Hit the Trail

Hit the Trail
From Education Outdoors

About the game

Can you be the first hiker to hike 100 miles in the new dice / card game “Hit the Trail”? “Hit the Trail” comes packaged in a mini backpack which includes 72 cards, 3 dice, and pencil. How the game is played: Deal 7 cards out to each player. Each player picks a card and lays it face up. (This is where the strategy comes in) Do you pick a lower point card or a higher point card? Youngest player then rolls the three dice – trying to match one of the die or combination of dice to their card amount which is face up. Each time the die/dice combination match the players card that is face up, the player gets to move the card into their “mile pile” trying to be the first to hike 100 miles. But, beware of getting caught with a “cooler card” – like the mother bear & cubs in the trail. If you get caught with one of the three cooler cards – you loose 10 miles. Other twists in the game include bonus rolls if the player’s dice total the card amount that is face up. Don’t forget to look out for the trips /doubles rule which is when any of the dice come up with doubles or triples. You take a card from the person to your right. The age range is 8+ and is for 2-4 players.

Our Thoughts

One stormy Monday afternoon,I asked my two oldest if they wanted to play a game with me.   I took out the Hit the Trail that I had received about two weeks before and we explored it together.   I played one game with them and then let them play by themselves once while I took pictures.   Laughter was present as we discovered this easy to play game.   As I am writing this they are continuing to play eagerly at the dining table.   I believe the game is a hit for these two boys of mine…

The game comes with instructions, pencils to keep track of the score, the cards.   The whole game is package in a delightful mini backpack.  I am very impressed with the originality of the packaging.  However, I must say that my sweet five years old daughter has discovered that the backpack is perfect to go on her Léonie doll and she has requested (very politely I must say) if she could get it.   I have agreed to this request and consequently our game will be store in a plastic container for the time being.  Nevertheless, I really love the mini backpack which is perfect for a game about hiking…

The goal of the game is to be the first player to hike 100 miles.   When I played with them, the game didn’t last long because within two turns, I had reached the goal of 100 miles.    (I guess mom has more strategy than the boys…) So they were more than willing to play by themselves.   Each player receives 7 cards and as the game goes on, you have to roll dice in order to determine if you can keep the card you have put on the table, if your pick a random card from someone else hand and so on.   Remember the goal is to reach 100 miles (or kilometers depending of where you are living!).

We had a blast playing this quick game which will allow your kids to practice mathematics with adding (or subtracting if you get a penalty card) the points after a run.

My poor Dominic was always the one who got the penalty cards…    I must admit that at first I was confused with the penalty cards but after taking a few minutes to figure it out, I think they are a good twist to the game.  However, I would have preferred more penalty cards in order to make the game more challenging.

In the end, the kids had a great time playing with mom and with each other.  The game is definitively a great one to bring while going camping.    It can keep the kids occupied for a period of time and give you a break at the same time.  

You can purchase Hit the Trail at the store of Education Outdoors for the price of 12.99$.  

And as for our mini backpack, my daughter will probably snag it after her nap.   Léonie will be all ready for camping this summer!

Disclaimer: Thanks to Education Outdoors for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Awesome Science Explore Yosemite and Zion National Park

Awesome Science Explore Yosemite and Zion National Park
With Noah Justice
Published at New Leaf Publishing

About the DVD

The first DVD series for teens by teens showing how science & the Bible agree!

• Hosted by the engaging 14-year-old host, Noah Justice
• Evidence of biblical history and truth at some of the world’s most amazing destinations
• Fast-paced and informative presentations with a biblical worldview are filmed on location at these national parks
• Study guides create educational opportunities for home or church study

The Awesome Science video series takes teens and adults on a field trip around the world to explore geologic and historical evidence which supports the biblical record. Innovative, high-quality, and designed to make science fun, this new series for the whole family helps discover evidences that the Bible is the true history book of the world!

About the Study Guide

This study guide is available for each Awesome Science DVD (a new series from Master Books). These help create a reflective learning situation after viewing each exciting episode, and are filled with substantial discussion questions, fill in the blank, true and false, as well as bonus activities. Can be used in Science and religion class - also would be great for church youth groups.

Our Thoughts

Here’s another interesting DVD from Awesome Science!   Noah Justice has once again delivered a great explanation of biblical evidence in some of the geological wonders in our world.  This time he is bringing us to Yosemite and Zion National Parks – both places that I would love to visit one of these days!   Through this DVD we learned the history of Yosemite National Park and learned that it was one of the first scenic areas of land set aside for the enjoyment of the public.   The view is breathtaking and it’s a wonder how people don’t see the hand of the creator when they visit that place.

Thought this DVD you will learn how the valley is evidence of erosion from a global Flood, how the one and only ice age happened and how long it lasted, and finally you will travel to Zion Canyon to discover its layers, arches and hanging valleys.   We particularly liked the original example of Noah presenting a miniature version of how Zion Canyon have been formed.   This presentation in itself it worth the whole DVD I find.  It was impressive and gave you a new perspective of the global Flood.

You can also get the Study Guide for the video if you want to deepen your learning experience.   Use it to test the knowledge acquire during the video or to simply discuss what has been said.  This specific Study Guide is divided in two major sections representing the two National Parks explored with Noah Justice.  It contains bonus activities, word list to study, fill in the blanks, discussion questions, true/false statements, as well as more information on the concepts learned during the visioning of the DVD.

Once again I am not disappointed with the DVD from Awesome Science and find that these are a great addition to homeschool, school or even personal library. I find it essential that Christians realized how things happened and not be manipulated by evolution thinking. This DVD is geared for children and teens but adults will enjoy it as well. However, I find that my younger kids have more trouble to stay focused during the whole length of the DVD. Besides, Noah uses terminology that might be going over their head. Nevertheless, they are learning while they are watching even if they don’t catch everything at the first time. The videos of Awesome Science are something you can go back to on a regular basis and discover something new out of it.

The DVD is available at your favourite bookstore, even at amazon.com. Unfortunately the DVD is not available on amazon.ca for reasons unknown to me.

The Study Guide can be purchased at amazon.ca or amazon.com.  It is also available for download on the NLPG website.

     

Disclaimer: Thanks to New Leaf Publishing Group for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

The Illustrated Step-by-Step Cook

The Illustrated Step-By-Step Cook
Published at DK Canada

About the book

For any cook, illustrated step-by-step instructions that explain an unfamiliar technique or guide them through the crucial part of a recipe can be invaluable. The Illustrated Step-by-Step Cook recognizes the importance of this and in classic DK style includes a photographic sequence of more than 300 classic recipes, positioned alongside the recipe so the reader doesn't have to go searching for it in a separate techniques section.

Particularly useful for relative beginners, by providing reassurance and demystifying methods that are new to them, the Illustrated Step-by-Step Cook allows anybody to cook classic recipes perfectly and with confidence.

My Thoughts

Our family loves to try out new recipes and 2013 won’t be different than previous years.   I, myself, love to have recipe books and discover new flavors.    So as part of the DK Start Something New Boutique promotion, I have selected The Illustrated Step-By-Step Cook.  I am no stranger with the illustrated cookbooks from DK Canada since I have previously reviewed the ones for baking, ingredients, season by season, and  kitchen bible.    It didn’t take long for me to explore the book and find a recipe that we will do one night.

This book is gigantic with a ton of recipes that will help you expand your repertoire of meals for your family!   The table of contents will allow you to go directly to a specific section of the book – Starters and light bites, salads, meat free, one-pot dishes, home from work, food to share, comfort food, bread, pies/tarts/cakes, spectacular desserts.   There is something for every kind of meal you might want to try during 2013. 

As I mentioned above, it didn’t take me long to find a recipe to try out.  So one afternoon I proceeded to make the French beef and herb potato pie.    It took me a bit longer than the 45-50 minutes of preparation because I decided to do one step at a time.    Besides, I have decided to prepare the meal in advance and put in the over about 50 minutes before supper time.

French beef and herb potato pie

Serves 6 – Preparation 45-50 minutes – Cook 35-40 minutes

Ingredients

For the beef

4 garlic cloves
1/3 cup olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 1/4 lb ground beef
salt and pepper
14 oz can chopped tomatoes
1 cup beef stock
1/2 cup dry white wine

For the potatoes

2 1/4 lb potatoes
1 bunch of basil
1 bunch of parsley
1 cup milk, plus more if needed

Cook the ground beef

1) Crush each garlic clove.  Discard the skins and finely chop 2 of the cloves.   Heat one-third of the oil in a sauté or frying pan.   Add the onion and cook, stirring, until soft but not brown, 3-5 minutes.

2)Add the chopped garlic, ground beef, salt, pepper, and tomatoes.   Reduce the heat and cook very gently, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes, until the meat is browned.

3) Stir in the stock and wine.  Simmer over very low heat, stirring from time to time, for 25-30 minutes, until most of the liquid has evaporated but the meat is still very moist.  Do not cook the meat too fast or it will be tough.

Make the herbed mashed potatoes

1) Peel the potatoes and cut each into 2-3 pieces, depending on size.  Put them in a saucepan with plenty of cold water and add salt.   Cover and bring to a boil.  Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until tender when pierced with a knife.

2) Meanwhile, strip the basil and parsley leaves from the stalks.   Put the leaves and the 2 whole garlic cloves in a food processor.  Pulse with the remaining oil to form a purée, scraping the side of the bowl occasionally.

3) Drain the potatoes, return them to the saucepan and mash.  Add the herb purée.  Pour the milk into another saucepan over low heat.   As soon as the milk begins to bubble, remove from heat.

4) Gradually beat the milk into the potatoes over medium heat, and stir for 2-3 minutes, until the potatoes just hold a shape.  Season to taste.

Assemble and bake the pie

1)  Preheat the oven to 375 F.  Brush Brush a large, shallow baking dish with oil.  Taste the meat for seasoning, then soon it, with all of its liquid, into the baking dish.   Cover with an even layer of the herbed potatoes and smooth the top with the back of a spoon, making sure the potatoes go right to the edges of the dish and no meat or sauce shows through.

2) Make a scalloped pattern on the herbed potatoes with the tip of a dessert spoon or the tines of a fork.   Dip the spoon or fork into a bowl of hot water set close to your workspace once or twice during the process, so the potato does not stick to it.

3) Transfer the pie to the heated oven and bake until the top is golden brown, the edges bubbling with gravy, and the tip of a skewer inserted in the center for 30 seconds is hot to the touch when withdrawn; it should take 35-40 minutes.  Cut the pie into 6 portions and transfer to warmed plates.

The experience was interesting.  It had flavor and it was different than what we usually have.   It was similar to Shepherd’s pie in a way.   The kids ate it with ketchup.  I chose to stick to the natural way of eating it – nothing else.  My husband flavored his a bit more.   After the meal, we agreed that next time we will incorporate some corn between the meat and potato layers and see how it turns out.

It was a nice discovery but it needs more vegetables for us.  Not everyone likes veggies and might find that the tomatoes are enough.    Still exploring new recipes on a regular basis is the perfect way to expand your taste buds and discover new plates that might be enjoyed my your loved ones.

If you are looking for a new cookbook this year, I would like to suggest that you check out The Illustrated Step-by-Step Cook next time you go to a bookstore.  Each recipe has detailed instructions, a clear list of ingredients and fabulous pictures showing you how to proceed to make the meal.  You can’t miss a recipe with that kind of photos.   Besides, you will also get a clear image of the final product for each of the recipes presented in this book.   I love it when a recipe book contains pictures of all the recipes presented in it.  It helps to have an idea of what it is suppose to look like.  

Do you sense you want to try something new in 2013? Are you wondering what you can accomplish this year? Why not explore the DK Start Something New Boutique and select one of their titles. Click on the icon below to access this special page.

The Illustrated Step-by-Step  Cook is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

     

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own. 

Tutu Fabulous

My sweet daughter has started pre-ballet classes through our city thanks to a gift certificate I won while filling up a survey from the City.  So I decided that she could enjoy dance classes as she loves to twirl around in the living room and elsewhere in the house.   My first pick got cancelled because of low registration so I decided to go with pre-ballet lessons.  

Now after her first lesson I checked some possibilities of reviewing a tutu for her.   And Tutu Fabulous graciously responded positively to my request. 

While visiting their website, one particular tutu grabbed my attention as it would perfectly fit with her pink or purple bodysuit.     The Tie Dye Punch Princess Tutu is  signature dress up tutu. These tutus feature our exclusive satin skirt, surrounded by a lovely tulle and topped off with an oh so cute ribbon. These tutus are great to wear, for dress up, and costume tutus are perfect for Halloween or any time your little girl wants to be a princess.  The tutu comes with an adjustable cordlock that will stretch the waist from 2 to 38" to make it one size fits most.   It is ideal for little girls ages 1 through 10.

So I waited patiently for the tutu to arrive.  One cold January afternoon, my oldest son went to the mailbox and came back with a special package.  I knew immediately that the tutu had come in but I waited until supper time to show it to my sweet five year old daughter.  Her eyes sparkled and she was delighted to have a new tutu to bring at her ballet lesson.   Every week, she keeps asking if her class is the next evening.   Every time I have to tell her no but it will come soon.  Tuesdays is a special day for her because she knows that she will go learn something new at her class.

Every Tuesday night when she comes back from ballet lesson, she is very excited to show us – parents and brothers – the new things she learned.  She is adorable and completely spunky.   I love my girl to pieces and I can see that she enjoy dancing.

Here’s the latest things she showed us.    She was very proud to have her new tutu for the class this week!

Now talking about the tutu itself.   I am very impressed with the way it was sew together.   Jasmine has another tutu at home but it’s not showing the high quality and time spend in making this one.   Under the tulle, you will discover a satin skirt that makes this tutu even more special for ballet classes.  The tulle itself is even sown with the satin which helps to keep the tulle in place.   And the bow at the front of it completes the tutu.   My daughter is planning to wear it every time she is practicing her ballet positions and when she wants to dance.  She is even talking about trick-or-treating as  ballerina next Halloween (but we shall see the temperature….). 

Tutu Fabulous has numerous colors available for their tutus and each of them are high quality.   Their tutus are currently available on their website for the price of 24.99$ (sale price).

GIVEAWAY

Tutu Fabulous has graciously agreed to give one tutu for a giveaway.  The winner is free to choose whichever style - they will receive a gift certificate to use on the site.

All you have to do is to follow the instructions below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Thanks to Tutu Fabulous for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Praying Circles around Your Children

Praying Circles around Your Children
From Mark Batterson
Published at Zondervan

About the book

Based on his New York Times bestseller, The Circle Maker, Mark Batterson shows ordinary parents how to become extraordinary influencers in the lives of their children through prayer in Praying Circles around Your Children. You'll never be a perfect parent, but you can be a praying parent!

My Thoughts

I was expecting a book.  I received a booklet.  My first reaction was “What the heck?” but when I started to read it I realized that I could improve my prayer time for my kids.   And I got new ideas and opportunities to do so.  

The booklet contains nine chapters which starts with an introduction on praying circles if you haven’t read the book The Circle Maker – like me. From there, you  are propelled into praying in circles for your kids.  The first circle consist of circling the promises of God for your kids.   Then you are instructed in making prayers lists, creating prayer mantras, forming praying circles and praying through the Bible.   The book can easily be read in one day but I suggest that you take one chapter at a time and ponder on what you have read.    It will help you to stretch the potential of praying for your kids and develop new techniques in doing so.

Needless to say you can judge a book by its cover or the size of it.  This little gem is packed with great ideas on how to get your prayers for your kids even more meaningful and according to God’s will for them.   No two children is the same.   I sure know that praying for my four kids differ in many ways.   I have three boys who are quite different in character from each other and then God blessed us with a marvelous spunky girl.    Each of these kids are unique in many ways whether in their learning or in their way of dealing with things.  Consequently, I can’t think that one prayer fits all…   No sometimes, I will need to pray for God to help one of my child to understand his math lesson because he has more trouble learning or pray that another one learn self-control when we ask him to stop doing something instead of continuing whatever he is doing that gets on our nerves.   This booklet is a great reminder for me that my kids are different and consequently my prayers for each of them should be different as well.

I would recommend that every Christian parents get this booklet in order to spice up their prayers for their kids. 

On another note, I had received two other copies of the booklet to give away.   I have decided to bless my two sister-in-laws with them because I know that they would want to expand their prayers for their own kids as well.    With the guidance of Mark Batterson, I suspect that my kids, nephews and nieces will be covered in prayers in various ways through their life.

Praying Circles Around Your Children is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

     

The booklet is also available for the Kindle.

    

Disclaimer: Thanks to Zondervan for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Nutrition for Life

Nutrition for Life – The no-fad, no-nonsense approach to eating well and reaching your healthy weight
By Lisa Hark and Darwin Deen
Published at DK Canada

About the book

The complete guide to healthy eating, including advice for using food as medicine and real-life examples of how improved nutrition can remedy health problems, this book is an authoritative reference tool that's perfect for families.

• Unique design presents nutritional theory and practical applications side-by-side
• Over 500 full-color photographs and charts that analyze every aspect of what you eat
• Uses real case studies to illustrate every aspect of nutritional health

My Thoughts

2013 arrived slowly in our family as we had to deal with sickness over the Christmas vacation…  On New Year’s Eve, my husband and oldest son drove through the state of New York and back in order to pick up a comic collection.  Needless to say, when they arrived at home later that day, they were tired and we all went to sleep.    However, that doesn’t mean that I haven’t decided to try something new or get healthier in 2013.  

I will admit that I am overweight and I am pleased to say that this week (after postponing it since the beginning of January), I have decided to become more active at home.  Winter is difficult…  Back in the fall, my husband and I had taken the habit to go walk every day for about 30 minutes.   When the cold temperatures came…. well it got put on the backburner.   So in order to get back in shape and while waiting for the warmer days to come, I have decided to get back on the Wii Fit.   A couple of years ago, I have lost quite a bit of weight with Weight Watchers and the Wii Fit.  So I thought I could get back at it and be careful at my calories intake during the day.   With the help of an app and the Wii Fit, I have done three days of exercises and healthy eating.   But I don’t want to stop there.    I want to learn more about eating well and making wise choices.

So when I go approached in promoting the DK Start Something New Boutique, I quickly selected four books to promote.  One of these book is the Nutrition for Life.  Before I share my thoughts about book, let me present you the table of contents:

• Assess your health and lifestyle – nutrition-energy balance, look at your lifestyle, check your physical health, assess your shape and weight, do you need to change? and making changes.
• Food for life – why we need food, the need for fats, good fats/bad fats, reducing saturated fat, proteins for growth, carbohydrates for energy, facts about fiber, what are vitamins, phytochemicals, what are minerals.
• Elements of a healthy diet – making the best dietary choices, dietary guidelines, wholesome grains, vegetables for health, fruits for health, benefits of dairy, healthy protein sources, legumes, seeds, nuts, eggs, fluids, vegetarian and eating away from home.
• Eating for the time of your life – when our needs change, children, growth, baby, toddlers, preschool children, school-age children, adolescents, adulthood, pregnancy, motherhood, menopause, athletes. middle-to-later years.
• The truth about weight control – why weight control is important, looking at diet plans, extra help with weight loss, your personal diet plan, regular exercises and weight loss, children and weight management, when you need to gain weight.
• Food as medicine – improving health through diet, cardiovascular disease and nutrition, respiratory disorders, digestive disorders, disorders of the urinary system, bone and joint disorders, diabetes, food allergies and intolerances, migraine headache, cancer, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, dietary supplements.
• The food you buy – nutrition and modern food preparation, how food is preserved, smart shopping, how to store food, preserving food at home, food preparations and cooking, food hygiene.
• Food analysis – what is in the food you eat?

I find this book packed with useful information that could help anyone no matter at what stage of life they are.   There are some sections that doesn’t touch our family anymore – pregnancy, baby food, and toddlers – but still I can gain much in reading the book.  One of the first section I have read was the menopause one because even if I am in my early 40s I have been in menopause for almost 3 years now.   However, my bones are healthy and I have turned toward a natural way of dealing with the effects of menopause and to this day I do not have to use hormones.   I also explore the diet directory and read about some of them.  In this section you will learn more about the diets out there and how it claims to work and the regimen impose to the followers.  You will also get a paragraph explaining to you if the diet is healthy (and indirectly if it will work…).   Personally, I have a positive experience with Weight Watchers and know that one of the reasons I gain some weight or stayed on a plateau is because I stopped calculating the point.  So using an app for the calories help to determine if I am eating my daily quota and not more.

As I write this review, I am still reading some part of the book in order to absorb as much information on the subject.    I am planning to change some eating habits of mine in 2013 and discover new flavors as well.   One of the food I want to try this year is the fig as I have never had any before.   I also want to continue to try out new recipes (that’s another review I promise!  *grin*) with my family.  And moving is a big one on my list.   I have already started with the Wii Fit and plan to include more activities in my day-to-day life with the kids.

Do you sense you want to try something new in 2013?   Are you wondering what you can accomplish this year?   Why not explore the DK Start Something New Boutique and select one of their titles.   Click on the icon below to access this special page.

If you want to learn more about nutrition, I strongly suggest that you check you the Nutrition for Life.   You won’t be disappointed.

Nutrition for Life is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

     

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Fire of the Raging Dragon

Fire of the Raging Dragon – Pacific Rim Series
Written by Don Brown
Published at Zondervan

About the book

In Fire of the Raging Dragon---the second book in bestselling author Don Brown’s Pacific Rim Series---Stephanie Surber is stationed on board a submarine tender in the South China Sea when a naval war breaks out. After a gruesome discovery escalates America’s involvement, Stephanie’s father, U.S. President Douglas Surber, must choose to take a stand against evil … or save the life of his daughter.

My Thoughts

When I applied to review this book, I wanted to try something different than my regular genres…  Something more intense and out of the regular type of books I usually read.   When I am adventurous, I never know if I will enjoy the book or not.  The book is a suspense and I have enjoyed that genre in the past.   But this particular book is written in the context of a war and unfortunately I quickly discovered that it wasn’t speaking to me.

I tried and tried and tried some more during Christmas to read this book but I wasn’t hooked with the story and with the characters.  Mind you I totally realized that many people would enjoy a good war novel with suspense at every corners.   Consequently, if you are the type of person who loves suspense and war type of novels, you might be interested in this book.

Bottom line is that there is a war between China and Taiwan.   The president of the United States need to decide if he will be part of the problem or not.   His hesitation mostly lies in the fact that his own daughter is on board of one of the ships in the area.   How will he decide what to do when a loved one might be caught in the middle of the war?

I don’t know how the book concludes because as I mentioned above I couldn’t finish the book.   And it’s not because the author isn’t good at all…  It’s more because this kind of novels do not speak to me in any way, shape or form.  So please do not base yourself on my opinion but instead search for other reviews for this title.

If you love war type of books with suspense then I suspect you will enjoy Fire of the Raging Dragon.  The book is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

     

The book is also available on Kindle.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Zondervan for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Awesome Science – Explore Mount St. Helens with Noah Justice

Awesome Science – Explore Mount St. Helens with Noah Justice (Episode 5)
Published at Master Books

About the DVD

The first DVD series for teens by teens showing how science & the Bible agree!

• Hosted by the engaging 14-year-old host, Noah Justice
• Evidence of biblical history and truth at some of the world’s most amazing destinations
• Fast-paced and informative presentations with a biblical worldview are filmed on location at these national parks
• Study guides create educational opportunities for home or church study

The Awesome Science video series takes teens and adults on a field trip around the world to explore geologic and historical evidence which supports the biblical record. Innovative, high-quality, and designed to make science fun, this new series for the whole family helps discover evidences that the Bible is the true history book of the world!

About the Study Guide

This study guide is available for each Awesome Science DVD (a new series from Master Books). These help create a reflective learning situation after viewing each exciting episode, and are filled with substantial discussion questions, fill in the blank, true and false, as well as bonus activities. Can be used in Science and religion class - also would be great for church youth groups.

Our Thoughts

My oldest son was very excited when we received the latest three dvds of Noah Justice and his Awesome Science series.  We have both been waiting about these after we discovered the first three episodes last year.   These DVDs bring to life the understanding of the catastrophic Great Flood and will provide you with clear explanations and evidence found in the real world and based on the Bible.  

Do you remember where you were on May 18th, 1980?   That’s when Mount St. Helens in Washington State erupted and caused the largest landslide in modern human history.    I don’t know what I was doing back then as I was eleven years old.  More than likely I was in school and probably didn’t react to this catastrophic event much.   I would have been in grade 6 back then.    Nowadays, I see the advantage in learning more about such events happening in nature and being a Christian I want my kids to understand and be able to explain how the Great Flood really happen contrary to how scientists these days are saying…

This DVD and its study guide will not only present you the history of Mount St. Helens but will demonstrated how this event that happened 32 years ago can explain and support the evidence of the Biblical account of the flood.    Not only will you be able to defend your faith in the Noah’s story but you will also learn quite a bit on rapid erosion, coal formation and quick biologic recovery.   You will also explore with Noah how canyons, stratified layers and petrified forests can be formed rapidly during a catastrophic event like the eruption of Mount St. Helens.   Noah will also bring you inside a chamber where lava used t flow and explore a tunnel left by a tree under the ground.   My kids were in awe of these two explorations and now want to go visit the places where Noah has brought us.

The Study Guide is perfect to reinforce the learning done during the session on DVD. It contains bonus activities, a complete word list, key concepts to discover, some fill in the blanks sentences, some true or false statements as well as discussion questions.  All these can be used to test your student in his/her comprehension as well as deepen the learning done while watching the DVD.   I really love having the study guide with me when we watch the DVD.  I only wish that this study guide could fit in the DVD box for easy storage…

These DVDs were made for an audience on children and teens.  However, I find that it is a better fit for ages 10 and up as my younger kids will loose their concentration after a while and my almost nine years old son has missed some of the information shared by Noah.  However, the Awesome Science DVDs are so packed with information that I would strongly recommend that you watch them more than once in order to fully process all you can learn from them.   Literally, Noah doesn’t stop a minute to let you catch your breath.  He will repeat some key information in the DVD but still I think that watching the DVDs more than once or twice would be a good habit due to the fast pace.   The lessons are educational and entertaining in themselves.   I am very impressed with the quality of the videos and the information contained in them.

Other DVDs are available in the Awesome Science series; Explore the Grand Canyon, Explore Yellowstone, Explore Meteor Crater and Petrified Forest, Explore Yosemite and Zion National Parks, and Explore John Day Fossil Beds. All these DVDs will deepen your knowledge and understanding of creation science as it will use the biblical worldview to bring science to life.

Interested in watching what Awesome Science is?   Check out this preview.

There is a Book and a Bite Facebook Party on Thursday January 17th, 2013 from 8pm till 9pmCST.

Simply click on the image below if you want more information and to RSVP.  There is also a pre-party prize so come early.   Other prizes include an Awesome Science DVD as well as some Newman’s Own Organics cookies.  

Plus your kids can participate with you at this party because Noah Justice himself will be there to answer their questions. 

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The DVD Awesome Science – Explore Mount St. Helens is available at your favourite bookstore, even at Amazon.com.

Check out what the other Moms of Master Books have to say about the latest DVDs of Awesome Science with Noah Justice.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to New Leaf Publishing Group for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Challenge on the Hill of Fire–Imagination Station 10

Challenge on the Hill of Fire – The Imagination Station #10
Written by Marianne Hering and Nancy I. Sanders
Published at Tyndale

About the book

Kidnapped by Celtic Druids in 433, Patrick and Beth are headed to certain death when followers of a former Irish Slave (Saint Patrick, called Patricius in this book) save them. The cousins find themselves in the midst of a power struggle between Ireland’s King Logaire, Patricius, and the leader of the Druids, Lochru. A spiritual showdown begins on the Hill of Slane when Patricius builds a fire, challenging the King’s authority. Will Patricius prove to the king that the God of the Bible is the true God? Or will the king take sides with the Druids? The Emerald Isle holds many tales and legends, but this story of truth and standing strong for God is not one to be missed.

My Thoughts

I was very happy when I received the latest Imagination Station book because I know that there is quality behind the cover of this title.  Having reviewed the previous nine titles of the series, I know that my kids will be exposed to Christian values and historical events as they never experienced before.   In this particular book, you will follow the cousins Patrick and Beth to Ireland in the time when Saint Patrick was a Bishop in the land.  They will be kidnapped and saved in a miraculous way.  They will learn more about Saint Patrick and how he shared the gospel with the people of authority during that time.  

I think this book is a fabulous read to do with your kids when you are close to Saint-Patrick Day in March.  Not only will they learn a bit more about Saint Patrick but they will also get expose to values that should be instilled in children.   This book is great for read-along or for a child who has become more independent in his reading.  Even though these books are written for kids ages 7-9 in mind, my 11 year old son really love the series as he has learned to enjoy the radio show Adventures in Odyssey.  Reading these books allow him to re-connect with the characters in a different way.   I suspect that he will grab this title and read it in one sitting.  

What I particularly like about The Imagination Station is that the stories found in them are based on historical events as well as contain Christian values and lessons.    Not only do I think these are a great series in itself but there is a fabulous bonus attached to each book in  the series.  At the end of each book, you will find a puzzle for the kids to resolve in order to get a special prize from the website.  Once you find the secret word, you simply go to http://www.whitsend.org/imaginationstation, click on the words Secret Word for any of the titles you have just read and obtain one episode of the Adventures in Odyssey absolutely FREE!   One episode is all we need when driving to swimming lessons (okay make that two episodes if we come back… though I take the habit to talk about the one we listened on our way to swimming usually.).   

Challenge on the Hill of Fire is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

    

The book is also available on Kindle.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Tyndale for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.