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About the product/service:  As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew  I received two free issues of Nature Friend magazine.  They even included the study guides!  Nature Friend magazine is a professional-looking, full color, nature magazine for kids of all ages.  It's actually set up in a unique way so that every other month it is geared to a somewhat older child, but every month has something in it for all ages.  What's really cool is that one issue a year is filled with subscriber submissions!  It is also unique in that it is a Christian magazine and has a distinct Biblical perspective.  (Read no evolution/smevolution as I like to call it.)

Each issue has beautiful photos, games, stories, art lessons, and more.  Do the drawing lesson, send in your picture, and it might even be published in an upcoming issue!  Or maybe you you've created your own nature picture or poem.  They'll glady consider it for publication.  What a neat way to get kids excited about nature!  (I admit, I'm an indoors type, and I really need the help.  I'm afraid I am not exactly a walking nature encyclopedia.)

What are the pros of this product? From my perspective, the Biblical worldview presented is a HUGE plus.  We have always loved these kinds of mags.  Loved 'em for millions and billions of years! NOT! LOL  Seriously, it is so nice to have something this professional looking in my home that honors God!

Obviously the study guide (which you pay for separately) is a plus.  If you have the kind of kids who want to dig deeper into a subject, this would be a great way to do it. 

What's not to like?  This is one where I can't think of a negative.  Sorry!  Well, if you are not a Christian, the Biblical worldview would be a turnoff, obviously.  I suppose some might also think it a bit pricey.  However, when you break down the $36 annual subscription into 12 months, it only really comes out to $3 per issue.  I do wish it were more than 28 pages.  :)

The Crazy Mom take:  I decided to set these aside so that I could look over them before my kids took off with them.  I have to say I really enjoyed them, even as an adult!  Like I said, I've never been the outdoorsy type, but I've always loved learning about creation.  I'm always fascinated by the detail God has put into his glorious designs.  Once I went through them, I let me 11 year old daughter, Princess, check it out.

She was like, "What is this?"  She wondered why she hadn't seen it before.  She immediately opened the magazine and started to read.  We then did the "hidden picture" page together.  It was actually a really neat time of bonding with my growing up girl.  We did really well, but I have to admit, the raccoon track had us for a while!  LOL  After that I let her check it out herself. Her statement?  "It was cool."  I asked if she'd like to subscribe and she said "Yes."  (Um, yeah, she's not quite as wordy as Mom.)

So my take on this one is that it's a wonderful product.  Since it's an "extra," I think it would be a plus for any homeschool family that belives that it is God who has created nature.  I am going to strongly consider getting a subscription for the younger kids for Christmas.  We just started getting another creation magazine for the older kids (and me) and this would would give us all some wonderful reading!

What's the bottom line?  Annual subscription to the magazine $36/Study guides cost an additional $2 per month.  (See website for more details.  (Back issues are also available.)

I am going to give out of 5 out of 5 smileys!!!

Check it out! http://www.naturefriendmagazine.com

See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/729105/

*The Smiley System: 

I can't really recommend this product.

 I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

 This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.

 Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

 This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!

Disclaimer!!!  I reviewed this product because I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew.  I was given the product FREE by the vendor to use and evaluate in my home so that I might share my insights with others.  Other than receiving the product, which I kinda have to to be able to assess the product, I am not compensated for my reviews in any way.  I am in no way obligated to give a positive review.  I do try to point out negatives when I see them, though I am admittedly a pretty easy going gal!  What you read are my honest assessments of the products I receive. 

As with all products, you must do the research before buying.  Please visit the the other crew members' blogs, the vendor websites, and any other review sites you might find before buying.  I can't guarantee that a product will work for you.  You must decide what will fit with your teaching style, and your child(ren)'s learning style(s).  I do not judge anything other than the educational value of the products I review.  I am not qualified to make judgements as to the safely of any product, and I make no guarantee that the products I review are safe for you, your family, or anyone else.  I am simply giving my opinion, only you know what is best for you and your family.

Don't use your blow dryer while you sleep or take a bath.  Don't read my reviews in the tub either, and please do not read them when you are asleep, though I do not guarantee that you won't fall asleep reading them!

Copyright 2009 Ramblings from the Crazy House