Snow Treasure

by Marie McSwigan
Available from Amazon
****

In 1940 the Nazis came to Norway. The patriots of the country did not want their country’s gold to fall into Nazi hands and support the war from the wrong side, but knew of no way to get it to safety. This is the story of the brave children who appeared to constantly be playing in the snow, but were transporting the gold on their sleds past the Nazis. At night men would locate the gold where the children had hidden it, and remove it to a ship. It was taken safely away to America beyond the Nazis’ reach.

This story would be ideal for a family read aloud book.

Birth Without Violence

by Frederick LeBoyer
Available from Amazon
***

Although the author draws heavily on Eastern philosophy and is rather dramatic for shock appeal, I appreciated many of the subjects he examined. It is obviously kinder not to mention more natural to have soft lighting, and gentle voices at a birth. I appreciated the anatomical details of why the cord should not be cut immediately after birth, as well as the comments on the handling of newborns. The photos of newborns are very precious.

This book is certainly appropriate for expectant parents, especially if they have had no exposure or information on natural childbirth. Just take all the drama and philosophy with a grain (or more!) of salt.

Mr. Pipes Comes to America

by Douglas Bond
Available from Amazon
*****

The third in the Mr. Pipes series can only improve upon the first two. Mr. Pipes travels to New England with Dr. Dudley to see a few historic sites with Drew and Annie before heading to the west coast to spend Christmas with their parents. The humor that amused the readers in the first two books hasn’t disappeared, nor has Dr. Dudley’s disdain for things not British or his overbearing concern for Mr. Pipes’ health. The storyline is just as charming, and children will read it for the mere pleasure of it.

However, the main ideas that are constantly reinforced are Godly behavior, understanding and sharing the Bible, contrasting good hymnody and shallow songs, appropriate music, poetry, great men of faith, and doctrine. Mr. Pipes teaches an excellent course on great Church hymnody effortlessly and very enjoyably to all readers. Highly to be recommended!

A Lantern In Her Hand

by Bess Streeter Aldrich
Available from Amazon
**
This is the story of a young girl who dreamed big dreams and had great hopes of her life. Instead of her life fulfilling her dreams, however, she spent her days baking bread, piecing quilts, and taking care of children. Her children eventually accomplished the great things Abbie had hoped to do, but they seemed to care little for the life Abbie herself had led. It was a disappointing book for me, but it aptly brought to life the hopes and dreams of a young girl, and how real life prevents her from living her dreams. It did inspire me to analyze my dreams, to see if they are realistic, and to consider whether God might have other plans. Good dreams may need to be exchanged for what is best for us.

When Hitler Stole Link Rabbit

by Judith Kerr
Available from Amazon
**
Anna did not really think of herself as Jewish as she lived in Berlin. She was just a German girl. That is, until the Nazis came into power, and her father’s writing was no longer acceptable, merely because he was Jewish. So her family left Germany for Switzerland, and began a life which Anna discovered was called that of a “refugee”. We see the way her life changed from what she had always known in first in Switzerland, then France, and finally in England. Her experiences, based on the author’s own girlhood, are enlightening and entertaining as the reader reflects on the events of the time. There is nothing otherwise spectacular that occurs, and the drama unfolds like a “Little House” book.

One incident that rather bothered me was when Anna’s father was having nightmares. As she went to bed one night, she said something to the effect of, “Please, can I have them instead.” The book stated that Anna did not really believe in God, but she thought there might be someone who could arrange things. When her father’s nightmares ended, Anna secretly congratulated herself. I realize that all Jews do not believe in God, but I do, and would discuss this and a few other attitudes with any younger readers.

By England's Aid, or, The Freeing of the Netherlands

by G. A. Henty
Available from Amazon
***

Two brothers from Sir Francis Vere’s land in England follow him to honor and glory in the Netherlands, with many adventures along the way. When they leave the Netherlands to fight the Spanish Armada from England, one of the boys is knocked overboard. He ends up going to Spain, being captured by Algerian pirates, and eventually marrying and becoming a merchant in Spain. The other brother uses his keen observation and intelligence to become a great officer, and the brothers eventually meet in Spain at the end of the Netherlands’ war for independence, and go home together to their parents. They are strong and valiant, and almost always honorable, except in the case of hiring ruffians to carry off a friend’s young lady. The reader is educated on the many sides of the war, meeting all the important characters of the time, witnessing the battles, and understanding the reasoning and logic employed during the wartime. This is another terrific history book with entertaining adventure thrown in!

The Excellent Wife: A Biblical Perspective

by Martha Peace
Available from Amazon
****

I was really blessed through this book. It was an encouragement to me in my role, attitudes, and responses as a wife, completer, helper and companion of my husband. Martha Peace definitely brings a “Biblical Perspective” as her subtitle indicates, and her systematic line of thought was very helpful. The charts and lists with Scriptures were especially appreciated. This would be a great book for wives from brides to grandmothers.

N is for Nutmeg

by Elissa Grodin
Available from Amazon
*****

This delightful book is filled with scenic watercolors, cute rhymes, and lots of state information. Each page – or two – features a rhyme corresponding to a letter of the alphabet and telling something about the Connecticut’s history. There is more information about the fact in the rhyme at the side of the page. Famous residents such as Mark Twain and Noah Webster appear along with state nicknames (Nutmeg and Constitution) and symbols (state flower, tree, bird, etc.). Several historical anecdotes and state trivia are included for an interested reader, but the rhymes well be easily memorized by younger children. Even adults may find information they didn’t know about Connecticut! I think every child who lives in Connecticut, was born here, or is studying the state should read this book. I can’t wait to see the others in the series!

Sir Cumference and the Great Knight of Angleland

by Cindy Newschwander
Available from Amazon
*****

In this entertaining math adventure, Sir Cumference’s son, Radius, enters upon a quest. Quests were the thing to do for aspiring knights in the ancient land of Angleland (apparently now known as England on current maps). So Radius goes to rescue King Lell, and takes with him a medallion, very much like a protractor. He uses it to determine angles which help him to follow the clues to find the missing king. When he is successful, angles are named after similar places in his adventure, such as the Mountains of Obtuse. Plenty of math terms find themselves in the story, which make it all the more entertaining. Such a great way to introduce geometry to younger children!

Heart of Courage

by Lois Walfrid Johnson
Available from Amazon
*****

Bree says goodbye to her brother, sister, and cousin as they head home to Ireland, and she remains a captive in Norway. Mikkel has promised to free her if she and Devin accompany him on a voyage. He has noticed that God protects Bree, and she resents being considered a good luck charm. Bree is also afraid that Mikkel will not keep his promises, and fears for Devin’s safety if he returns to Norway.

Devin and Bree’s parents do send him back, however, and they set out with Mikkel’s expedition. Along the way they realize that someone is trying to hurt Mikkel and thwart his plans, endangering everyone’s lives. Mikkel also begins to understand that he can be a man, and still trust in Bree’s God. Through all the frightening changes in this fourth book of the Viking Quest series, Bree, Devin and Mikkel learn how to find a heart of courage.