TOS Crew Review: Math Galaxy

So math is not your "thang" (as it truly is not mine) or maybe it isn't your child's either. I am sure there are times when you wish you could say-jettison yourself far, far away into a whole 'nother galaxy-other days perhaps just use the math text as a missile to destroy an incoming meteor. I mean really-I don't recall Will and Penny Robinson [Lost in Space] plugging away on any old, boring math book. They had the robot to help with computation, and tons of gadgets which dazzled and intrigued them instead. Well dear math-challenged friends [actually even non-mathaphobs will enjoy this product], there is something that is worth exploring called Math Galaxy.  

Because of the generosity of the folks at Galaxy of Education, we were able to download all of their products to review, which was such a blessing.  Unfortunately, due to the time limitations; and the fact that my kids are not working at, or in some of the levels-I am only able to highlight a few that met our needs.  I have to send you to the site to read up on all the concepts, and levels that are available in each software unit.  

To give you a better idea of what Math Galaxy is, I wanted to share with you this ditty from their site:

Unlike most math textbooks, which throw a mass of material at the student, Math Galaxy focuses student attention on concepts sequentially and interactively, based upon the ideas behind math manipulatives (such as counting blocks) and connecting new concepts to familiar experiences. Unlike most math software, it goes beyond simple games, low-level operations or rule memorization to link familiar and concrete experiences to higher-level processes. It goes beyond physical math manipulatives by linking each physical operation to its mathematical counterpart at each step, and by allowing manipulations that are difficult to do with physical manipulatives. It stresses concepts that run throughout all of basic math to provide basic understanding rather than memorized rules. Our goal is to provide students a foundation for analytical thinking in the modern world and for higher-level math and science. 

My 8 year old spent most of his time in the Whole Numbers Tutorial. He worked on the lessons, all the while earning a robot for each problem, which then would be used in the Labyrinth game. There is also the Word Jumbles, Riddles (cute ones) and the Bridge the Swamp to play after going through the regular concepts.  The child will have to work for some of this, so it isn't just handed over [in the game section] to them.  The presented material is what they would have already been exposed to in the red level subjects. I did have to monitor how much time was spent in these areas, because if he had his way-he'd be there the whole day.  I decided to give him a timer with the instructions that he had to spend 20 minutes in the regular lessons, and then could play for 10-15 in the games section.  Because he is a beginning reader, I did have to stay very close to give him the directions. For the children who have little or no basic reading skills, you will need to be close at hand-making this a not so "on your own" program for them.  

As with all of these Tutorials-instructions are given, showing how to get the answer, before the the student dives into it.  They will see a big  "Correct" flashing if answered as such, or the student can try a few extra times before the right answer is given. After each problem, they are also asked if they want a new one or not.  I liked that feature, because some programs make the kid go through so many of them-that they lose interest (I made my son do a certain amount before he could quite) or give up in despair .

You can also purchase the Math Riddler Worksheet Generator to go along with the above program.  It allows for you to print off worksheets which correlate with the lessons.  There are some 500 riddles, and all the problems to boot.  I especially like this software unit, since I can now access and provide extra learning materials, to reinforce what he has been working on. These are very colorful, so to save ink-we print them in gray scale.  I recommend getting both of these, so that you can offer hands-on along with the computer practice to be sure you meet your child's learning styles.

Whole Number Fun and Whole Number Worksheet examples

For our teen-we have her switching up betwixt the Pre-Algebra and the Algebra units.  She has been able to play around a bit to give me her opinion on them [we are still working on getting her more 'puter time but with all I have going lately, it is a challenge], and I have gone through some lessons, to refresh my gray matter too. We are both liking it a lot-which is a relief to this momma who is tired of running through math programs like Imelda went through shoes.  You get the same robot earning concept as the lower levels, same colorful material, and same intrigue-just with beefier concept coverage. 

We have decided to have her spend the majority of  her time working through these two programs for her math curriculum. We have hit a wall with her understanding this higher-level material (mental block I do believe), so we have put the text on hold. We are hoping that these instructions/games/riddles help her recall the basics/algebraic lessons so she can be up to speed by this fall. I will be sure to come back in a few months to update you on our progress.  Suffice it to say, I am praying this is the answer to our problems.  I have some glimmer of hope as this is the first one to really pull her into the material, and make her want to learn this stuff.  The Pre-Algebra does not have the Worksheet Generator option, but the Algebra does.  Since they are basically the same concepts, I can use this in conjunction with each other quite nicely.

Pre-Algebra example

As you can see from the selection, they cover quite a bit of material. 

Note the fact that these line up with the lessons/practice found in the Algebra Fun Tutorial program.  Again, I recommend that one purchases both of these to get a more rounded approach (some on the computer, other practice with paper and pencil. And speaking of those antiquated materials-for most of these programs you should have some available for the kiddos to use to figure out the answers). Don't forget there will be some ink expense, since you have to print these out yourself...but you can pick and choose the ones that trouble them the most-so it shouldn't be too budget unfriendly.

Algebra Fun and Algebra Riddler examples

Overall wrap up of the Math Galaxy Tutorials:

I am thinking this would mostly serve as a good supplemental, as a good tutorial product to coexist with your regular math programs. But again-as I mentioned, we'll be using it as our main program for our teen right now, until she has a much better grasp of these concepts..so I guess it is up to you. You can also purchase the Fraction Fun/Worksheet Generator (W.G.), the Decimal, Proportion and Percents Fun/ WG,  the Word Problem Fun Tutorials, plus the eBooks for Whole Number, Fraction, Dec./Prop./Percents, and Algebra Riddles.  

We found the explanations and activities to be fairly clear cut [still working through the mammoth amount on each program so I can speak of what we have seen right now], addressing the major math concepts one would need in life.  The software is not as splashy as some of the other math downloads I have reviewed, but it suits our family rather nicely.  In fact, my "anti-computer math program child" stated that this is her favorite set up.  She enjoyed the lessons-which is half the battle with this student of ours. The graphics reminded her of what she designed when she built a game through another review we did.  It appealed to me too-as I tend to favor the less flashy games/graphics for our programs.  I also liked that there is no sound.  I grow tired of the noise from such products rather quickly, as I like things a bit more subdued around here.  But-I do have to point out that when my two were working through the games with the robots-they became like a bunch of chattering, wild monkeys...I actually had to tell them to "Hold it down in there!" on several occasions...they were having that much fun.  That gets two thumbs up from me-they were learning and enjoying themselves-excellent. 

I received downloads to review, you the customer, would receive a CD

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Math Galaxy Homepage
These do not require being connected to the internet-but there are times where the Java plug-in is necessary.

All programs are $19.95 for the CDs with free shipping.  The eBooks are $9.95-no shipping fee either, as these 2 are downloads-30 day money back guarantee.

System Requirements: Windows 98 or later or Mac OS X.

For The Math Riddler Worksheet Generators, also a printer. 



Don't forget to find out what my TOS mates had to say about this, and many other fine homeschool products over on our TOS Review Crew Homepage.

***Galaxy of Education provided me with a free download of each program they offer.  I chose Whole Numbers Fun/WKST Generator, Fraction Fun/WKST Generator, Decimals/Proportions/Percents Fun/WKSHT Generator, Word Problems Fun, Pre-Algebra, Algebra Fundamentals/WKST Generator (all but the eBooks) to explore, test and use with my family. I have provided my opinion on the product, and did not receive financial compensation for this review.

TOS Crew Review: Super Star Speech Homeschool

So your sweet darling is starting to sound like a Cindy Brady, Elmer Fudd or Tweety Bird-and well, it is sort of cute say when they are 2, maybe 3-but it won't be cute when they are 10 or 25.  So what is a concerned parent to do?  What are normal speech patterns for young children, and what are considered true articulation issues?  What kind of expense is involved when you have your child work one-on-one with a speech therapist? Well, what if you were able to work with your child right in your own home, and do it for under $25?  Deborah Lott, has created a most useful program to assist you with just that.  Now since my youngest is a few months shy of 9, and speaks rather clearly-we did not review this product. But many of my fellow mates did.  So be sure to head over to our TOS Crew Homepage to see what they have to say about the Super Star Speech Therapy materials.    

What we did get to review was 3 of the Homeschool Games.  I found them to a be easy to download, print and assemble-which is always most helpful to a busy mom, like me.  I have a mini-ditty next to each game, along with how I store/assembled them to suit our workbox needs.  Each game is only $3.50-so these get a piggy bank for their budget friendly cost.

grades K-5

The All About Animals game is my son's favorite at this point.  You have two options-just placing the picture cards on the correct classification or reading the questions then deciding which area the critter fits. The winner is the one who fills their fish, reptile, amphibian, bird and mammal spots. I made my son put all the cards on his game board, since he was the lone player-helped cement the type of animals that went into each section. This is a fun way to reinforce your animal studies, and an easy, fun addition to one's workboxes.    

ages 6-10

Covering the Continents is interesting and fun.  I teamed up with my son to be the giraffes (erasers) and my daughter and the cat were the tiger team.  We decided erasers would work better than the strips of paper that are included (to be cut) in the game set.  Basically one asks the fellow next to them a question and they decide what continent it is describing.  To win, one must have the majority of the 5 tokens allowed to claim it.  Now with 2 teams (don't need to be in teams-but since my son is a beginning reader-it just made sense) there was a minor problem.  As it turned out, each team had 3 that they owned, and we were only asking questions that would fit the continents that were left (after all, why ask a question on a place that was already claimed?)  so what do we do with the 7th-it would be obvious which one we meant [and we each had 2 erasers on it]? So to be fair, we decided to just flip a coin to get our winner.  That was the only snafu we came across, well that and the fact that the Middle Eastern countries are a color of their own, when they should be blue since they part of Asia.  I found it to be my favorite of the 3. 

grades 3 and up (I mean up to adults here! LOL)

The Planets, Moon and Stars! game is more challenging than the others we tried.  Mainly because we are still working our way through the study of the solar system, so some facts are new to us [well, I kind of remember them but it has been 4 years since I taught this material]~so again, this one is going in the workboxes several times during our lessons, as another great way to reinforce what we are learning.  Basically, one answers a question, and if correct, they draw a planet/sun card out of the pile.  The one who completes their solar system first, is the winner.  I even tested the young adults in the house, and had a blast giggling at them trying to answer the questions. It proved that a little refresher on such things is always a good thing.  

Idea for the storage of the games:

I packaged them in large envelopes.  Taped over the sticky seal (so a child with a sense of humor didn't lick it shut) and laminated the game boards (the game cards will soon follow once I get some more sheets), then baggied the cards up. A heads up here: I had to glue construction paper to the backs of the cards first, to prevent the wording from showing through (I ran them off on white card stock-so maybe colored paper won't?) then cut them out.  

If one is looking for a fairly inexpensive way to add some games into their children's lessons, this is a great option. And there are several more to choose from.  Of course, there is the ink issue-but by printing most of the cards in gray scale, which doesn't "ruin" the presentation, eased the cost issue.  My family enjoyed testing these out, and I am glad to have had the opportunity to do so.

outside of the initial printing, cutting out, and packaging of it

Non-readers or new readers will need some assistance

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Super Star Speech Homepage
and Debbie is offering a 20% discount if you order directly from her site, until June 30, 2010.  Put in the code: TOS. **note that this does not apply to the games because they are not available thru her site.

Homeschool Games page- $3.50 each

 Head to CurrClick  to download the games.  I see they currently have several on sale, including the Super Star Speech Therapy materials

Don't forget to read up on what my TOS mates had to say about this and many other fine homeschooling products on our TOS Review Crew Homepage.

***Super Star Speech provided me with a free download each of the All About Animals, Covering the Continents and the Planets, Moon and Stars games, to test out and enjoy with my family.  I did not receive financial compensation for providing you with my honest review.

TOS Review Crew: Graphic Toolbox

My crafty side was itching to try out something like this.  Something where I can design, create and otherwise just play around with different techniques, and tools to make something of substance, something worth "writing home about".  Usually, I do this sort of thing with real paper, scissors, pens, pencils and tape (Velcro if I am making workbox goodies) and so this was a bit of a challenge for me-to go digital and all.  What am I talking about?

Well, I am yammering about  a software program called Graphics Toolbox, which is  designed to help you create personalized material for all your needs-not just for the homeschooling stuff either.  It can help you infuse visuals to create some really nice projects, in just about every subject matter.  You, or your child, can [because yes-it is very kid-friendly] create artwork, report covers, book reports that are professional looking, science/history/art fair displays and more. Actually, if you pop over to their education page, you can see what I am talking about. You will be able to glean more ideas regarding just how useful this can be in your daily homeschool acitivities.  You can design headers for blogs, create Christmas or other holiday cards, whip up some fun "can you spot the differences" pictures, create truly personalized announcements and on and on.  It runs along the lines of the MS Paint/Power Point/Publisher, Photoshop and other graphic design programs, but with more advanced features [from what you get with the MS programs],  and some slightly tweaked and different  options [like the larger workspace area] that you won't find in Photoshop. To be honest-I cannot list all of the features, so I have that link available for you to go to.  Take your time-as it is quite a lot of information to digest. Be sure to come back here though, to see what I was able to do with it so far-as I simply have not had nearly enough time to just mess around and come up with more, but I will try to continually post new projects as I get them made.

Here is an example of a typical situation in life. Take the subject of history. It is well, history-something that has already occurred.  So trying to get a child to become truly “involved” in it, can be a difficult challenge indeed.   By using Graphic Toolbox, and a bit of one’s  imagination-you can draw (quite literally) the child into any time in history, to create a memorable report cover, picture for a lapbook or notebooking page,  an entertaining picture for a scrapbook page,  or even a center piece for a history display board.

Last summer, we spent some time exploring George Washington’s estate, Mt. Vernon.  We could walk the grounds as our first President did some 2 centuries ago, but alas-without ole George to give the tour himself.  Using Graphic Toolbox's features/tools, I was able to create a unique photo which brings George right out of the museum, and out onto his front lawn-with my son saddled up with estate's owner/tour guide, and my husband meandering alongside. 

After watching the extremely helpful video tutorials, I was able to go into the program, pull up 3 specific pictures I felt would work, to which I  then meshed together (amazingly actually-never thought I could do this) to get the final masterpiece. I am pretty proud of this one-and had a lot of fun working on it too.  That would have made an adorable postcard that I could have sent out-too bad I didn't have the program then.  But not all is lost-I have it now, and will print this off in a smaller size for my son's history notebook (when we get to George and his contribution to our nation this spring) to make it much more personalized for him.

I have had only MS Word to play with in my creative endeavors, and frankly-it is extremely limiting after a certain point.  I was quite pleased to be able to use some “real” nitty gritty type of features to pull this project off.  The Irregular Shape, Copy/Resize/Move/Rotate, Clone, Text and Ribbon features afforded me the opportunity to put to “paper” what is in my head.   I have not even touched the tip of the iceberg here.  But what I can tell you, is that so many doors of possibilities beg to be opened with the use of the Graphic Toolbox program. I plan to continue to further explore this, so that I can create more personal lapbook components, history visuals, and especially to make creative workbox materials to use in our daily homeschool adventures.

 Don't be fooled, it took me some time to figure this massive program out.  Those tutorials made the difference from throwing my hands up in despair, to instead taking on the challenge of working through the "learning curve" to get it all figured out.  So I highly recommend that one spends time watching those, then practicing the techniques. And with the wealth of ideas on their featured projects section-which the Mt. Vernon picture will soon reside, you can find many applications that suit your needs.  I have to say, now that I have  the "hang of it", I am truly enjoying myself.  

Here is an example using one of their scrapbook choices (layout is pre-done, you just add the picture and text). I simply added the shot my daughter had taken, at sunset one fine summer evening, to fill the blank picture area.  I had to erase the lines that were in the text area, since I wanted to add the verse via the computer, not by hand. It didn't take long to create this at all.  G.T. stated they decided to not focus as much attention on the pre-done scrapbook pages (so that area is somewhat limited) since there were so many other digital scrapbook companies out there. I thought I would show an example of one though, for those digi-scrappers out there.  You obviously can create your own pages with all the gadgets this program offers, or utilize parts of it to add to other layouts. Again-it is a tool to use to create your own one-of-a-kind works of art.

I have told you of my experience, but what you should do is try the 30 day Free Trial, in order to see for yourself. Allow a few days of just "practice and play" before you yeah or nay this program...like I stated above-it takes time to figure out. And if you have been using another type of program similar to this one-then you have to allow for that "difference" adjustment, as well.

Before I end this though, I cannot stress this enough-KNOW YOUR COMPUTER before installing this program.  Please refer to their system requirements before you test run this program, as it will not work for every application. It does take up space on your 'puter's hard drive-so carefully read those details ahead of time.

I am sure you are wondering now-would I have sought out and purchased this, had I not received it as a review item?  I have to say, that right now with our financial belt tightening, no-I would not have.  But that is because of finances, which I have pointed out in several reviews this year.  Things are tough right now-but that doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend it.  I do-if you are one needing a way to personalize and add flavor to your schooling, business and well-"whatever else" needs-give it some serious thought.  Is is on the spency side? Depends on what you decide you can afford.  I have made that very clear right from the beginning of my TOS crew adventure-I cannot even begin to know your financial needs/concerns...so I can only address our situation.  Do your research homework, read the other crew mates' reviews and try the 30 day free program. Then you will have a pretty good idea if it is right for you.  I am very, very happy that I have this to play around with and to enjoy.

Easy as in after you get the hang of it-I am sure the kids will pick it up far faster than the older generations-just allow for some adjustment time

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Graphics Toolbox Homepage

$149.00 - 1 user License with discount offered for up to 2 users (ie: uploaded on to another computer)

Don't forget to read what my TOS mates have to say about this, and many other fine homeschool products, over on our TOS Crew Review Homepage.

***Great Software Tools provided me with a free Graphic Toolbox Program for my computer system, so that I could tinker, create and utilize this to satisfy my creative needs, and in exchange for an honest opinion of their product. No financial compensation was exchanged for this review.

TOS Crew Review: Seasons of Faith Series by Children's Bible Hour Ministries

When I was growing up (back in the 70s man) I thought those little 45 records with their matching story books, were the "cat's meow"~ I had a couple fairy tale stories that  I practically wore thin as paper, listening to over and over again.  So when I popped one of the CDs from the Seasons of Faith Books series, into my computer [shows you what a couple decades can do for technology] my mind rushed back to my childhood.  The announcer's, Uncle Charlie, narration of the story [which is nice, gives the child the option to listen to these and mull them over unassisted] with the little music zing (to tell the child to turn the page) is very reminiscent of those very story collections. It is a charming addition to each book, except unlike my records with books-these are Christian in nature.

Taking each season, the 4 books tackle some common issues a child may face.  Trusting Jesus as a their Savior, leaning on God for their comfort and peace, forgiveness, and the facts surrounding how to obtain true salvation.

I have to point out, first off, that I find my children tend to pay closer attention when the books contains higher caliber art work, and these most certainly do.  Each artist (Robert Sauber and John White) displayed their artistic differences in each of the 2 books they illustrated.  You can purchase these as a pack or individually, so I have decided to break them down by each book.  I have them in order from our most to least favorite.  Please understand that I love it when I see books that discuss such things-but wonder if at times there is too big of a "stretch of the possibilities" when it comes to trying to stuff a theme as big as some of these, into one little story book...so keep that in mind as I point out some issues.  I also think each family needs to decide if the material aligns with their beliefs.  I did visit their "About Us" page to see where they are coming from and from what I read-it pretty much matches what we believe, and teach to our children.  I do have some concerns which I noted those next to the appropriate books.  I also added some tongue and cheek comments, but the bulk of it reflects our thoughts regarding these stories and our recommending them or not.

Seventy Times Seven was our favorite one.  It stresses a very tangible and believable situation.  Brad inadvertently busts out the Scoops Ice Cream Shop's sign, but is forgiven and does not have to pay for the repairs.  But then his buddy, Doug,  forgets to pay him back the lunch money he lent him, and then returns his favorite baseball cap in tatters (thanks to his puppy using it a chew toy).  Brad displays a familiar response-he decides he is mad at Doug, and fails to forgive him of his offenses.  This hurts Doug, but it also is the "door of opportunity for teaching a lesson" for Mr. Jeffries, the ice cream shop owner. What I love best about the story is when Brad's father (yes!  a parent who doesn't rush to fix/mend or make this punishment go away) backs Mr. Jeffries plan of having Brad come to the shop, to work off the price of the new sign (to teach him about the value of forgiving 70 X 7).  It is a book showing the value of forgiveness; not only for the person who needs it, but then that person's need to extend forgiveness to others who "wrong" him.  Doug's Grandma even replaces the chewed hat, giving Doug one of his own too-so there will be no more borrowing of baseball caps (and if you have ever had lice attack your kid's luscious locks of hair, you know the importance of not sharing hats!)  Excellent execution and story line.

In Braving the Storm, Thomas (there should be a little ' over the a there as it is the Hispanic spelling in the book) is feeling down and out-life has offered him some sour grapes, and by the bunch lately.  Recently uprooted from their home, the fam moves to a trailer on Grannie and Gramps farm. Dad lost his job, brother Manuel was almost killed in a recent car accident, and well-poor Thomas is struggling to make sense of it all.  No friends, no fun...but then Grandpa asks him to help plant a tree (in Nov/Dec no less), and he is puzzled.  I think Gramps actually watched the Weather Channel for a week or so prior to his little "lesson" with Thomas, just so he could highlight the value of leaning on God when you feel lost, lonely, afraid and uncertain.  So there they are, planting this sapling when lunch time arrives.  Off to the trailer, Thomas finds mom, sissy and brother ready to enjoy a deliciously traditional Mexican meal (looked good to me anyhow), when suddenly (or not so suddenly) an odd rainy-sleety  thunderstorm rips through their area.  Rushing to the main house for safety-the family soon learns that not every storm's destructive path is bad for you-that one can learn from it and be stronger.  Just as (I am sure Gramps was hoping) that storm snapped that sapling like a1/8" twig-and yet, the well-rooted tree beside it, stood sturdy and strong. This perfectly illustrates the need for digging your roots deep into the Word, so when hard times come (and boy they do come) you can withstand them.  This is an especially appropriate storyline,  due to what is happening to too many folks right now-as they are losing their homes, security and way of life. It gives the child a chance to see they can get through it, and come out stronger for it, in the end.  Now, if Gramps had only watched the Storm Stories on the Weather Channel-he'd of known that driving around town after an ice and rain storm, is one good way to end up in a ditch. This one gets a high five.

So you had to know-sooner or later we'd come to a glitch in the line-and here is where it starts.  In Race with Midnight, you find that something as involved as Salvation cannot be penned within one book and come out "believable".  Now, if the Lord can make a donkey speak, he certainly can change the heart of a man to accept Christ in an instant...but, more often than not-there has to be some seed planting, watering and doors opening, to provide the platform for folks to readily and willing accept Christ as their Savior.  When I read a story to my son (who is 8) it should be something he can grasp as "doable".  I honestly struggled with this one.  

Becky is heading off to Montana to visit her aunt, uncle and cousin Sarah.  That is fine, and a good way to go with a story...but then mom is is telling the her they haven't trusted Jesus, and she can tell them about Him, I sort of wonder if that puts too much pressure on the child (the one in the story and the one hearing it).  OK, yes-children can tell others of Christ, and what He did for us.  But this story then came across as Becky  being an 11-14 year old Bible scholar at times.  The speech was not typical of your average child, and I would love to see a rewrite to set the stage (perhaps a page with letters the girls had been exchanging for a time prior to the visit, where they are discussing things as big and important as "Salvation") to make it more believable.  I would have liked to see them discuss the fact they Sarah and her folks) sought out a pastor, to assist in answering their questions (because most people would have a lot of them that a child simply could not address) along with those letters [OK that dates me-how about "texting" each other then?].  

So here the girls are running around the ranch on horses (as a mother, I get nervous about that-I guess I would have gone with them, or had a ranch hand nearby to be a chaperon) and then the one horse bolts.  The girls take off on the remaining horse, to snag the loose cannon (kind of reminiscent of the Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Shows of the late 1800s-early 1900s, since they are attempting to reach and grab a racing pony's reigns-not safe! Yes-she falls, luckily without causing permanent brain damage or paralysis).  But then they are lost...now this part I actually like-Sarah decides to let her horse guide them back (after all horses are smarter than we think-they have built in GPS systems you know) and here is where Becky points out that if Sarah "...can trust a horse, why can't she trust Jesus too?"   I liked that and the kids agree.  Very good way to cover that issue.  But then she (meaning Sarah) decides after a bit-that yes, she wants to trust God and accept Christ as her Savior.  She tells her mom and dad about it and well-it seemed a bit too quick.  I guess I feel if you tell a child they can lead someone to God (which is a good thing) without making sure they send that person to an older, more experienced person-that you stymie the newly saved person because most children couldn't answer, or adequately administer the care and guidance needed to continue their study of the Word, to remain strong.  The idea is to be there after, so that Satan doesn't come along and do what Jesus pointed out in his parable of the seeds along the path. This is very serious, and if more Christians paid attention to that, we'd not be losing so many, so quickly after they are born again.  So maybe adding a section where they mention speaking to a pastor afterward, to help them continue-would be another wise rewrite.  And I can tell you, not many folks would be so gracious to allow someone (fam or no fam) to come to their house and start talking Jesus. That is a delicate matter that children need to be aware of.  Yes, be not ashamed-but also do not slam doors when you can crack them open with your actions, love and gentle leading.  Moderately OK for us.

You Can't Come In  is our least favorite of the stories.  There is just so much here that out of all of them, it is one I would tend to avoid recommending.  Not that is cannot be fixed, just that the way they handled this story is a bit odd.  One..the title-as my friend put it, it sounds kinda scary.  Already sets the stage for a negative overtone, and actually the message is a positive one.  Two-this kid (who is what?  9-10?) is even more scholarly than Becky from the previous story.  I mean wow!  This kid has the answers and is dishing it out like a Love Brother Love Salvation Show Preacher!  And three-as my son pointed out-if Zack ends up in the pond, and the wagon tips over into it-the nails go flying-how do they have nails to build the fort afterward?  Just a logically thinking kid's observation there. Adam the Preacher Boy, just meets this new kid on the block-Zack.  They hit it off like most kids would at that age, decide to build a fort and rightfully ask Adam's dad for the wood in the garage. With Dad's blessing, off they go to their little hide away (this is when Zack goes flying by on the wagon-and again, as a mother who has witnessed more wagon spills than not-I don't want my kid thinking that is a great way to speed through the neighborhood) to do what young boys do best-build and create a retreat to hang out in.  Adam starts his ditty on how one truly gets to heaven, after pointing out how much he likes his pastor and church. Then Zack fires back the mis-guided, and all too often response, that you can get to heaven by just being or doing good.  It could have been handled in a different way that would not be so hokey.  So using the mud all over Zack analogy (wet clothes, wet dirt equals muddy kid) they try to show the reader that just as Zack's mom yelled at him to not come into the house covered in mud (he would dirty it up)-and his poor attempt to get it off by himself with the hose; you cannot clean yourself of your sins, that only by accepting Christ as your Savior can you be washed clean and go to heaven.  I get that, and so that is not my beef here-what is though, is the fact that the story line basically only addresses that heaven is sinless (obviously-a sinless Creator would not allow for it in his place). It fails to mention that one also wants to accept Christ as their Savior, because they will then be able to spend Eternal Life (which is a mighty long time) with the Trinity in heaven.  It seems like it kind of dropped the ball by not addressing that major perk of belonging to Christ.

Oh, and then the part (number 4) when Zack's folks are discussing how the parents of Adam invited them to church, and are pondering the day's message...it seems totally unbelievable because most non-believers would not be so "open" to this offer-so quickly.  See my notes under the Midnight book, on that subject.  So I will not continue to read this story to my son because it offers up more confusion than clarity.  This was tanked in our opinion.

What I wanted to mention too, is that at the end of each story, there is a page which quotes scripture and offers the reader to accept Christ as their Savior, and I am all for that.  They could serve as great witness tools to prep a future member of the body of Christ. So please understand that all in all-these are not horrible nor are they unusable...just some are better written, and have story lines that match a child's life experiences more closely, than the others.








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***Children's Bible Hour Ministries provided me with a free set of the Seasons of Faith Books, so that I could read and enjoy this with my family. I have provided my opinion on the product, and did not receive financial compensation for this review.