Patriots, Redcoats & Spies by Robert J. Skead with Robert A. Skead

Patriots, Redcoats & Spies is a chapter book that takes place during the American Revolution, and told through the eyes of identical twin 14 year old boys. The story follows the adventures of the two, John and Ambrose, as they travel from Connecticut to New Jersey to deliver a letter to General George Washington with important intelligence for the Continental Army. The boys receive the letter and mission from their father who they discover is part of the Culper Spy Ring.  The book is intended for children 8-12, but my six year old and fourteen year olds enjoyed it as well.  

My kids and I loved this book!  The first chapter grabs your attention like an opening from an Indiana Jones movie.  The book gives an excellent picture of life in 1777 traveling through the American colonies.  Where the story is told through 14 year old twins makes it very readable for kids.  We loved the humor and thinking through what it means to fight for what you believe in.  We can highly recommend this book.  It is a fabulous read aloud that draws you into the story.  

I also enjoyed looking up the author's story behind how he got the idea for the book on his visit to New Jersey one summer.  This link gives you some more information.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Egg-Cellent Easter Adventure by Darcy Cobos

The Egg-Cellent Easter Adventure is about three kids, Harvey, Pascal, and Anastasia who find a glowing Easter Egg in their attic with some scrolls inside inside a treasure chest.  The Scrolls have verses and clues that lead them on a treasure hunt  adventure to discover the true story of Easter.  The books shares lessons on listening, being humble, being kind to others, and true friendship.  It is wonderful to watch the characters change throughout the story.

My kids have been crazy about this book.  I have read it aloud to them and all seven of my kids toddlers to teens have enjoyed the story.  I also have had trouble locating the book in my home on several occasions as some of my children had "borrowed" it to read. The book is illustrated in animation style graphics that are very appealing.  They enjoyed the pictures and were excited to see where the glowing egg was going to lead the kids. 

The book is part of a bigger story that promotes glowing Easter eggs for nighttime Easter egg hunts. The profits from the sales of the books and eggs help support children around the world.  I highly recommend this book.

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review from Book Club Network

Cincinnati Curriculum Sale

2015 CHEC Used Curriculum and Book Sale

Saturday, March 21, 2015

9:00 am - 12:00 pm (Doors open at 8:30 am for sellers only)

New Location – great facility and easy to find

Friendship Baptist Church

8580 Cheviot Rd

Cincinnati, OH  45251

Why Sell at the CHEC Sale?

·         Convenience of hundreds of buyers in person ready to take home your curriculum that day!

·         Great facility, easy to find, easy to access the building

·         No need to take pictures, write a description, and post online

·         No need to email back and forth, set a time to meet, or go to the post office

·         At noon, you’re done with money in your pocket!

Why Buy at the CHEC Sale?

·         Talk to the mom, dad or student who actually used the curriculum

·         Put your hands on the book, look through it and find out if you actually like it

·         Make it a date with hubby

·         Meet up with a friend and have a mom’s morning out at the curriculum sale

·         Great prices and selection

Admission Prices (applies to everyone entering the sale):

·         CHEC Members (with membership card) – $3.00

Please do not forget your membership card!  You will be charged regular admission price without it.

·         All others – $4.00

Selling Fees (in addition to admission fee above):

·         Table space – $1.25 per foot; sold in 4, 6 and 8 foot lengths as available.

·         Space is assigned by the volunteers in charge of the sale and their decisions are final.

Everyone welcome! Invite your friends!

 See the CHEC website for complete details. (Please do not call Friendship Baptist Church.)

chechome.org

Please note this does not constitute an endorsement of the products sold there or the event by Ohio Homeschool.  

Home Educating with Preschoolers Part 2

In this post I just wanted to share a couple of ideas that I have found helpful with my little ones. Maybe they will help your little ones.

A large container of uncooked beans with cups, small toys, and gadgets in it.  I am amazed at how this will keep a small child busy for some time.  It has been a favorite of all of my kids. 

Playing a yard sale game or reading a books with a sibling.
 

Math Manipulatives make great blocks.  For some reason those are way more fun than the other building blocks at my house. 

My kids loved playing in this bucket of water this week.  They played with plastic animals.  A great time. 

A program I love for preschoolers is Ready Made Preschool.   I have used it with my daughter and we loved it.  I have written about it here.

Kinetic sand is our new favorite toy!  It keeps our daughter busy for hours.  After about 3 or 4 they can listen to play-aways from the library.  Or do both!

 Dress-up is always great!

 Playing with Magnetic letters or shapes is fun!  Magnets can stick to a board, a refrigerator, or cookie sheets.
 

Would love to hear any ideas you have in the comments.
Have a great week!
~Becky