Summer Reading with Imagination Station

I was first introduced to the new Imagination Station book series in April during my Birthday Bash.  My 9yr. old daughter has loved these books! So when the next two books showed up in the mail, she couldn’t wait to start reading---and that’s saying something for this particular child of mine. :)

Book three in the Imagination Station series is Peril in the Palace. In this book, the Imagination machine takes cousins Beth and Patrick back to China during the reign of Kublai Khan. They meet up with Marco Polo and end up face to face with Kublai Kahn, who doesn’t appreciate their gifts nor their Christian message.  The cousins are locked up with no way to escape. How will they ever find that golden tablet needed to help Albert?


Book 4 brings the cousins to 15th century England where they finally meet Albert—the person they are trying to rescue. Set during the War of the Roses in England, Revenge of the Red Knight will teach readers about the Crusades, the integrity of knights and the vows they took, and why men would choose to risk their lives to fight for Christianity.


The Imagination Station series is geared toward kids 7yrs. and up. The series features the virtual reality device called The Imagination Stations. Only Mr. Whittaker knows how this machine works, but by pushing a button, it launches users back in to time. Each book contains historical facts and Christian truths. The series is written by Paul McCusker and Marianne Hering.

While I am committed to books as a storytelling medium, I think all storytelling should not only entertain but also communicate truth, “ says Hering. “One of the taglines for this series is, “The key to adventure lies within your imagination.” I’d like kids to read these books and have their imaginations revved up so that they become the next generation of storytellers”

One fun component of the books is solving the riddle at the end of the book. By solving, you get a secret code to add on the website which unlocks a freebie. These books are a great fit for children just getting into chapter books, make a good read-aloud for those a little younger, and are a nice supplement to history studies.

Are you interested in getting a set for your summer reading? Well I have one to give away!

Giveaway Rules:  CLOSED
Tyndale House is giving one of you both of these books, Peril in the Palace and Revenge of the Red Knight. (U.S./Canada only) Giveaway open from 6/1 to 6/10 CLOSED
Mandatory Entry: If you could go in the Imagination Station time-machine, where would you go and why?
1. Extra entry: Share this giveaway on Twitter “ Summer Reading with The Imagination Station Giveaway @SpellOutloud http://bit.ly/ifBge4 ”
Please leave a comment below for each entry and make sure there is a way for me to contact you. The winner will be picked by Random.org and will have 3 days to get back to me once contacted.

iShine

I had never heard of QR codes until I received a copy of the iShine Bible from Tyndale.  Maybe that’s because I still carry around a Tracfone—lol! Anyway, I got to look through this cool  Bible geared specifically for tweens.
What Is It?
The New Living Translation iShine Bible helps tweens understand their Value, Identity, and Purpose (VIP). The Bible contains three colored sections for each of those topics (VIP). Each section contains a QR code/URL to videos or music that talks about the topic.
Tweens will see

• how they are valued by God
• how their identity is found in Jesus
• and the purpose that they have because of this.

(This is a good overview of the Bible)

What We Thought:
As I mentioned above, I am not up to speed with smart phone technology. You don’t need a smart phone or an Ipod touch to use this Bible. The exact URL’s are also listed so you won’t miss the special feature videos. My daughter though, does have an Ipod touch, so we used that to access the QR codes. I will admit that is a pretty cool feature (do kids say cool anymore?).  iShine is more than a Bible, it is a ministry. You can see all the musicians, actors, products and more on the iShine website. 
The iShine Bible is a compact LeatherLike Bible in the NLT translation. It is a great size for carrying in a backpack or purse. (I know it’s geared toward tweens because my old eyes had a hard time reading the tiny print.) In the beginning of the Bible is an index based on themes (gossip, prayer etc.) There is a short explanation plus Bible reference for the themes listed. Then there are three colored sections with the QR codes and devotional that pertain to the V.I.P. theme mentioned above.
My daughter and I both liked the QR code feature. It introduced us to some new Christian musicians and it was neat to hear teens teaching tweens. The only thing I missed was a traditional concordance, but I understand that they are targeting a younger audience, so I think the topic references are fine. I think it is awesome that Tyndale is trying to make something specifically for tweens. The Bible it attractive and well-made. The only thing that would make it better would be Bible version options. I think these would make great gifts for any tween wanting to get in the Word.

Do you have a tween that would be interested in this Bible?

I’m giving away one of these Bibles!

Giveaway Rules: *CLOSED*
This giveaway is for one iShine Bible (you get to pick either pink or blue). Open to U.S. residents only.
Giveaway runs from Wednesday, May 18 - Friday, May 27th.
Please make sure there is a way I can contact you. Winners will be picked via Random.org. and will be notified by Spell Outloud. Winners have 3 days to get back to me before another winner is chosen.

 Mandatory: What is your favorite Bible verse? 

(I’ve recently updated my Bible printable section. More to come too)

(And here’s a freebie just for you :)

(disclosure: I received a free Bible from Tyndale House for this review. Opinions are my own)

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