The Legend of Captain McFinn and Friends Captain McFinn and Friends Meet Coral Rose Captain McFinn and Friends Rock Created by Phyllis Cafaro

This trilogy about the magical world of Captain McFinn and Friends was created by the author Phyllis Cafaro to “enrich the lives of children by teaching them to respect themselves, others and the world around them.”   

Captain McFinn was a shark who was the meanest of the Bully Bunker, a group of fish who bullied and tormented all the other creatures of the sea.  But when McFinn is rescued by the very fish he has been bullying, he is transformed into a very different fish. McFinn’s new Finn Power helps all those who come under its great energy to have the courage to make right choices and be the best they can be. These tales will encourage children to make a difference by doing their very best and taking responsibility for their own actions and for the world around them.  Children will find these books brightly illustrated and will be challenged to think about the choices they make in life. (reviewed by J.LaTour)

Child friendly site "Captain McFinn" for children's fun activities.
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DISCLOSURE:  We were provided copies of Captain McFinn books so that we could provide an honest review.  Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer.

Life with Lily (Book One) The Adventures of Lily Lapp by Mary Ann Kinsinger & Suzanne Woods Fisher

ISBN:  978-0-8007-2132-9

Life with Lily by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne woods Fisher is the first to be released in a series called "The Adventures of Lily Lapp."  The story is told through the eyes of Lily, a five-year old Amish child who shares her thoughts about the daily activities and joys of their simple lifestyle.  Lily and Joseph, her younger brother, share in the work of the household and farm as well as the enjoyable times of play that their parents plan for them.  Mama works especially hard to turn mudane tasks into family memories. 

Each chapter can stand alone, making it a perfect read-aloud book for lower elementary teachers or a bedtime novel.  I would recommend it for first through fourth graders because of the age of Lily at the beginning of the series.  Some older girls may enjoy reading it on their own. 

Some of the experiences related through Lily's eyes include getting accustomed to a new sibling in the house, mama's surprise birthday gift from Lily's grandpa of a milk cow, a barn raising and being the youngest in a one-room school.  Lily's curiosity sometimes gets her into trouble with her parents, but will endear her to the reader. 

   

For older readers it will bring to mind the lost generation of grandparents who lived in much the same way as the Amish still do.  Word pictures of canned goods in the basement, milk cows as family pets and wringer washers used only on Mondays will make us all take a look at a simpler time in history.   

Readers will look forward to the next book in the series after finishing this one! (reviewed by C.Karns)

 
Disclosure: A complimentary copy of Life with Lily, Book One was provided to ACS by Litfuse Publicity group on behalf of the publisher, Revell, and the authors for the purpose of review.  Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer and there was no obligation to render a positive review.

Go Away, Dark Night By Liz Curtis Higgs Illustrated by Nancy Munger

Hardcover
ISBN: 9781578561292

Do you have any fears?  Maybe of the dark?  Griffin did.  Yes, the dark is a very scary place for Griffin.  The only way to scare away his fears is to put on every light he can find; Flick! Snap! Click!   

When the lights went out Griffin could only hide and shiver until he was sure his mother would hear his bones rattling all the way downstairs.  What a wise mother God had given Griffin for she reminds Griffin that there is Someone very big right there in Griffin’s room. “God?!” says Griffin.  “Can God fit in my bedroom?”  What a wonderful reminder to all of us that God is always present, always with us, and it is He who will keep us safe and grant peace. 

Such a beautifully illustrated book by best-selling author Liz Curtis Higgs who shares this timeless truth of God’s loving care that “drives away all fear” will be a favorite to any child who reads or listens to this delightful tale. (reviewed by J.LaTour)

About the author: Liz Curtis Higgs is the author of nearly 30 books, with more than 3 million copies in print. Her popular nonfiction books include Bad Girls of the Bible, Really Bad Girls of the Bible, Unveiling Mary Magdalene, Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible, Rise and Shine, and Embrace Grace. She’s also a best-selling novelist, creating both contemporary and historical fiction, including her latest award-winning novels, Here Burns My Candle and Mine Is the Night. And she’s written five books for young children, including Go Away, Dark Night.

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DISCLOSURE: ACS was provided a complimentary copy of Go Away, Dark Night by Blogging for Books on behalf of the publisher and author so that we could render an honest review. Opinions expressed are those solely of the reviewer. 

The Donkey That No One Could Ride by Anthony DeStefano

Binding: Hardcover
ISBN: 978-0-7369-4851-7

This delightful piece of children’s literature introduces the young reader or listener to the donkey that Jesus rode during his triumphal entry into Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion.   

This humble little donkey is portrayed as “young, weak and small”, unable to be ridden by anyone.  But then he meets the Man, so kind and wise, who reminds the small beast of burden, “My help is enough.”  Indeed the Master’s help was enough for the frail little donkey who is no longer frail and weak, but carries the King through the gates of the city to shouts and cheers of hosannas and praise. 

This book is beautifully illustrated and a delightful retell of the Lord’s triumphal entry that will be enjoyed by any reader, whether young or young at heart.  It is also a wonderful reminder that Jesus can use and make profitable any of his creatures no matter how frail or useless; even we who are frail humans and in much need of the Master’s help. (reviewed by J.La Tour)

About the author: Anthony DeStefano is the bestselling author of Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To, A Travel Guide to Heaven, This Little Prayer of Mine, and Little Star. He has received prestigious awards from religious organizations worldwide for his efforts to advance Christian beliefs in modern culture.

About the illustrator: Richard Cowdrey is the talented and well-known illustrator of numerous children’s books, including Bad Dog, Marley! and Marley Goes to School. He has worked with such distinguished clients as Bantam Books, National Football League, and World Wildlife Federation. Desiring to honor God with his work and with his life, Richard lives in Ohio with his wife and children. 

 

 DISCLOSURE:  A complimentary  of The Donkey That No One Could Ride was provided to ACS for the purpose of rendering our honest review.  Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer solely.

Weaverworld: Grimsnipe’s Revenge by Julia K. Rohan

ISBN-13: 9781469700311

Jack Fisher is an 11 year old boy having a difficult time. He is failing his classes in school and is planning on going to skateboard camp for the summer.   Instead of going to skateboard camp, he is going to summer school.  He decides to run away to go to camp but he falls asleep in the park and gets grounded for the summer.

He attends a family gathering at his Grandma’s house.  There he discovers a whole new world.  The characters in Weaverworld are very charming.  Jack will soon learn that  the people in Weaverworld have a gift – the ability to use their imagination to create things.  This gift must only be used for doing good.  There is an evil force in Weaverworld that Jack must find the courage to destroy. 

Weaverworld was vividly and creatively described.  It has secrets, action, danger, and a lot of fantasy characters.  I enjoyed the book.  It has all of the elements of fantasy.  It will appeal to both boys and girls.  It is comparable to The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.  (--reviewed by C.Ingram)

Book Description: Jack Fisher is a boy in trouble. Disobedient and rebellious, he fights with his sister Jillian, challenges his parents' authority and fails his classes at school. But when temptation overpowers his better judgment during the annual family reunion the consequences are more drastic than anyone could have imagined. Ignoring his grandmother's warning to stay out, Jack goes up to the attic and tries on his grandfather's old bomber jacket and boots. Suddenly transported to a world called Weaverworld, Jack must quickly adjust to his new reality. Weaverworld is a mystical place and the longer he's there the more willing he is to let go of the rules from his life in the Realworld. But not everything is as enchanting as it seems. Jack soon learns that Weaverworld can also be a dangerous and terrifying place as the vengeful Grimsnipe enmeshes him in an ever more dangerous web of intrigue. With his new friends at his side, Jack must find a way to fight this evil force before it succeeds in destroying both his family and the Weaver way of life.

About the author: From the time Ms. Rohan could put pencil to paper she began escaping the Realworld through drawings and stories. As a teenager her creative energy turned to music. As an adult she returned to school and earned an Honours English Literature degree. Weaverworld: Grimsnipe's Revenge is her first novel. Married with one grown son, Ms. Rohan's motto is: "Where there's a will, there's a way". 

DISCLOSURE: A copy of Weaverworld was provided for the purpose of rendering our honest review.  Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer.

Muskie Attack: An Up North Adventure by G.M. Moore



ISBN:  978-1-936236-30-5
Paperback $11.95



Muskie Attack is a book set in Northern Wisconsin.  Eleven year old Corebett is a city boy who is sent up North to visit for the summer with his Uncle.  He makes friends with Pike, a real outdoors boy.  He and Pike have numerous adventures at Whispering Pines which Corbett’s uncle manages.  In the course of their adventures Corbett discovers he loves fishing.  This is quite amazing for a boy who cannot stand bugs when he arrives.  There is a bit of mystery in the story as sightings of a huge Muskie,  entice the boys into entering the fishing contest.  The contest was initiated  to try and catch this monstrous beast.  Numerous fishermen are injured in the contest but the boys are determined to  enter and risk their lives in the process.

This is a great boy adventure book.  It is a heart warming story about Corbett whose one longing and desired is to be noticed by his recently divorced and very busy parents.  His character is well developed and it is pleasing to see the growth he makes in the course of the story. 

I think this is a good choice for middle school students.  It is not a long book and may even interest some who love to fish.  It is set in today’s world and I think it would appeal to many students. (---reviewed by A.Freeman)

About the author: G.M. Moore is a former newspaper writer and editor.  The author grew up exploring the lakes of northern Wisconsin and currently resides in Illinois.

Website for Up North Adventures:  http://upnorthadventure-series.com  There are two other books in the Up North Adventure Series:  Ancient Elk Hunt and Snakehead Invasion.

FREE DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE:  October 23, 24, 25, 2012  you may get a FREE Kindle download at Amazon.com.  Links are: Muskie Attack, Ancient Elk Hunt, Snakehead Invasion

"8 Minutes to ... Digital Winter" by Mark Hitchcock & Alton Gansky

About the book:  Prophecy expert Mark Hitchcock and award-winning novelist Alton Gansky provide a suspenseful and fast-moving story of life after a massive cyber attack.

Twenty-two-year-old savant Donny Elton can’t tie his shoes, but his computer skills are unsurpassed. Egged on by a shadowy figure only he can see and hear, Donny creates an evolving computer virus that knocks out satellites, power grids, and communication systems. The world is thrown back into a lifestyle it hasn’t known for a hundred years. Surgeons find themselves operating without electricity. The military can’t use its computers…

This gripping story of darkness and heroism highlights prophetic themes and the very real danger of a cyber attack.

Review:  This is a story of a digital or cyber attack on the east coast of the United States.  Cars and all other forms of transportation come to a stand still.  People are hurt and killed during this breakdown. The one company that is in charge of finding out the problem is USCYBERCOM.  Eventually, the problem results in power outage for all of North America in only 8 minutes.  Only one household retained power.  This was the household of a Godly man and his family.  God uses this man's mentally challenged son to find the answer to fix the problem and get the person responsible for the chaos punished. 

But do they catch the person? This seems to be a continued story.

Suitable for grades 7 and up and entails mystery and puzzle solving as the reader delves into the story.
(--reviewed by L.Barker)

About the authors: 
Mark Hitchcock is the author of nearly 20 books related to end-time Bible prophecy, including the bestselling 2012, the Bible, and the End of the World. He earned a ThM and PhD from Dallas Theological Seminary and is the senior pastor of Faith Bible Church in Edmond, Oklahoma. He has worked as an adjunct professor at DTS, and he and his wife, Cheryl, have two sons.

Alton Gansky is the author of 30 books—24 of them novels, including the Angel Award winner Terminal Justice and Christy Award finalist A Ship Possessed. A frequent speaker at writing conferences, he holds BA and MA degrees in biblical studies. Alton and his wife reside in Southern California.

DISCLOSURE:  A complimentary copy of "8 Minutes to... Digital Winter" was provided by Harvest House Publishing on behalf of the authors for the purpose of an honest review.  Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer.