Can you believe we have been reading for 4 weeks now?  The Summer Reading Splash! is going by quickly, isn't it?  I would be interested in hearing how many books you have read, so far (you may leave me a comment if you like, but please get permission from you parent first!)

I bet you are anxious to hear about this week's winners, aren't you?  Here they are:

The winner of our Kregel Bible Picture books is:
#28 - CORY (age 7)

The winner of our Circle C Adventure series is:
#109 - TYLER (age 8)

A QUICK NOTE TO OUR PREVIOUS WINNERS:  I will be getting your books in the mail to you THIS WEEK.  Sorry for the delay! 
ALSO, I never heard back from last week's Barefoot Books winner - JACKSON.  If I don't get a response from you by Monday, I will draw a new winner for those books.  Please e-mail me with your mailing address ASAP.

And now, some quotes from this week's entries:

“I would say that reading is infinitely better than watching television. While T.V. shows only what the broadcaster wishes to announce, books can display any viewpoint the author intends, and the reader can select books and authors whose views agree with his. There are far more books than television stations, and practically anyone can write a book; however, finding the means to produce a T.V. show and a station to broadcast it are too expensive and difficult for most people. In addition, television is stuffed with commercial advertising, that attempts to influence the viewer to purchase items he neither needs nor would otherwise want. Finally, one can only watch "what is on", when it is on, and has little choice of which program to watch. (No more, "I can't make it because my show is on then--and only then!") With reading, one can enjoy a greater selection of entertainment free from commercial influences and available at all times and accessible in nearly any place.
   Reading is almost always better than watching movies as well. Many a reader, after watching a movie based upon a book, will comment, "The book was much better. What I envisioned is superior to that which was in the movie." While reading lacks special effects or a soundtrack, it can allow the reader to view things his way. With reading, one can "fill in the blanks" in a way that is the most pleasing to the reader. (And, movies are often inferior in qualities which books possess. Often movies are made simply to make money by providing two hours' worth of entertainment or spread an idea not necessarily of any true value. A movie puts the watcher in a mood where he can think only about it; a book can have nearly whatever effect the reader desires.)
   I must admit reading is superior to video/computer games in most respects. While reading lacks interactivity, which is one key feature of electronic games, it also requires no equipment. All the reader needs is the book itself and a place to read it. If one seeks strategy, he might try war novels or similar volumes, for instance. I myself  enjoy computerized strategy games, and I have found an author whose fiction novels contain a good amount of strategic material. With reading, one can choose a genre (or author) which focuses on the aspect of computer/video games most enjoyed.
   In conclusion, books are far, far better than television, movies, or video games: the reader can select the material most enjoyed, he can choose books free from propaganda, he can read books which agree with his viewpoints, and no equipment but the book itself is required for instant enjoyment. I would rather read than do nearly anything else.” ~Travis, age 13

“Books are best. TV and video games don't help my brain work better. Reading books helps your brain work better. Plus I love that we cuddle together while Mom reads books to us. ~Samantha, age  5

“I like my mommy to read me a book more than t.v. because it is fun.” ~Cody, age 5

“Reading is so cool! It's better than movies or TV because you get to learn things and you can close your eyes and picture your own story in your imagination!  It's way better than video games because my mom lets me have more books than games. They are better for my brain then video games. I like to read and to have my mommy read to me.” ~Travis, age 7

“Reading is definitely better. I was watching a show about brains and the guy said that a lot of TV and video games are horrible for your brain and might even make holes in it! He also said you should always have more to learn. I personally think books are great, you're always learning more. Besides, video games get boring once you learn how to do it.” ~Raven  age 9

“I get bored watching tv and playing video games.  When I read, it helps me become a better speller and I learn new vocabulary words.  Reading is not boring to me – there is always another book to read, and each book is like a brand new adventure. I definitely like reading more than watching television or playing video games or computer games.” ~Savanna, age 10

“I would rather play video games.  But my mom makes me read.  Once I start reading a good book, I like it.” ~Stephanie, age 10

“I think reading is more fun than watching movie because in a book you get to imagine what each character looks like. You get to visualize the places they go and you can really let your imagination take over. In a movie, your imagination is limited by what someone else decided about the scenes and characters. Sometimes, I would rather play a video game, but not for long.” ~Preston, age 14

“You can get addicted to video games and watching TV.  The best thing to get addicted to is reading, because your eyes don't wear out like playing video games or watching TV.  Reading helps you to learn about history.  There are more choices that you can read in books than watching TV or playing video games.  I enjoy reading the most, because I like to read about trains.” ~Cody, age 10

“I love to read. I used to like to watch the movies first, then I realized they leave out parts in the movie. Reading is better for your eyes than watching tv, or playing video games. When you read you are right there in that life. You can be anyone you want to be in a book. Reading I think is my most favorite thing to do in the whole wide world.” ~Mary, age 13

“Ever since I was a tiny little thing, I have enjoyed looking at picture books, hearing stories, and later on, getting lost in good novels. Whenever someone asks me my favorite hobby, I promptly tell them, 'Reading!!!' (You should see the delicious stacks of books nestled alongside my loaded bookcases!) Books have impacted my life more profoundly than movies and video games, and have often taught eternal truths more richly than most television-related material. Growing up with a respect for good writing has inspired me to become a writer myself. Personally, I would much rather have a house full of books than a house full of television sets, because I prefer reading to watching TV. This doesn't mean I don't watch or enjoy it...I love seeing a well-made movie or sharing an energetic round of Nintendo with my sisters. There are many worthwhile, even God-honoring productions for us to savor. But we must be balanced...I have found worthy entertainment in reading something and then watching the movie or TV show based on it! I am convicted that good books are proof that God cares about the ways we spend our time and inspires writers to inspire readers.” ~ Lindsey, age 14

“Reading lets you go anywhere in the world. It lets you learn things that you probably wouldn't learn on TV. In my experience, it helped me learn how to spell better; I learned things about people and animals I knew little about. I think it is a better way of spending time than watching TV or playing video games. I really enjoy the times that I can read a book.” ~Esther, age 9