Before I share this giveaway, I have a quick announcement:

ZOE - our winner of God Loves Me More Than That - I tried sending you an e-mail but it kicked back to me.  If you are reading this, could you please e-mail me with your full name and mailing address so that I might put your prize in the mail to you.  Thanks!

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Recently, I had the privilege of reviewing some cute children's books - the Rooter & Snuffle series by Shari Lyle-Soffe.  You can read my review here.  If you would like to win this 3-set series of books, please e-mail me and tell me what your favorite subject in school is! I will draw and announce a winner on Saturday, August 30th.

Here is a summary of the books:

ZOE (age 9)
is the winner of God Loves Me More Than That
Zoe says "I would like to win the book "God loves me more than that".  First, I would like to win it because I would love to read it.  But then I would like to take it with me whenever we go out so I have a chance to share it with others.  There are so many people that don't know God loves them and I would like to change that."

KAREN & HER CHILDREN
are the winners of When God Created My Toes
Karen says "We would be interested in When God Created My Toes.  I have 2 sons - God blessed us with our oldest son who is Japanese and we adopted him when he was 5 weeks old and then God blessed us with allowing us to have our second son naturally.  My oldest son is now 7 and has so many questions about what it was like when he was in his birth mother's tummy - and I can't answer those questions like I can for my second son.  This sounds like a really neat book that just might help answer some of his questions."

ZACHARY (age 9)
is the winner of What Is Heaven Like?
Zachary says "I would like to win the book, "What is Heaven like?" because my little brother is in heaven.  Two years ago my brother Joshua went to live in heaven with Jesus.  I would like to read a book about what heaven is like."

Library

Lots of Books!
I love to read
Biographs, fiction, nonfiction
Reading shh! be quiet
A-J K-U make sure you know the author's name
Return your books on time or you will pay the fine
Ya'll come back now.

Why I like Domino

 She is good.
She loves to be petted and Paul loves her
and James loves her and Beverly loves her
and I loves her me Mei and Mark loves her.
She loves food and she loves sitting in mom lap and Paul lap.
She is a tuxedo cat and her eyes are green.
She goes in and out and in and out and in and out. 
We all love her.

In The Garden

 In the garden there are things with wings!
As I watch the flowers for hours.
I look in the pond and what do I see?
Just me!
I hear the dogs barking over and over as I am looking for a four leaf clover.
And how do I know the day is done.
I look in the garden and there is no sun.

I know you kids have all been eager for another book giveaway!  I have been too, because I LOVE GIVING THINGS AWAY!  I have recently received some fun children's books to review; so I thought I'd share them with you by giving them away.  You can read the full review, but here are the book summaries:

“What is heaven like?”

With tender words, her Papa describes a wonderful place, free of sadness and tears, where God warmly welcomes his loved ones after their life on earth is over. Little Cub and Papa spend the day wandering their beautiful, invigorating arctic world while she asks all about God’s home: How do we get to heaven? Will we eat there? Will I get to see you in heaven? Papa patiently answers each question, assuring her that…

“Heaven will be full of everything good.”

This gentle story provides satisfying answers for a young child’s most difficult questions about what happens after this life, inviting “little cubs” to find comfort in knowing that God Gave Us Heaven.

How much love does God have for me?
More than the letters between A and Z. More than the bumbles in a bumble bee.
God loves me more than that!

As your child revels in each lively rhyme and engaging illustration from this delightful picture book, they’ll learn that God loves them deeper than a wishing well, wider than a semi-truck, louder than thunder, and softer than a kitten’s sneeze.

Each question, presented with charming child-like faith will help your child grasp the great love of God through comparisons and descriptions they can easily understand. In short, they’ll discover that His love is bigger, wider, higher, and deeper than anything they could imagine!

When God created my toes, did he make them wiggle? Did he know I’d giggle?
Did he have to hold his nose, when God created my toes?

This charming picture book allows your child to imagine what it was like when God created them. From the top of their heads to the tips of their toes they will explore and understand God’s delight in creating them.

Through rhyming lines and vivid illustrations children will gain confidence and self-esteem when they begin to fully realize how perfectly, intricately, and uniquely God created them.

If you would like to receive one of these  books, please e-mail me telling me which book you'd most like to win and why.  I'll put all the names in a drawing (we'll have 3 winners) and announce the winners on Saturday, the 23rd.

Jessica sent me this wonderful poem to post on Friday, and I have been sick all weekend an am just now getting back to my computer to post it.  So far, Jessica has  been the ONLY ONE to submit any of her writings to the blog.  Please, everyone, feel free to e-mail me with your short stories, poems, book reviews and/or reports. 

Dream in your Bedroom Window

~Even though you don’t have too!~

A Poem by: Jessica

Fall asleep in your window seat, with your favorite book in hand.

Fall asleep and dream of wonderful things:

Of flowers and trees,

Butterflies and Bees,

Of Rose Gardens in an English Mansion

Of lakes and rivers,

Streams and Seas,

Of heavenly fruits and vegetables:

tasty melons, and juicy tomatoes.

Fall asleep in your window seat, after a long day of studies and work.

Fall asleep and dream:

Of shimmering stars,

And the shining moon that gazes down upon you,

Of a fresh new start when the new day dawns, a day with no mistakes in it.

Now after you fall asleep and dream all these dreams you awake a say “Wait! I don’t have to dream up all these things- God gave them all to me and you. To have everyday of our lives! God gave us all his wonderful creation to master and enjoy.”

Thank you God for all your wonderful BLESSINGS that you have provided for me! Thanks God, that I don’t have to DREAM IT ALL UP!

The Summer Reading Splash is over for this year, BUT we are keeping the blog open year-round, and will continue to have fun READING WITH SPLISH!  So, I hope you'll keep reading the blog and that you'll find lots of good books that you want to read this year.

Jessica has submitted her book review, which is our very first one!  I'm so happy to be able to share it with you......

Eragon and Eldest Book Review

By: Jessica

Inheritance is a fantasy/fiction book cycle written by a former home schooler, Christopher Paolini. Christopher Paolini wrote this book shortly after graduating at age fifteen after home schooling all his life! Originally started as a trilogy, the books were changed to a cycle when there was two much information to pack into only three books.

    Titled after the main character, Eragon is the story of a poor farm boy, whose life changes drastically over a blue stone he found while hunting in the woods. Unknowingly he brings home a dragon. The dragon, befriends Eragon, and he becomes a dragon rider, a protector of the magical world of Alagaesia. He embarks on a journey that will change his life and the future of Alagaesia forever. This book is well written, with humor, battles, suspense, adventure, and memorable characters. This is one of the best fantasies I have ever read. Eragon is on the best sellers list.

    The second book, Eldest starts right where Eragon left off. At the end of the first one, Eragon is asked to come to train to be a better Rider with an old Elvin dragon rider. During his travels to the Elvin kingdom, he encounters many dangers as Galbatorix, the evil king of Alagaesia, tries to kill him. During the last three chapters, Eragon finds out that one of his own family members, (prophesized in Eragon) betrayed him. This part made me drop the book!

    When Paolini writes, he incorporates suspense and mystery into his stories. Both Eragon and Eldest hit the best sellers’ list. Paolini's new book, Brisingr, comes out next month! These books are great. I would definitely recommend this Cycle for all young fans of the fantasy genre!

Well, the Summer Reading Splash has come to a close, but that doesn't mean that you are supposed to stop reading!  SPLISH is going to keep reading, all throughout the year, and he wants YOU to read with him. SO, we are going to keep our blog up and running throughout the school year!  Some of the fun things you can look forward to here at Splish's blog are:

• Book reports and book reviews by YOU!  (If you'd like to submit a review or a report, please e-mail it and we'll take care of posting it on the blog.  Don't forget to include FIRST NAME and AGE.)
• More prizes!  (Occasionally we will post chances for you to win more great books, so keep watching for those opportunities.)
• More information about SPLISH, our fun mascot! 

The general consensus from all the answers received was that the majority of you really enjoyed the Summer Reading Splash and will definitely be participating next year!  That's great!  Be sure to tell all your homeschooled friends about our summer reading program too.  We'll try to make next year's program bigger and better than this year.  We're always open to suggestions, which you can e-mail to us at anytime.

Now, I know you're all anxious to hear this week's winners, so....

The winner of The First Adventures of Incedible You is
ETHAN (age 9) who says:
"I really liked being able to vote on a name for the frog. My mom really liked being able to stay home and save on gas money. Yes, I want to do it again next summer!"

The winner of the Terrestria Chronicles is
NATHAN who says:
"I like the book prizes you gave away for answering the questions.Yes, I plan to participate again next summer. It was great. I hope I win this week!"

For those who are wondering about turning in your reading logs, we will be e-mailing that information on Tuesday, the 29th.  We are setting up a webpage where parents can enter their child's name and # of books read, and select the FREE e-book all at once.  It should be very simple!  So, be watching for details.......

Wow!
It's the last week of the Summer Reading Splash!
I hope you've had lots of fun reading with Splish this summer.

This week, I'm going to give you a few easy questions to answer.....
What was your favorite thing about the Summer Reading Splash?
Will you participate again next summer?
Parents - you are welcome to give feedback on this topic also!  Do you have any suggestions, ideas, recommendations for next year? 
E-mail your answers to me by Friday, the 25th at midnight.  Don't forget - I need your first name, age, and prize you want to win (STORY or CHAPTER in the subject line works great!)

Here are this week's prizes:

For our younger kids, we have an AWESOME, PERSONALIZED book by Custom Made for Kids. 
The First Adventures of Incredible You becomes a completely personalized storybook with just a little input from you regarding the people and places that are special to the child. Also, our personalized children's books include a dedication page so the child never forgets that this unique keepsake storybook came from you! In addition to the child's name and birth date, some meaningful things you can include in these custom children's books are the child's/family's:

Favorite Sports Team Neighborhood Street Nearby Park

Favorite Food Vacation Spot Nearby Zoo

Siblings/Friends Grandparents Pet

Our personalized children's books are perfect for every child:

• Boys and Girls
• Biological or Adopted
• Any Race or Nationality
• Ages 0 - 8
• Traditional & Non-Traditional Family Structures

 I had opportunity to review this book for TOS and we just LOVE IT!  Personalized just for your child, YOU are sure to love it too!

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For our older readers, we are giving you a 2nd chance to win the ENTIRE SET of Terrestria Chronicles by Ed Dunlop!  Again, these will be autographed by the author - just for you.  This time, though, the winner will receive the just-off-the-presses HARDCOVER editions!

Travel back to the days of noble knights and powerful warlords... daring
quests and deadly dragons... the days of honor and valor and chivalry.

Series summary: Fast-paced action… powerful imagery… heart-pounding adventure… These life-changing books are captivating and once you start reading, you’ll find them hard to put down. This adventure   series has a particularly strong appeal to today’s young people: it’s a series with knights and castles,   dragons and princesses. . . but these are books in which every page points to truths of the Christian walk. Biblical doctrines and character principles are taught  in such a compelling,  fascinating way that they will stay with the reader for a lifetime.

The Terrestria Chronicles allegory series honors Jesus Christ as King, challenges young readers to love and serve Him, and teaches them to guard their hearts for Him. The focus of the series is always on the King.

Click here to see a review of these books.

*Remember, in order to win, you must e-mail me with the answer to this week's topic question.  All e-mails must be received by MIDNIGHT (EST) on Friday, the 25th.

Kids, can you believe we only have ONE MORE WEEK of our Summer Reading Splash?!  I can't.  These first nine weeks seem to have gone by so fast.  Remember, though, that even have the Summer Reading Splash program has ended, we're still going to keep the blog open - we'll be sharing YOUR book reports and we'll be having some more fun with SPLISH, our froggie mascot. 

Now our week 9 winners.....

The winner of our 3 Master Books is:
Bekah (age 5) who says:
“I would like to be Bubble from the book Bubble and Squeak. Bubble was a gerbil, but his name sounds like a bubble which is like a pearl and I like pearls. I like to pretend I'm a gerbil when I'm playing with my brother. We don't have a gerbil, but Mama told us about having them when she was little.”

The winner of our autographed set of books by Stephanie Reed is:
Molleigh (age 7) who says:
“I would want to be  Mary in the Bible. Because she loved God so much she was picked to have Jesus.  I would like to see Jesus.”

Here’s what a few of our other readers had to say about which book character they would like to be:

Emily (6) says: “I read a book named Ramona, Forever.  I would want to be Beatrice, Ramona's big sister, who she calls Beezus.  Beezus does lots of things to help her mother and she gets to babysit Ramona.  I would also like to be Beezus because she gets to help her mother with the new baby, Roberta.”

Abby (9) says: “From Nim's Island, I would like to be Selkie the sea lion because I like sea lions.  Plus, Selkie had lots of fun playing with coconuts in the ocean.”

Anna (7) says: “I would like to be Henry from the book Henry and Mudge and the Sneaky Crackers.  And I want to be him because he got a new spy kit and another boy bought the exact same kind of spy kit that Henry did.  They left code notes to each other. And then one day Henry left a code note that read: "Meet me here five o clock" and he did meet Henry. So they made a club called Sneaky Crackers because they were good at cracking codes.  And for ID they always carried some real crackers in their pockets.  I think that Henry is cool!!  And that's why I want to be Henry.”

Skylar (9) says: “I would like to be Violet Baudelaire from the book series "A Series of Unfortunate Events" by Lemony Snicket because she's smart and she gets her siblings out of lots of problems by inventing things.  I've always wanted to make cool contraptions -- useful things, like an attractable birdhouse and a mechnical pet horse that I can ride.  In "The Bad Beginning" Book 1, Violet made a grappling hook out of a pipe and dirty clothing.  She used it to try to save her little sister, Sunny.  Another reason that I'd like to be like Violet is because is because she's very courageous.  I think I'd be a little scared to go out in the night and save my sister.”

Sarah (13) says: “I have recently read several books (nine since the middle of June) on England during the reign of Henry VIII through Elizabeth I, including Edward and Mary and Jane Grey, with some on Mary Queen of Scots and Henry VIII's many wives. Although these are not fictional characters, I would prefer to be like Jane Grey. Even though she was never coronated, she was queen for nine days. Jane was a devout Christian. Rather than renounce her faith under threat by Queen Mary, she was willing to die for her faith, and she was only 15 years old. I don't know that in the face of death that I could measure up to the example set by Jane Grey. She was a very strong and courageous teenager and an excellent example to follow.”

Zane (6) says: “I really like the "Flat Stanley" books and would like to be Flat Stanley for a day.  I think he has a lot of fun being flat, especially being mailed around the world in an envelope!”

Abigail (9) says: “I would be Laura Ingalls in the Little House books.  I'd love to be a pioneer and I'd love to see what it was like and feel what it was like to be a pioneer.  I'd like to taste that candy they made out of snow.”

Lauren (14) says: “One of the books I have read recently is Crown & Covenant Trilogy by Douglas Bond. If I could be any character, I would like to be Lindsay, the girl who helps Duncan rescue his father from prison at the hands of  religious persecutors in Scotland in the 17^th century. It would be a very dangerous part, but very interesting and faith-building. I would love to step into the part because throughout the trilogy you can watch Lindsay grow and mature in her walk with the Lord. In the first book (in which she helps Duncan rescue his father), Lindsay is hot-tempered and out-spoken young girl. By the last book in the trilogy, she is kind, gentle, prayerful, loving, and a young woman.”

Levi (10) says: “I've been jammin' through the Hardy Boys books and my favorite character is their Dad.  He's got alot of experience solving crimes, and he teaches his sons alot of stuff.  I have 2 little brothers, and sometimes I feel like their Dad.  And they test my patience and I have to work on showing them the Fruit of the Spirit, and it's good practice to be a good Dad.”

Nehemiah (10) says: “I have read lots of books this summer, but I would have to say that I would want to be Lucas Bixby.  Lucas Bixby is a kid who finds spy gear.  He uses them for missions he has with his friends.  I like electronic spy stuff, their cool!  Lucas is in the six book series called "Spy Gear".”

Sarah (11) says: “I would like to be Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice because I admire her greatly. I like the way that she is ever polite, even when she is turning down Mr. Darcy's offer of marriage. I like the way that she is always composed, even when she has received the awful news of Lydia's elopement. I like the way that she is witty and intelligent, and how she likes reading best, just like me. I also enjoyed how she had a special relationship with her father, and how Lizzie was the only female in the house, excepting Jane, that had any sense. She is the ultimate female heroine.”

Mordecai (8) says: “I would like to be Stuart in Stuart Little, by E.B. White.  It would be fun to be little and go down the bath drain to get Mrs. Little's ring.  Also, to take a light, little hammer and hit the faucet to turn on the water.  I would like to drive a sailboat that is just my size.  He did a lot of fun things.”

Ashley (13) says: “I think it would be neat to be Jessie Alden from The Boxcar Children series. She always looks after her brothers and sister and often cooks for the family when they're away from home. She never forgets Benny's cracked pink cup and Grandfather's coffee. She also knows how to make do with what she has. It would be exciting to go on adventures and solve mysteries like they always do.”

Abigail (13) says: “I think it would be neat to be Belinda Davis in Love Takes Wing by Janette Oke.  I would like to see what it was like to live like she did and in the time period she lived in, to see what the houses in Boston were like then, and to go abroad.  Also, I would like to meet all the people I like reading about!” 

Be sure to check back on Monday for the last week of book giveaways!

This is Week 9 of the Summer Reading Splash!  After this week, we only have one more week to go!  It has  been decided that we will leave the Splash blog open throughout the year.  I will be posting book reviews and reports that YOU submit to me.  And, who knows?  We may even have an occasional book giveaway, just for fun.  So, DO NOT stop reading the Splash blog!  You just never know what might pop up here.

This week's topic question is:
In a story you've read recently, which character would you like to be?  and why?
E-mail your answer by Friday (the 25th) at midnight - winners will be announced on Saturday (the 26th).
PLEASE REMEMBER to put STORY or CHAPTER either in the subject line or somewhere in your post - people are continually forgetting to do this and I am having to guess as to which book(s) you might like to receive.  Also, remember to include your FIRST NAME and AGE, please.
AND, DO NOT leave your answers as comments on the blog.  ONLY ANSWERS RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL will be entered into the weekly drawings.  THANK YOU!

Now, for this week's books:

For our younger readers, we have THREE  great books from Master Books.

A one-of-a-kind rendition of the classical story of Noah and the ark! Written by legendary Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden, this charming story echoes the lyrics of the enclosed FREE music CD featuring the song “Didn’t It Rain” performed by the award-winning group. Adorable illustrations and the cute story will delight children as they learn about the animals and their adventure on the ark. A fresh and appealing story destined to be a child’s classic!

What is God’s purpose for me? It’s something everyone wonders about, even small children. With a world that is so big all around them, young children can be overwhelmed by the thought of trying to accomplish anything. Follow the charming story of Grandpa Mouse’s journey to the ark as children see how they too can accomplish big things despite (or even because of!) their small size. Illustrated by Bill Looney, the colorful illustrations bring the heartwarming story to life.

What is Babel, what happened there, and why is it so important? Many kids don't know the answers to these questions as biblical knowledge is becoming less and less of a priority in people's lives. This fun format book is a great way to teach kids about the reality of the Babel story and its significance in their lives.

The full-color book explains how the different languages and "races" came about and is in unique format with one large pop-up that stays up as you turn the pages and read the story. The stunning artwork is both beautiful and realistic, as it is based on the actual worship towers that were built in ancient times. This fun tool is a great way to teach the reality of the biblical story.

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For our older readers, we have a 2 book set by one of my favorite authors, Stephanie Reed (who also happens to have a blog right here at HSB!)  Stephanie will be sending these books directly to the winner, as she will be autographing them! 

The red brick home of Rev. John Rankin is a beacon—the first northern stop on the Underground Railroad. Across the Ohio River in Kentucky, every slave knows to look for it. They have heard that if they reach that house, they will never be captured. Across the Wide River tells the true story of the selfless sacrifices one Christian family made to help runaway slaves reach freedom.

You can read my review of this book here.

In this powerful sequel to Across the Wide River, the Rankin home is still a beacon of freedom on the Underground Railroad. Johnny, the seventh of thirteen children in the Rankin family, is growing up quickly and in 1837 is eager to take on the same responsibilities as the rest of his family. But Johnny’s father and his brother Lowry think Johnny is too young and too hotheaded to help with something as important and secretive as the Underground Railroad. Johnny understands the need for secrecy, but sometimes the secret is just too good to keep to himself! This engaging novel for young adults offers a further glimpse into a dark period of America’s past, and profiles the courageous and godly people who helped bring about its end.

You can read my review of this book here.

You'll also enjoy checking out the book trailer for The Light Across the River:

Only 2 more weeks to go! 
Now, I know you're anxious to find out who
this week's winners are.

The winner of the 2 books from Sleeping Bear Press is
BEATRIZ (age 10) who says
"One of my dreams is to be a writer and author when I grow up.  I would like to write children's books because I love to make up stories that would help teach other children about God.  I love to draw and one of my other dreams is to be an artist.  I would illustrate  the books I write and use the gifts God has given me in this way.  I have already written a story called "Scotty and Pin" which my family liked very much. "

The winner of the entire Kingdom Series by Chuck Black is
TREVOR (age 10) who says
"I would like to write a book for all ages.  It would be about airplanes.  It would have lots of stories of airplanes in it.  It would be a good book."

We've definitely got A LOT of upcoming authors participating in the Summer Reading Splash program!  I'm looking forward to reading some of your books in the years to come!

Jonah (age 6) says "I would write books for children. It would be about playing in the sand and swimming at the beach. There would be a mystery to solve and a boy detective."

Molleigh (age 7) says "I have written a Christmas story about an angel that helped a family whose daddy was a soldier away at war.  I wrote that story for everyone to read.  I also wrote a story about myself that I have not finished yet."

Hope (age 10) says "Yes, I have thought about writing a book. What it would be about is a girl named Madi. She has always wanted a horse, but she doesn't have enough money so she makes a deal with her dad. This book would be great for girls who have wild dreams about horses, just like Madi."

Ethan (age 9) says "Yes -- I've even already written one. It's for any age! It was about our dog, Kona. I told about his adventures, such as the time he was hit by a car but he lived. Kona was a very special Golden Retriever, and even though he died a couple of years ago, we'll always remember him when we read my book."

Zoe (age 8) says "I wrote a story this year and drew the illustrations.  It is a book that I wrote for children and the title is "How to blow a bubble".  The story is about a girl named Jennifer Bubbleby who wants to learn how to blow a bubble with her bubble gum and how she finally learns to do it."

Rebekah (age 13) says "If I ever write a book it would be for teens and young children . It would be a story about a young girl and her parents who devote their lives to taking care of  neglected and abused horses. The ranch is  called "Horse Heaven ". After one year, they saved over 30 horses. They took in many animals that were ill treated and had fear of men. And after hard work and long hours of caring for them , they brought hope back into thier lives and became best friends. I hope to encourage children to volunteer at shelters and help make the world a better place for animals to live. I got the idea from watching ASPCA program on "Animal Planet".The workers were trying to save neglected horses and most of them survived and found  loving homes and people who cared for them. Some animals were beyond saving and it was the saddest part to see them go. I really want to  reach out a lot of young people and inspire them to make a difference."

Dylan (age 12) says "Yes, I have thought about writing a book.  I really like fictional mysteries.  My story would take place in the present time.  I am facinated about myths of the Bermuda Triangle,  so there would be searching for treasure, ships, lost people you name it.  My story would be geared toward teens, as they would most likely be my characters as well.  I also enjoy reading books in a series, so my story would probably have sequels."

Jessica (age 13) says "Yes, I am writing a book, several in fact! I love writing, and get so many story ideas, that I can't keep up with them! I have not titled the one I am working on yet, but it will be a fiction/fantasy. The story is about a girl and her friend who find a door in an old abandoned house, and are transported to another world quite like our own medeivel age. The girls learn an important lesson in true bravery and friendship! It would be a book for kids ages 12-18. Maybe I could even have it published one day!"

Zachary (age 11) says "If I were to write a book it would be a biography about Micky Mantel.  I think he is one of the great baseball players of all times.  He was also a Christian which impressed me.  I think people of all ages would like to hear about his life and how he has the record for coming the closest to hitting a ball out of Yankee Stadium."

Isaac (age 8) says "I have thought of writing a book about some homeschoolers who go to another continent on a field trip.  They travel around the world learning about history by visiting different places like the pyramids and the Nile River in Egypt and Jerusalem and the Sea of Galilee in Israel. When they visit a pyramid, the dirt above the steps is loose and they fall in.  They meet grave robbers trying to steal treasures from the pyramid and get in a challenge to outrun them.  They hide the treasure in a special box (and hid themselves in the box too) and give it to a museum which gives them a reward.  In Brazil, the family goes canoeing down the Amazon River and meets dangerous animals they have to escape from and helps missionary friends build a house in the jungle where they are doing Bible translation work. As they visit other places around the world, they get into other exciting adventures and learn about history around the world."

Zachary (age 11) says "Wow!   I want to write a chapter book for all kids my age to read.  How exciting!  I have some ideas that pop into my head in the middle of the night.  One idea is that I have this ancient sword that let’s me jump into pictures on the wall wherever I am and time warp from picture to picture.   But, that is all I can tell you.  You’ll have to read my book someday.  J"

Wow!  I can hardly believe that we are entering Week 8 of our Summer Reading Splash.  That means that, after this week, there are only 2 more weeks  to go!  Can you believe how fast our time is flying by?

I have some great books to give away this week (and in the upcoming weeks), but first........
This week's question (from Ed Dunlop, author of The Terrestria Chronicles):
Have you ever thought about writing your own book?  What would you write about?  Would it be a book for children, teens, or adults?
Please DO NOT answer this question in the comment section.  ALL answered must be emailed TO ME.  Entries must be received by Friday, the 11th, at midnight.  Winners will be announced on Saturday, the 12th.  Please remember to put STORY or CHAPTER somewhere in your answer, so I know which set of books you'd like to win. 

And now, for this week's giveaways:
For our younger readers, I have 2 great storybooks by Sleeping Bear Press (one of my very favorite publishers of children's books!)

 Willow
Author Denise Brennan-Nelson, Rosemarie Brennan
Illustrator: Cyd Moore
Published by Sleeping Bear Press

A Isn't for Fox: An Isn't Alphabet
Author Wendy Ulmer
Illustrator: Laura Knorr
Published by Sleeping Bear Press

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And for our older readers, I have the entire 6-book Kingdom Series by Chuck Black.

Kingdom’s Dawn - Book 1

Kingdom’s Dawn is the first book in the series and spans the time from Adam to Moses. The central characters are Leinad and Tess. They encounter tremendous adversity and challenges as Leinad discovers he is chosen by the King for a mission of utmost importance.

Book Description: 160 Pages, paperback, price $8.99.
Discussion questions included.

 Kingdom’s Hope - Book 2

    Kingdom’s Hope is the second book in the series and spans the time from Moses to Malachi. Again, the central characters are Leinad and Tess as they continue to discover their significant role in the Kingdom. From slavery to dragons and more, they learn to rely on each other and the King as they strive to restore hope to a war ravaged kingdom.

 Book Description: 154 Pages, paperback, price $8.99.
Discussion questions included.

Kingdom’s Edge - Book 3

Kingdom’s Edge is the third book in the series and spans the time from Jesus to the tribulation. Cedric tells the story as he encounters a stranger from a distant kingdom. Cedric discovers that this stranger is a master of the sword and soon finds himself in an epic battle between good and evil.

Book Description: 142 Pages, paperback, price $8.99.
Discussion questions included.

Kingdom’s Call - Book 4

Kingdom’s Call is the forth book in the series and spans the time from the crucifixion of Jesus to the conversion of Paul. The central character Sir Gavin. He embarks on a mission to eliminate the “Followers” of the Stranger from the Kingdom, but the Prince has another plan for him.

Book Description: 160 Pages, paperback, price $8.99.
Discussion questions included.

Kingdom’s Quest - Book 5

Kingdom’s Quest is the fifth book in the series and spans the time of Paul’s missionary journeys. The central characters are Sir Gavin and Keanna. Sir Gavin discovers a new purpose in his role as a knight of the King and battles evil forces of the Dark Knight to bring the message of the Prince to the people of Arrethtrae.

Book Description: 160 Pages, paperback, price $8.99.
Discussion questions included.

Kingdom’s Reign - Book 6

Kingdom’s Reign is the sixth book in the series and spans the time from the second coming of Christ to the end of the ages. The central characters are Cedric and Talea, a mysterious woman from across the Great Sea. Cedric joins the Prince in the great battle to retake the kingdom from the evil Dark Knight and his Shadow Warriors. A kingdom of peace is the ultimate goal, but how long will it truly last?

Book Description: 160 Pages, paperback, price $8.99.
Discussion questions included.

Only 3 more weeks to go!  I had a few more entries this week, but still not up to the 500+ from Week 1.  I hope that you are all continuing with your reading, even if you aren't entering the contests each week. 

*Before I annouce  this week's winners, I want to make an announcement - entries to the weekly contest MUST BE EMAILED to me each week.  DO NOT leave a comment here on the blog containing your entry.  These entries will not be accepted.  Comments about the reading program, questions, etc. can gladly be posted on the blog, but ALL ENTRIES must be emailed.  Thanks!

Now, on to this week's winners.......

The winner of the 2 book & cd sets from Barefoot Books is
CODY (age 5) who says:
"My favorite author is Richard Scarry because I like his stories the best."

The winner of our 3 books by YWAM Publishing is
CHRISTOPHER (age 9) who says:
"Franklin W. Dixon is my favorite author. Every time I go to the library I get a new Hardy Boys book. I want to read all of them."

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS!

Wow!  Week 7 of the Summer Reading Splash already!  Can you believe how quickly our time is passing by?  Only 4 more weeks to go.  i've got some GREAT BOOKS to give away these next few weeks, so be sure to check back each Monday.

Here is this week's question:
Who is your favorite author?  Why is he/she your favorite?
E-mail your answer to me - don't forget to include your first name and age - and tell me which book selection you are interested in (story or chapter, please).  All entries must be received by Friday, the 4th, at midnight.  ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY!

Now, for this week's giveaways:
For our younger readers, I have 2 more fantastic storybooks (with cd's) by Barefoot Books.

The Barefoot Book of Animal Tales - Book & Story CD
from Around the World

Find out how a monkey gets the better of a crocodile, how an unassuming spider helps her community when all of the stronger animals fail, and how a rabbit is rewarded for making a special sacrifice. Each of the stories in this collection features different animals and each comes from a different culture.

Funny, exciting and thought-provoking, Naomi Adler's retellings reflect her mastery of storytelling. Amanda Hall's beautiful and playful illustrations and borders capture the traditional motifs of each culture. The anthology combined with our new Animal Tales Audio Book CD makes a distinctive gift for animal lovers of any age.

The Barefoot Book of Pirates

This swashbuckling collection of pirate tales is brimful with drama and adventure on the high seas. Young children will meet fierce characters such as the captain in the German tale, Kobold and the Pirates; others, like young Mochimitsu in the Japanese tale, are friendly and funny. They will also meet the infamous Grace O'Malley, one of Ireland's most feared pirates. Specially compiled for young readers, these tales are perfect for reading aloud.

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For our older readers, I have a set of 3 books from  YWAM publishing - 2 from the Christian Heroes: Then & Now series and 1 from the Heroes of History series.

As America's first foreign missionary, Adoniram Judson spent thirty-eight years working in Burma, then one of the most hostile countries on earth. Judson was ignored, mocked, beaten, and tortured, yet he never lost sight of his goal to translate the Bible into the Burmese language. Today, over 150 years after his death, his remains the only translation of the Bible in Burmese. (1788-1850)

 Once a kidnapped slave baby, George Washington Carver (1864?-1943) found freedom in learning everything he could about the world around him. Overcoming poverty and racism, George became a brilliant scientist and a gifted professor who dedicated his expertise to helping black farmers escape the devastating grip of poverty.

Before I announce our winners for this week, I just want to say that I only had 87 entries this time.  That's good for those who entered, as it gives them a better chance of winning.  However, I know we have LOTS MORE than 87 participating (the first week, we had WAY over 500 entries!)  There are only 4 more weeks to go - don't lose interest now - you're doing GREAT!

Also, to our past winners - if you are enjoying the book(s) you received and would like to write a book review or book report and submit it to me, I would be happy to share it here on the Splash blog.
*If you have not yet been a winner, you are still more than welcome to submit a book report to me for posting on the blog, if you are interested.  (We could even keep the blog open throughout the year for book report posting only.)

OK, now on to this week's winners.....

The winner of If You Were A Parrot from Sylvan-Dell is
SAM (age 5) who says
"My friend from church liked the Little House on the Prairie books.  She still has her set from when she was a girl.  My mama has read the first 2 to me and I really like them."

The winner of The Keystone Stables book and Destination Moon is
HANNAH (age 13) who says
"My grandmother’s favorite book when she was little was Pollyanna. She does not have this book anymore, and does not know where it went. I have read this book, and it is one of my favorites, too."

Ali (age 8) - "I was able to visit with BOTH of my 2 grandmas about what books they like to read.  My Grandma Jan shared that her favorite is The Three Little Kittens that lost their Mittens.  My mom found it for her a few years ago on Ebay and it is a special book for all of me and my cousins to read together now.  My other grandma grew up with a love for Literature books from the one room schoolhouse time period.  My great grandma loved books and it is a tradition to read out loud the original Boxcar Children book.  This book was read to my grandma, my mom heard it as a child, and now me and my siblings have a copy and enjoy reading it together.  A great legacy with us all.  Even my cousins are hearing the story from my aunt."

Jacob (age 9) - "My Grandmother's favorite book(s) as a child....were the Boxcar Kids series.  She liked them because her mother read them to her and she liked how the kids always stuck together when there was a problem.  She also liked how they had fun and a good attitude no matter what.  I have never read these books before, but  would love to read them because they sound interesting because of their friendship and special bond."

Jackson (7) - "My Grandfather's favorite book when he was a child was....Little Black Sambo.  He liked this book because he thought it was exciting to see if the little boy could make it home before the butter melted and what would happen if he didn't.  I have never read this book before, but I would like to read a book that old."

Adin (6) - "My Grandpa's book was The Little Engine That Could.  His favorite part was about Captain Small. His job was to give out the jobs to the trains. He doesn't have the book anymore. I don't have the book anymore. I don't know why we got rid of it. But, my favorite part was when the Little Engine could help the toys. We borrowed it from the library this week."

*Alot of other grandparents enjoyed Nancy Drew books, Bobbsey Twins books, Black Beauty, and the Call of the Wild. 

Noah (7)
who suggested the winning mascot name~
SPLISH!
(Noah will be receiving the Pilgrim's Progress  game and book set)

Also, I'd like to say a very special
THANK YOU
to Kevin Scott Collier~
an author and illustrator
who graciously donated some new drawings
of Splish~
aren't they great?!

If you like them, be watching for some other fun additions
to the Summer Reading Splash program~
coming soon!

There are only
2 DAYS LEFT
to place your vote
for our
MASCOT NAME.

Click here to vote now.

(Remember, one vote per person, please!)

Here we are, starting Week 6 of the Summer Reading Splash! already!  Wow!  I can hardly believe how fast the time is going.  I've been reading lots of books - I know that you are too!

This week's topic question is very similar to the question for week 3:
Find out what your Grandma or Grandpa's favorite book was as a child.  Does he or she still have this book?  If so, have you read it, or would you like to read it?
(If you don't have grandparents, maybe you could ask an adult friend from church, or a neighbor, etc.)

E-mail your answers to me by Friday, June 27th, at midnight (EST).  Winners will be announced on Saturday, the 28th.  Don't forget to tell me "story" or "chapter" in the subject line, or somewhere in the e-mail, so I know which prize you'd like to win.  Also, give me your first name and age, please.

Now, for this week's prizes:

For our younger readers, I have a fun book by Sylvan-Dell Publishing.

If You Were a Parrot is a whimsical book that has the child imagining what life would be like if he or she were a pet parrot. The parrot’s special feet allow it to climb curtains, bookshelves, and plants.  The hooked beak lets the parrot chew all kinds of great food: seeds, nuts, chair legs, popsicles – sticks and all, and even a telephone directory! Join the parrot as it goes through its daily routine of climbing, chewing, eating, bathing, and finally, snuggling down for the night after a long day of parrot fun. The "For Creative Mind" section has parrot teaching trivia, crafts and games to supplement learning.

This book is available as a hard-back or as a downloadable e-book.  The prize for this week is a nice hard-back book.  You can see a review of this book here.

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For our older readers, I have a copy of Keystone Stables: Trouble Times Two by Marsha Hubler.  I met Marsha at our homeschool convention in May and she graciously donated this book for our Splash! program. 

KEYSTONE STABLES BOOK 3: TROUBLE TIMES TWO Skye and Morgan have their hands full trying to share God's love with Tanya Bell, an African-American girl and a runaway who becomes a foster child at Keystone Stables. Tanya is a veteran shoplifter. But when one of the mares dies giving birth to a foal, Tanya is transformed as she takes responsibility for the foal.

In addition, I will be including Destination Moon from Master Books. 

Click to enlarge The exciting and personal account of one of only twelve men to ever touch the surface of the moon! When astronaut James Irwin gazed at the “blue planet,” his home, from the moon in 1971, he realized that the experience was drawing him closer to the God of his youth. After the flight, Irwin realized “the power of God was working in me and I was possessed by a growing feeling that God did have a new mission for me.” This adventurer, who also climbed Turkey’s Mt. Ararat, to look for the remains of Noah’s ark, was a wonderful ambassador not only for his country, but for the “captain of his own ship,” the Lord Jesus Christ. Irwin, wherever he went, used his experiences to draw in his audiences until that moment he was able to share his faith. This dramatic story, set against the backdrop of the vastness of space, highlights the spiritual resources Irwin drew from. His treks through the halls of power, through NASA, and to the adventures that seemed to find him stand as a signpost for all of us. • A behind-the-scenes story of astronaut Jim Irwin and his Apollo 15 flight to the surface of the moon • Many remarkable NASA full-color photos bring the story to life • Learn what physical feats astronauts must endure to “make the cut” • Find out about the dangers and rewards of space travel • Read the dramatic account of Jim Irwin’s Christian testimony after visiting the moon “