Viking Quest Books 1 & 2

Mom's Notes: So far we have read the first two books in the series, and we're taking a break to read some Christmas stories. But we'll definitely be back! While the literary merit isn't anything extraordinary, the storylines and suspense elements keep us interested and invested. Following the various characters' journeys toward forgiveness and understanding makes for thought-provoking discussion. And the way the siblings care for each other is refreshing and beautiful. We look forward the Book Three! 

My Father's Dragon

If you were setting out on an adventure like Elmer was, what would you pack in your backpack?

Daniel (5): "I would pack rubber bands, a comb-brush, a rope, and my car toy from Valentine's Day." 

Michael (5): "I would bring some fruits and some vegetables and some lollipops and sandwiches."

Mom's Notes: This was the first time for the buddies listening to this one. Of course they giggled throughout! I'll go ahead and ask the same question I asked the other kids after reading this favorite.

The Last Battle

Mom's Notes: Jonny finished reading this aloud to us on my 35th birthday. I had just been showered with hand-made gifts, a delicious pumpkin spice cake by Julia, presents from Jonny covering all five senses, and a refrigerator door decorated in cards and love. To finish the day with the final book in the beloved Narnia series was perfection. 

Daughter of the Mountains

Momo was incredibly brave! What do you believe kept her going even when faced with dangers and fear? 

Evy (7): "She knew the prophecy and she really wanted her golden terrier back, since she had been waiting a few years to get it." 

Gabe (10): "She had faith in her gods and she believed on the prophecy. She was desperate to get her dog."

Julia (12): "Her mom brought her up to believe in her faith in the gods. She was certain she would find her dog because of her faith in the prophecy."

Mom's Notes: This book complimented our sturdy of ancient Asia. While it's not set in ancient times, the customs and religions and regions were very prevalent to our study. I'm so glad we get to read these books suggested by the curriculum, because I doubt we would've picked this up otherwise. And we learned so much through Momo's daring journey! 

The Magician's Nephew

What object from our world would you plant in Narnia so it would magically sprout there? 

Julia (12): "Money. Because then I would prove to everyone that money can grow on trees. And I would be rich." 

Gabe (10): "Probably money, so I could be rich and buy a ton of hoverboards. Then I'd plant the hoverboards there! (So I'd really only have to buy one hoverboard...)" 

Evy (7): "Strawberry ice cream." 

The Horse and His Boy

Which scene from this story stands out most vividly in your mind?

Evy (7): "The parts with Aslan!"

Gabe (10): "The scene when the king and two other guys making plans to attack Narnia and the Aravis is hiding behind the couch."

Julia (12): "When the lion is next to Shasta as himself and it's dark and Shasta can't see him but can feel him." 

Mom's Notes: We're back in Narnia! It's been several years since our last reading in the series. This story was a brilliant one to get us going again. Many Sunday evenings this summer were spent out in the backyard with Shasta, Bree, Aravis, and the others. We were all happy to meet up again with the Pevensies and learn of their Narnia reign. The interactions with Aslan were beautiful and powerful. On to adventures with Diggory and Polly! 

Tales from Deckawoo Drive

Which book was your favorite? Why?

Michael (4): "I liked Leroy Ninker, because all the pictures were boy stuff."

Daniel (4): "I liked the raccoon one, because I like the raccoon."

Mom's Notes: The buddies were SO excited when I pulled the Leroy Ninker book off the shelf downstairs. We zipped through it, and they begged for the rest. (They saw the cover pictures on the back.) We weren't disappointed in these rather deep, but approachable tales of Mercy's friends. It was a joy getting to know the side characters better. My favorite is Baby Lincoln's story. I caught Julia and Gabe reading most of these in a single sitting. We also purchased the picture book A Piglet Names Mercy, to complete our collection. These books have been and will continue to be revisited often.