So what is the Pages of History Series? Here is a description of the Series on the Pages of History Facebook page (which you can visit and see what other are saying about the series.)

“From a mysterious safe in a dusty library comes the gateway to a journey through history. What James and Lance thought would be a boring school project is astonishingly transformed into an adventure that will forever change their lives.

Perfect for family story time or individual study, Pages of History transports the reader through the timeline of the world—providing a view of God’s work in every age.

In this exciting first volume, James and Lance travel from Creation through the Reformation. Their adventures in history will captivate readers young and old.”

This 448-page, hardcover book covers 96 major events and thousands of years of history in the format of a compelling story with an unapologetically Christian worldview.

What I Love

The storyline woven throughout the book involves two boys who basically travel through time, learning about different pieces of history as they go. A wise dove guides them through, introducing the boys to different characters and providing moral commentary on the events. The way the authors use the dove as a thread through the story is a clever tool to keep the story moving and to provide the boys with mature oversight as they continue their adventure.

The history for this time period is addressed in a very age-appropriate manner. Without covering up ugly episodes, the authors have been discerning in how much detail the story needs. The boys have many zany adventures, which are thoughtfully interspersed with some of the heavier historical events. I really enjoyed that balance.

This story really shows how history is God’s story and that every time has validity. The boys are today’s boys… they talk like today’s boys, think like today’s boys and question like today’s boys. Children of today will relate easily to the language the boys and their culture references, however, the authors keep it tasteful. As the story progresses, the history points the boys to God and His plan for the world.

What Could Be Improved

In future books, I would like to see just a little more fluidity to the story line. For instance, the first time I came across Alexander the Great, he was given a brief mention and then the story moved on. I had no way of knowing whether that thread would be picked up again later. (It was:-) In my mind though, the flow of the story would be a little smoother if there was a callout box or something that would let me know that more was forthcoming… Maybe something like a foreshadow box or something of that nature.

Also, the two boys are definitely boys, and there is a slight flavor of “why would a battle be fought over a girl?” It didn’t bother me, but some girls may have a hard time relating.

Grade from the Professor

B+

This series looks very promising and, frankly, it is just plain fun. I am especially pleased to see such a well-done narrative of history for the elementary age. Even my fifth-grader enjoyed whiz zing through it because the story was catchy and it reinforced some of his more in-depth studies. For fourth grade and under, this would be a great spine for the study of history. And, it is my understanding that more volumes will be forthcoming.

I am also pleased to let you know that the folks at Veritas are running a launch special that includes a $10 Veritas coupon with every order AND volume pricing of 40% off of orders for 5 copies or more. The link for that is http://resource2.veritaspress.com/Promotions/Pages_of_History.html. After the cutoff on Friday, November 30 at midnight, that will convert to an About The Book page with order link.

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True to the Old Flag, by beloved author, G. A. Henty, is a tale of the American Revolution, respectfully told from the unusual perspective of a young British loyalist.  I found this to be an excellent addition to our study of the American Revolution/Colonial America time period.

If you are not familiar with the Historical Homeschooling Series, see my post on The Dragon and the Raven, another Henty title in the series.

How do we order?

To celebrate the launch of this title in the Historical Homeschooling Series, "True to the Old Flag" is on sale for only $9.99!  Simply click here to go to the "True to the Old Flag" page in the Professor Mom store.

SO EXCITING!

After months of planning, I am absolutely thrilled to announce the release of the first title in Professor Mom's^® Historical Homeschooling Series^™!

I fell in love with George Alfred Henty's books a few years ago, when I stumbled on "The Dragon and The Raven" as I was putting together reading lists for our medieval times study.  Since then, the boys and I have read many of these terrific works of juvenile fiction.  Henty has such a knack for bringing history to life while integrating a personal, character-building story that appeals to all ages in a manner that is truly timeless.

What is a Henty book?

Henty wrote his books with an eye on giving boys something to aspire to.  He used history as the medium for lessons in honor, courage, and humility.  By weaving the lives of his fictional characters into the lives of historical greats, readers get a glimpse into the past, while developing a keen sense of who they want to be in the future.

Some of the best features of his books involve the portrayal of family relations, and respect for the wisdom of others.  He makes the reader mindful of how our culture has distorted what family was intended to be by showing us a better path.

I have kept this edition faithful to the original text, which some readers may find challenging at first.  After a few pages, though, the rich language and vibrant mental pictures that Henty draws compensate for the more 'old-fashioned' writing style. 

Why am I republishing this work?

Some books were simply not meant to be lost to the sands of time.  With the derth of quality reading material currently on the market for young people, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get these works into the hands of other homeschoolers.  My goal was to create a series that was affordable and accessible, so that Henty, and other authors of his caliber, can be an easy and beloved addition to any homeschool family's library.

What will be included in Professor Mom's^® Historical Homeschooling Series^™?

I am already working on the next title, which will be another Henty book, this time set during the American Revolution.  "True to the Old Flag" will be an interesting addition to any homeschool history program because it respectfully tells the story from the British perspective. 

Other titles will be added to the series based on three criteria:

• Historical significance and richness
• Character building potential, and
• Literary quality

To stay up-to-date on our latest offerings, as well as to receive free tips, strategies and resources for your homeschool, subscribe to my newsletter, Authentic Home Education. 

How do we order?

To celebrate the launch of the Historical Homeschooling Series, "The Dragon and The Raven" is on sale for only $9.99!  Simply click here to go directly to "The Dragon and The Raven" page in the Professor Mom store.  (Professor Dad will be standing by to help fulfill orders; I think he is more excited than I am.  He loves what Henty teaches the kids!)

As for online purchasing, security is a huge deal, so I have protected the store with an SSL certificate.  Currently, the Professor Mom store takes only PayPal, however, if we get enough feedback from y'all, we will work on adding a Visa/Mastercard option as well!  (And, you can always use your Visa or Mastercard through your PayPal account.)

One more thing…

As many of you are already aware, we have been working on a site redesign.  I It is prettier than it was, but we are still tweaking some areas. 

As always, if you have feedback or there are topics which you'd like me to cover in more depth, just drop me a comment, a tweet or an email.  I love hearing from you ladies… you bring a smile to my face every day!

New things, fresh things… can't you just feel spring in the air!

Our family has spent ALOT of time with the medieval world this year.  From the Viking explorations to King Alfred to Duke William's victory at Hastings, we have gotten through some terrific literature that has made this time period come to life for the boys. 

They loved the battles and the castles.  I loved the lessons in chivalry and the honor.  Even though our book choices didn't hold back on the cruelty of the age, each one left some type of poignant imprint on our hearts.

This morning I came across a post at Medieval Bookworm announcing "A Tournament of Reading."  You bibliophiles out there will want to check out the recommended reading list.  Sign up and you can post one of your own. 

My history buff side is planning on reading Susan Wise Bauer's "The History of the Medieval World."  (I am going to have to wait until it is released in February, though.)  My homeschooling mom side is planning on doing some special medieval read-alouds with the kids. 

And in the spirit of the tournament, I have created a short list of my own picks for the medieval period.  These range in age appeal, but all are solid medieval choices for your learning plans.  Enjoy!

 Here is a link to Wise-Bauer's upcoming book, which you can pre-order on Amazon.com.

First, read this absolutely terrific post at "Our Report Card."  Cry, laugh, go hug your kiddos. 

Then, let it inspire you to write your own letter to your kids.  Post your letter on your blog and drop me the link in "Comments."  (If you don't have a blog, email your letter to me.)  Since we are all busy, I am going to keep this open until November 15th. 

On November 16th, I will pick 3 of your posts.  Those three writers will receive one of my favorite books on letter writing in the mail.  Free.  A gift from me to you in recognition of all you do for your children.

Let's let everyone know about this challenge!  Announce it on your blog, email it to your friends.  I am so excited to share the love, humor, and depth that are so essential in our relationships with our kids.  What a beautiful way to do something that your kids will cherish forever!  I plan on writing my own letter as well, although I won't be eligible for the free book;-)

If we get enough responses, I will also commit to putting them together into an ebook and sending it as a gift to all who have participated.  It will be like a compilation of momma love.

Even if you don't want to participate in this challenge officially, I encourage you to write the letter anyway.  I know from my own family experience that having (or not having) memoirs from your parents can make a big difference in the life of your children. 

"Sir, more than kisses, letters mingle souls; for, thus friends absent speak."  ~John Donne

Now for our reading list for the summer, lots of exciting reading on ancient times, some great, clean fiction, and books on everything reptilian (the latter interest was added yesterday after a garter snake sighting in our backyard!) 

Here we go!

• The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson (the REAL version with its rich language and pondering of immortality)
• Pinocchio by Carlos Collodi (another non-watered down version with many lessons on what being a person of good character means, this original goes far beyond the "don't tell a lie or your nose will grow" lesson that we associate with this story)
• Stonewall by Jean Fritz
• The Odyssey by Geraldine McCraughrean
• Abel's Island by William Steig (cute story about a mouse)
• The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Anderson
• Exodus by Brain Wildsmith (this author is great at giving life to history and the illustrations in his books are usually quite good)
• Joseph by Brian Wildsmith
• Punctuation Takes a Vacation by Robin Pulver
• Egyptian Diary: The Journal of Nakht by Richard Platt
• The Dragon of Lonely Island by Rebecca Rupp
• The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
• Sword Song by Rosemary Sutcliff
• Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (these books still touch me)
• Mystery of the Roman Ransom by Henry Winterfield (this is the sequel to Detectives in Togas, another great story.  These are set in roman times and do a good job of bringing the reader into the everyday life of ancient Romans.)
• The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit
• The 5,000 Year-Old Puzzle by Claudia Logan
• Pirate Island Adventure by Peggy Parish
• The Bremen Town Band by Brian Wildsmith
• Nouns and Verbs Have a Field Day by Robin Pulver
• Floss by Kim Lewis
• Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories by Dr. Suess
• Anacondas by Valerie Weber
• Garter Snakes by Doug Weschler
• Snakes of the World by Manuel Areste (this is a 'grown-up' book, but the graphics are well-done, so I thought I would throw this is.  I'll be reading this to the boys.)

There you have it… Happy Reading!

For one thing, her books are as beautiful to look at as they are to read.  This one has cobalt blue ink and the quotes on the margins are a lovely fuschia.  Just looking at words in these colors is pleasing to the eye.

The content is full of heart-warming life examples, which always make me reflect on how I can incorporate more of the message into my everyday life.  The following is my brief takeaway for the day.  In light of the time of year, may it encourage all of you to step back and allow yourself to be mindful of what you are doing so that you can actually enjoy it!

To choose happiness is to choose mindfulness and, in your mindfulness, to choose joy.  Deep, isn't it?

Mindfulness is being present in what you are doing in each moment.  Rather than dwelling on "what's next?" you focus on your current task before you move on to something else.  Choosing joy goes back to the whole concept of PMA (you will hear me use that phrase regularly, it's one of my favorite acronyms – Postive Mental Attitude.)  Acknowledging your position, whether you are on a beach in sunny Florida or scrubbing a bathroom floor, and giving it its due, allows your heart to recognize the value of where you are.  Then, you can approach your activity with gratitude rather than angst or apathy.

Mind you, I really despise scrubbing the bathroom floor:-)  But, when I take a moment and remember why I am doing it (to keep our home clean and germ-free), that I can do it (my body is capable), and who is blessed by it (not just me, but my family as well), I am encouraged enough to at least finish the job well.

These are three things I am going to do today to be more mindful:

1 – Finish this post with the energy it deserves without thinking about the next item on my to do list.  It is such a pleasure to interact with all of you, I am going to take the time to enjoy it!

2 – Go scrub my kitchen.  Yep, sounds fun, doesn't it?  However, my kitchen really needs it as our entire family has had the flu over the course of the last two weeks.  Today, I am going to be thankful that I feel well enough to do it.

3 – Sit with my still-sick child and read a few good books to him and his brother on the couch.  We are going to turn the tree on and cuddle.  I am going to put all of the projects I am behind on out of mind and put my energy into helping my son to feel better.

Why don't you pick your three things right now, before you click off? 

That's it, I wish you a day of mindful happiness.

PS – I got Alexandra's book at Barnes and Noble online for $5.98.  This one is about 6 years old and it was in the bargain book section.  Beautiful and affordable… music to a mom's ears!