and, realizing that they could go no farther, started to run back. His thigh burned with every step. When he entered the thick woods his mind started to reel. He staggered a few more steps and fell headlong. Everything went black.
Katie was jumping rope in front of her house when Kathy ran up behind her and snagged her rope. Katie turned around and chased her around the yard. She finally caught her and pushed her to the ground and tickled her.
"Katie, stop!" Kathy shrieked.
"You deserve it!" Katie giggled. "Why did you do that?" she asked stopping and leaning back.
"Because I felt like."
"Katie, could you collect the mail please?" her mother called.
"Okay Mom," she responded. She sauntered to the mailbox, grabbed the thick stack of mail and started walking toward the house, sorting through the mail as she did so.
"What's in it?" Kathy asked. It was a family rule that whoever retrieved the mail could look at it first, but that didn't keep anybody from asking.
"Um, Junk… junk… oh-here is our American Girl magazine. And there's more junk… hmm, here is a strange letter addressed to mom."
They reached the house and Katie said, "Mommy there is a strange letter for you."
"Here let me see it," Mrs. Beddows replied wiping her wet hands on a dishtowel. She took the letter from Katie and studied it for a moment. Her face turn pale and she sank down into a chair. With trembling hands she opened it and Katie leaned over her shoulder to read it.
"Dear Mrs. Beddows," it began, "we are sorry to inform you that Lieutenant Beddows went missing while on a mission a few days ago. We have recovered his body and are flying it to you for burial-"
"No!" Katie shrieked feeling as if her heart had been torn in two. She felt her mother's arms encircle her but she tore herself away and ran to her room. She threw herself onto the bed and sobbed. "He can't be dead. I love him," she thought. Katie's worst nightmare had come true.
Jim awoke that morning with a new sense of determination. He had been hiding from the insurgents in a ditch for 3 days. He had survived by eating berries and drinking sparingly from his water canteen. This morning he decided that he would attempt to go back to camp. It was a treacherous journey with 15 miles between him and the camp. It would take him twice as long with his hurt leg. The wound didn't seem to be doing well so he wanted to get to a doctor quickly.
When darkness began to envelop the land he set out. He limped along as quickly and as quietly as possible. Five hours after he started he heard a sentry challenge him. "It's me, Lieutenant Beddows," Jim called out weakly. He stumbled a few more steps and fainted.
Jim awoke in a hospital bed. He shook his head to clear the cobwebs from his mind. Suddenly he remembered the incidents of the previous days and looked down at his leg in alarm. It was still there. He fell back against the pillow with a sigh.
"Ah Lieutenant, you're awake," said a doctor coming to his bed.
"How is my leg Doctor?" Jim asked.
"Well it will never be the same again. You will always walk with a limp but it won't have to amputated. You are going to receive an honorable discharge."
Jim suddenly spotted his commanding officer approaching. "Lieutenant you surprised us," the man said. "We thought you were dead. We found the remains of another soldier and assumed it was you. We already sent a notice to your family saying that you had been killed and that we were going to send the body for the burial. As a matter of fact we are planning on just sending you instead as a surprise. In a week you will be able to see your family again."
Jim, almost fully recovered, gently lowered himself into the seat in the tiny airplane.
A little man entered the plane and sat down next to him. "Hi I'm Barry Weaver," he said in a nasal tone. Jim hid a smile in the back of his hand.
"I am a reporter here in Iraq and I heard your story. I think it would make an interesting story and I am going to travel with you."
"Well it is good to have you Barry. I'll have someone to talk to during the flight."
Jim looked out the window as the plane lifted from the ground and gave a sigh of satisfaction. He was going home.
Katie splashed water on her face in an attempt to wash off the tear stains. "Katie," her mother called. "We need to go to meet the plane now."
Katie walked slowly to the car and slid in next to her sister. Kathy smiled weakly at her and turned her head away quickly. She was not the kind of girl who showed her feeling easily.
The whole drive to the airport Katie fought to keep her tears from falling. A few neighbors were gathered there. They stood on the runway as the plane that carried her father's body taxied in. Katie swallowed hard and a solitary tear slid down her cheek.
The door of the airplane slid open and the steps fell down. A man's legs appeared and then when she looked up she saw that the legs belonged to her father. She gave a shrill cry and flew forward dimly aware that Kathy was following her. Her father knelt down and the girls ran into his arms. Tears ran down Katie's face as she embraced the father she thought she would never see again.
The next morning the family was eating breakfast. "Girls look you're in the newspaper," Katie's father said. Katie rushed over and looked at the paper.
Barry Weaver had snapped a picture while the girls were embracing their father. Kathy's face was radiant, but Katie's face portrayed the deep emotions that she felt.
Katie lay her head down on his knee and sighed with contentment.
The End
P.S. I thought of this story when I saw a picture of a soldier hugging two little blonde girls. One little girl was crying and the other one was smiling. It was such a sweet picture that I kept looking at it until this story came to me.
My friend Heidi is giving away some really fun phonics magnet sets on her blog.
I wish I would have had a set like this back when my Mama was trying to teach me to read.
These would be great to help YOU learn your letters or get a jump start on learning to read.
Have your parents go to Heidi's blog and find out how to win.
I'm feeling like a very blessed froggie today! Not only did I get mail from one friend, but TWO! Yeah! I hope you'll enjoy this book review from my friend Marla. Now, I'm off to the library, in search of some of these great books my friends have been telling me about!
Joy, sorrow, comedy, and suspense are all brought together in the wonderful book, The Singing Tree, by Kate Seredy. In this book, the life of a Hungarian boy, Jancsi, and his family quickly changes when his father is called to battle in the Great War. Many people are torn by the terror that the war brings. This book illustrates how one of many families in the Great War had to deal with the everyday struggle for survival.
As Jancsi runs the house while his father is away, he can’t help notice that his cousin, Kate, is starting to act older by wearing more petticoats and by talking about going to dances. Kate also notices Jancsi is not acting like a little boy anymore. As Jancsi and Kate try to prove to each other how they have changed, many mischievous plots come up. Jancsi and his family shows that even in times of terror and sorrow, there are times when laughter can flourish. But joy was hard to find when Jancsi’s father stops writing letters home. Is his father still alive or has he no time to write? This question is soon answered, you can find out what happens by reading The Singing Tree.
I want to say a great big THANK YOU to all of my friends who have been e-mailing their book reports, reviews, short stories, and poetry to me! Now that I know how to read, it's so exciting to be able to read the things that YOU are writing! So keep those e-mails coming!
Today, I have a book review to share with you. This one is from my friend Gabriela.
I read the book The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain for a school report.I was expecting an “okay” book with an “okay” plot and good moral back.It did turn out to be all this, but much more as well.The book wraps itself around the story of a young prince who accidentally switches places with a poor pauper.From the moment they leave each other’s sight, both go on a whirling adventure.As I read, I found it to be a very captivating story with a great plot.It had all the qualities of a good manuscript; action, drama, mystery, and even the all-essential silly sub-characters. The author used all the perfectly appropriate moods for each stage of the boys’ adventures.As I followed the little prince through his encounters with villains in the form of scoundrels and hermits on to his experiences with innocent prisoners, I was completely enthralled.I would recommend this book to all people from young teens to adults: anyone who wants to dive into a really good story.
My friend, Katie, sent me her book report on Ann M. Martin's A Dog's Life. I hope you enjoy it!
The book A Dog’s Life is the story of a stray dog named Squirrel. Her first couple of months are spent in a tool shed with her brother Bone and her mother Stream. (Only known to the pups as Mother) Squirrel is taught to stay away from and out of sight of people at all times. Fortunately for them (and the rest of the animal community) the Merrions don’t come to their house very often, and even then, not for very long. But all that changes when one day they come to stay for the whole summer. Now they have to be even more careful to stay hidden.
As Squirrel gets older, her mother leaves them alone for longer periods of time, but one day she just doesn’t come back. Now, left on their own, the pups try to fend for themselves. It isn’t long before one of the Merrions’ children, Matthias, discovers them. At first they are wary of him and keep their distance, but as time goes by, they begin to befriend him. Squirrel now has a routine of waking up in the morning and getting chicken from Matthias, and a rub under the neck from her cat friend, Yellow Man. Bone on the other hand, gets more and more restless until one night when he decides it is time to leave for good. Bone is her world now that her mother is gone, so Squirrel follows him away from her home and everything she knows.
This book makes me see stray dogs and the way they live in a different way. The author (Ann M. Martin) makes you see the world from a dog’s perspective. I have read this book twice and I have enjoyed it both times.
My friend Jennifer sent me this wonderful book report to share.
Enjoy!
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is one of the most compelling accounts of the Holocaust of World War II. In this diary, Anne Frank shows that although living in a confined space for four years she kept her spirit, faith, and individuality. Through this diary, Anne tells the story that has captivated many people over the years.
One of the main reasons I love this book is how as you read, you see how Anne changes. Her carefree personality shines through in the beginning; and even though this changes over the years, she stays true to who she is. In this diary, Anne allows you to see and feel what she felt during that horrible time. Her frustrations, hopes, and dreams all seem to come alive as you read this breath taking account of Anne’s years in hiding.
In her diary, Anne shows you what life was like in World War II. While set about 62 years ago, Anne makes you feel as if you were there hiding with her. With her you meet the others that will be hiding with her: the Van Daan, also known as the Van Pels, family: Peter, Hermann, and Auguste; and Albert Dussell, also known as Fritz Pfeffer; as well as her family: her elder sister, Margot and her parents, Otto and Edith.
Anne’s tendency to be head-strong causes her to argue with some that are hiding with her, especially Albert Dussel and Mr. Van Daan. Mr. Dussel and Mr. Van Daan both believe their way is right, as does Anne. Through out the book, the three continue to clash, and these often humorous encouters are one of the reasons why you want to keep reading The Diary of a Young Girl.
Anne and the other women in the house don’t get along in the beginning of her diary. As you read the book, however, you see how Anne’s relationship with her sister grows, along with the relationship with her mother. Half way through the book, Anne’s relationship with her mother crumbles, and she leans more towards Mrs. Van Daan. Throughout this diary you see how she changes her opinion on most people in the ‘secret annex’ as Anne calls their hiding place.
Anne’s relationship with her father and Peter are very different from her other relationships. Her relationship with her father is very close. Anne’s nickname for him is Pim, and she looks to him for guidance during the years in hiding. Anne’s relationship with Peter is also unique; in the beginning, she despises him, but throughout the diary this changes, until a very shocking event.
In her diary, also known as ‘Kitty’, you will see the true horrors of World War II, and how Anne wasn’t that different from girls today. Although the diary is very detailed, this is one of the best books I’ve read about World War II.
All throughout her diary, Anne keeps you in suspense for the next funny moment, or the next horrible fright. At the end of her diary you will learn what really happened to Anne Frank at the end of the war, and why this story will never be forgotten. To find out what happened to Anne you’ll have to read The Diary of a Young Girl.
Check out this great book report from my friend Caitlin!
It makes me want to go to the library and get my webbed feet on this book!
One of Sherlock Holmes greatest adventures is the book The Hound of the Baskervilles , by Arthur Conan Doyle. It is considered to be one of the greatest detective mysteries of all time. Full of suspense, death, and hidden feelings it will captivate your imagination.
The story is set in England during the late 1800's . Most of the book takes place in a gloomy village, where the great Baskerville Hall is located by a strange dark moor. The weather is usually dull and gloomy. I think the area sets the mood for the mystery perfectly because it causes you to wonder if anything happy could occur in that kind of atmosphere.
So, it already builds you up to disastrous happenings and odd people.
I was surprised that the main character is not the legendary Sherlock Holmes but rather his faithful assistant Dr. Watson. Watson is smart, loyal, and brave even though he dosen’t think so. During the book, Watson learns that he can accomplish things without Holmes and that he isn’t as timid as he had first thought. I think the reason he changes is because he knows that he has things to do and that he has to push aside his fears. If I could meet Dr. Watson I would because I think it would be interesting to find out what drove him to conquer his fears and how he defeated them.
Some of the other characters include Sherlock Holmes, the witty and suspicious detective; the proud but feeble Sir Henry, heir of Baskerville Hall; the odd Dr. Mortimer; the Barrymore couple shrouded with misery and mystery, and finally the moody naturalist named Stapleton and his sister Ms. Stapleton who is beautiful yet grim. Even though deceased, Sir Charles Baskerville is of great importance. A feeble, superstitious, elderly man, his mysterious death has caused much confusion.
In the beginning, you meet Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in London on Baker Street puzzling over a new case. You see, there is a legend concerning the powerful old family, the Baskervilles, that says every male Baskerville will be haunted by a huge, black, fire breathing hound until he dies... usually at the hands of the demon dog. The last of the family, Sir Charles, died a sudden death at Baskerville Hall and it is unsure if it is safe to bring Sir Henry Baskerville to the Hall. After meeting Sir Henry, Holmes decides that it would be safe for the heir to go to Baskerville Hall as long as someone would accompany him there and stay with him at all times until the mystery is solved. Sherlock suggests Watson.
Later Holmes explains to Watson why this is the best choice. For Watson could send constant reports to Holmes about the case and he would be protecting Sir Henry at the same time. However, the great detective admits to being uneasy about the state of things. "It’s an ugly business, Watson, an ugly, dangerous business, and the more I see of it the less I like it. Yes, my dear fellow, I shall be very glad to have you back safe and sound in Baker Street once more."
Once at the Hall Watson starts amassing clues and sends a detailed report back to Holmes in London almost every day. The good Doctor wishes to learn more to please the great detective but he can’t leave Sir Henry’s side for safety’s sake.
The villagers begin to see a wild black hound out on the moor and it’s howl can be heard deep within. As time passes and these strange happenings increase Sir Henry becomes delusional seeing a demon dog in his dreams and wakes hearing a hound’s bark ringing in his ears.
As the end draws near that which was suspicious is proved harmless, and those thought innocent change to being murderous. Blood is spilled, nerves are shot, and through it all justice tries to prevail. To find out what happens you’ll have to read the book yourself.
At first the plot seems very confusing but as you read more things become clearer. In the end, all is revealed, but the book prompts you to make your own conclusions. I think that’s one of the main reasons I enjoyed reading it so much because it was like you were helping Watson solve the case. It is like solving a puzzle because you still have to make some of your own judgements to understand the plot. The fact that the book has action, suspense, and realistic characters also makes it a fascinating classic.
Some things I thought were interesting about the book are that it was written with diary entries, letters, and conversations between the characters. Also, The Hound of the Baskervilles was originally a weekly serial in the Strand Magazine in 1901 and was made into a book 8 months later.
We hope that you are participating in our summer reading program! It's going to be a lot of fun. Here on our blog, we'll be posting weekly topics for you to think about and answer. We'll be giving away some great books throughout the summer. Please add us to your friends list and check back often.
Everything has been going wrong for Bertie lately.
Each day of the week our world holds a new surprise if we pay attention to what God has given us.
A unique edition of the NIrV done in story format to parallel the adult edition of The Story, TNIV.
Ten-year-old Dandi (affectionately called "Dan" by family and friends) lives and breathes baseball. She may not be a fence buster but she can "hit 'em where they ain't" in the neighborhood pick-up games. The boys know she's a contender. And there's no bigger fan of the 1961 Kansas City A's. So when Charlie Finley, the A's new owner, announces an essay contest to get batboys, there's no doubt Dandi will enter the contest. 
Although America officially declared its independence in 1776, we owe much of our heritage, culture, and even style of living to England, our mother country. In B is for Big Ben: An England Alphabet, young readers are given an armchair tour of a country that may be small in size (smaller than the state of New York!) but a giant in history, achievement, and influence. 
Libraries, like books and kids, come in all shapes and sizes and are as individual as every story and freckled face. Readers will learn about Kenya's Camel Library Service, Zimbabwe's Donkey Libraries, and Northern Europe's Book Boats.
From the first jump ball and its humble beginnings at a YMCA with a couple of peach baskets, to the final buzzer and the glam of an NBA slam, basketball bounces onto your bookshelves with J is For Jump Shot. As with the other Sleeping Bear sports titles (7 titles and over 400,000 in print) it is the perfect introduction to the game. Whether reluctant or voracious, readers will be entertained as they learn the rules, fundamentals, famous players and plays.
Democracy -- America has it and it seems like many other countries want it. But what exactly is a democracy and how easy is it to maintain? Despite the banter in today's media, many Americans are still in the dark when it comes to knowing and acting upon their rights and responsibilities as citizens of a democratic society. In refreshingly candid and straight-to-the-point language author Elissa Grodin takes readers of all ages on an A-Z trip through our government's structure, from its earliest beginnings to definitions of basic components and concepts (including immigration and taxation). Engaging, disarming, and frequently thought-provoking artwork from illustrator Victor Juhasz emphasizes the magnitude of the subject. From founding fathers, first ladies, and the First Amendment to the presidential oath of office, D is for Democracy details the political processes, parties, and people of democracy, American-style. 
Growing up is hard when you don’t have a mother—but God helps Lucy find her way.
In Lucy Out of Bounds, Mora’s gone boy-crazy for Lucy’s best friend, and the town might sell the soccer field Lucy plays on. Lucy feels betrayed by everyone, but in the book of Ruth she just might find a role model for perseverance … and forgiveness.
Lucy has come a long way from that tomboy who wouldn’t give pink the time of day. She’s developed into an authentic tween who has learned that girls make great friends, that teamwork means more than stardom, and that God is real. But she’s still Lucy. In the third book of the series, she runs headlong into some new—and some old—problems.
Jessie Stone has spent thirty-five years fantasizing about marriage proposals, wedding dresses, and falling in love. She’s been a bridesmaid eleven times, waved dozens of couples off to sunny honeymoons, and shopped in more department stores for half-price fondue pots than she cares to remember. 
It’s 1905 and the Chicago Cubs are banking on superstar Donald “Duke” Dennison’s golden arm to help them win the pennant. Only one thing stands between Duke and an unprecedented ten thousand dollar contract: alcohol. 
