Book Description

If you're an Odyssey veteran, then sit back and relive a bit of history.If you've only recently started listening to the series, these early shows will be a real treat.This collector's album includes: Whit's Flop, Life of the Party, Connie Comes to Town, Recollections, Gifts for Madge and Guy, The Day After Christmas and many others.

Reviews (2)

A great collection of family-friendly shows for everyone
This is where it all began. The first 12 episodes of Focus on the Family's Adventures in Odyssey series, which is still going strong today. Featuring the voice of Hal Smith (best known as Otis Campbell from the Andy Griffith shows) as Mr. Whittaker, the show can entertain adults and kids alike, using the theater of the mind rather than of the eye.

The shows also teach encouraging morals, such as contentedness, and self-esteem (among others) from a Christian perspective. You should check these out, and give the other titles a chance as well!

Great!
These tapes are terrific! If you have kids, they are fantastic to play in the car on a long trip. The kids love them and so do Mom and Dad. It keeps everyone from fussing and fighting and they will listen to them over and over. They never get tired of them ... Read more

Book Description

In Hot Pursuit, Volume 41 in the Adventures in Odyssey audio series, can now be heard on CD and repackaged cassette!In the latest Adventures in Odyssey collection, Connie, Whit, Joanne, and the whole Odyssey crew is back for exciting, cross-country adventures! Favorite Odyssey characters visit Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and even foreign lands where they face challenging situations dealing with friendship, teamwork, judging others, forgiveness, and more. In the end, they walk away with valuable lessons that will last for a lifetime.

Volume 41 includes many entertaining episodes, including:

• “Hindsight”
• “The Taming of the Two”
• “Black Clouds”
• “Silver Lining”
• “Teacher’s Pest”
• “Pink Is Not My Color”
• “Something Blue, Parts 1 & 2”
• And many more!

Book Description

When Whit returns from a lengthy stay in the Middle East, the entire town of Odyssey turns out for a joyous homecoming celebration complete with fanfare and fireworksBut for Jack, Whit's arrival means an uneasy reunion - and a tough decision about the future.Then, the phrase "fools rush in" takes on new significance for Eugene when he neglects to seek God's direction in his relationship with Katrina.

Meanwhile, it looks like the mission board isn't quitefinished with Whit, and an offer for continued foreign ministry is on the table.Will he choose to stay on at Whit's End, or will following God's plan require another long absence for him?

Reviews (1)

It's really good, awesome, spectacular.
If you've listen to to Adventures in Odyssey as long as I have, you'll LOVE this audio cassette. A special person (don't want to let you know who it is. It would spoil the surprise.) left Odyssey a few years ago and has FINALLY returned. Connie Kendall wanted to make this a SPECIAL day for this special person and instead of being at the airport, the ceremonies, ect. when this person arrived, she was just late for all of these things. She finnally tracked the special person down and he was asleep, do to exaustion, she was so sad, frustrated, mad, you get the point. She was cring, and she woke up the special person, she was so glad to hug the special person. If you want more information on Adventures in Odyssey, e-mail me at AWANABoy@aol.com Thanks! ... Read more

Book Description

Surprises, discoveries and laughs, about in Odyssey.Come join each exciting, action-packed adventure!

When bad Isn't So Good - Sam gets into more trouble than he bargained for when he sets out to prove that "nice guys finish last."

Making the Grade - Jimmy has an eye-opening experience when he realizes that all that "worthless stuff" he learned in school is actually worth a lot.

Fences - The Barclay family has been through many changes lately, and Donna tries to copy by adopting an unwanted dog.

War of the Words - A carelessly uttered word in the middle of an argument between Connie and Eugene wreaks havoc when it becomes the fashionable insult.

Book Description

Another exciting collection of Adventures in Odyssey episodes is now available in CD format and repackaged cassette! In Terrific Tales, Mysterious Missions the Odyssey kids manage to get themselves into all kinds of interesting predicaments. But with a little help from John Avery Whitaker, the kids learn that God can guide them through anything. This collection of stories will take you from the discovery of a hidden treasure chest to a hair-raising voyage in the Imagination Station.

In Volume 6 of the Adventures in Odyssey series, children of all ages will hear more of their favorite episodes, including:

• "The Ill-Gotten Deed"
• “The Treasure of Le Monde!”
• “The Price of Freedom”
• “That's Not Fair”
• And many more!

Reviews (1)

Terrific tales, Mysterious Missions
Great fun for christian family listening. Good christian morals included in each adventure. One of the better Adventure in Oddessy series. I recomend Terrific Tales, Mysterious Missions to young or old. Very upbeat stories that keep your intrest. I listen to them over and over, year after year. Friends are always barrowing this series. ... Read more

Book Description

Read by Christian Rodska
Approx. 6 hours
4 cassettes

After centuries of undisturbed slumber, the Stoor Worm—the World Eater—is waking. A creature of monstrous proportions and unimaginable evil, the Stoor Worm must be destroyed. Already its murderous hatchlings are bringing terror and destruction to every corner of Britain. And an odd trio—a Fool, a Maiden, and a Horse—is desperately trying to convince one quite ordinary boy that he alone can save the world.
... Read more

Reviews (7)

Tired of Harry Potter? Try Philem Green!
This young adult fantasy set in 1919 England grabs you right away. The hero of our story, Phelim, awakens one morning to find his kitchen filled with glashans, a people who are normally invisible to humans. The glashans want Phelim to help them, for the Worm is waking, and as she does, her Hatchings are wreaking havoc across the country. Phelim is quite confused at first, but with the help of a Fool, a Maiden, and a Horse, he discovers that he seems to be their only hope to stop the Storr Worm and prevent her strange, blood-thirsty hatchings from harming anyone else. Phelim has a lot to learn about these creatures and stories that died out generations ago but begin to surface again, as he journeys to kill the giant monstrous worm. How will he do it? He hasn't got a clue.

The story of Jack O'Green
Reminiscent of a spicier Lloyd Alexander, Geraldine McCaughrean weaves a spellbinding tale with bits of Celtic lore, excellent writing and amazing lead characters.

Phelim, a young boy living in post World War I Cornwall, lives with his emotionally abusive sister; his mother is dead, his father is simply gone. But Phelim's life takes an unexpected turn when a bunch of scraggly prehistoric dwarves and something called the Domovoy invade his house, pursued by the sinister Black Dog. They force Phelim out, saying that he is Jack O'Green and has to deal with the Stoor Worm.

Before long, Phelim encounters mad Sweeney, a veteran of the Napoleonic wars who lives in perpetual terror in the trees; the Obby Oss, a delightfully goofy specter; and Alexia, a shadowless apprentice witch who fled her courses in the Dark Arts. So Phelim, the Maiden, the Fool and the Horse all set out (Phelim only half-willingly) to destroy the Stoor Worm, who was wakened by the guns of the first world war. And the heat from the wakening Worm is causing strange things to hatch from stones, and roam throughout the British Isles. And Phelim will encounter soul-stealing merrows, the hideous Noonday Twister and the bloodthirsty cornwives, skinless nuckelavees, maddened human beings, and finally the monstrous Stoor Worm itself...

McCaughrean does an excellent job with his book; with the slightly clueless hero, magical and sharp-witted heroine, and a pair of odd but poignant sidekicks, it reminds me of Lloyd Alexander's books. She also, unlike most authors, harbors no romantic illusions about "Old Ways" and how mean they could be. She is unafraid to weave the spectacular and the everyday, with a few subtle comments on the human condition.

Her writing is extremely evocative, very descriptive as children's books go; she devotes more descriptions to the oddities like the Oss than to ordinary things like the reapers. The dialogue is also very believable. McCaughrean also adds new spins to old ideas, such as the faeries; these are not innocent little sprites, or Elf-like Sidhe. Readers won't forget these faeries in a hurry.

A darker, bittersweet feel permeates the later chapters, where Phelim loses his innocent mindset, glimpses what he is capable of, and does something that readers may initially condemn. However, I applaud Ms. McCaughrean for having him do that, simply because his remorseful response after the fact is admirable and very true. But while everyone makes mistakes, and his feelings are certainly understandable, she also makes no excuses for what he did or felt; there are consequences to no longer being "ever-good." This is extremely rare in books of any kind, and to see it in a kids' book is excellent.

By an author with less talent, Phelim might have been a real pain to read about; he spends over half the book denying that he is Jack O'Green, and often responding wrongly or needing to be helped out. But his confusion and fear (especially after seeing his shirt being washed by... well, you'll see) over the things that he has seen and what he is expected to do is well written and understandable. Alexia initially seems like a fairly ordinary character, but her traumatic past adds an extra dimension and strength to her. Same with Sweeney, who initially seems like he will be an entertaining character, but his fear and guilt make him almost a tragic figure. The Oss is simply fun in an overall serious adventure. You just can't get him down, and he remains a source of emotional support and entertainment.

A tight, fast-paced and immensely imaginative fantasy story, this is a great read for kids and adults alike.

Magic IS Afoot!
This wonderful book is a scary magical adventure tale filled with excellent scholarship. It presents the Old Magic legends of Europe, the British Isles in particular, with accuracy and combines them with the every day life of the early 20th century to make a thrilling fantasy. Set in Cornwall following the Great War it follows the efforts, trials and successes of young Phelim who has been enlisted by a strange wildman, Mad Sweeney, a witch girl, and the 'Obby 'Oss to slay the gigantic, continent-sized Stoor Worm who is waking from her anicent slumber and will destroy the world. Why Phelim? Much to his own surprise Phelim is the living heir of Jack O'Green and a Chime Child to boot! This story is masterfully told with humor, suspense, dangerous thrills, and poignant insights into the sufferings and triumphs of human beings. It is colorful and evocative as well as beautifully thought-provoking. It is creative and filled with refreshingly "new" characters even though they are based on the actual legends of old. Geraldine McCaughrean is a renowned scholar on the subject of folklore and she has populated the pages of this book with myriad concepts and creatures from out of the dark and wild past. As she says by way of introduction, "All the creatures, dangers, legends, and magics described in this book were, until very recently, accepted as real and true by ordinary people living and working in a civilized and Christian Europe." Were a reader to investigate the various "creatures, dangers, legends, and magics" found within these pages more fully, perhaps on the Internet, a truly vast treasure trove of nearly forgotten lore would be opened before them. This book succeeds as a purely good yarn, as a coming-of-age story, as myth and legend, and as a very concise compendium of the beings and practices of the Old Magic. I highly, highly recommend it.

TERROR AND HEROISM ABOUND IN THIS READING
Fantasy fans will find a terrific tale and a thrilling reading in this audio version of "The Stones Are Hatching" by noted British author and myth historian Geraldine Mc Caughrean. Stage and film actor Christian Rodska imbues the frightening narrative with appropriate nuances, never resorting to overkill.

Our hero is not a barrel-chested Lancelot but a boy, Phelim Green, who very reluctantly finds himself in mortal combat with merciless enemies - the hatchlings of the dreaded Stoor Worm who would destroy the world.

For company and reinforcement Phelim has a unique trio - a Fool, a Maiden, and a Horse. It is only in following his destiny that Phelim discovers who he is and what he may be capable of accomplishing

Terror and heroism abound in this reading for all but the faint of heart.

Fascinating use of folklore
Phelim "Phee" Green is a simple lad, living under the thumb of his tyrant sister. It is 1919, and the Great War with all of its horrific results is over. However, Phelim's world seems to literally unravel when all of the fairytales he has ever heard begin to come true; a small troll-like man lives behind his stove, monsters live in rivers, washerwomen wash shirts on the shores, merrows inhabit the ocean, redcaps dye their hats in human blood, and many other horrors abound.

Worst of all, three characters come to Phelim, claiming that he is Jack O'Green and only he can defeat the Stoor Worm, the giant dragon that is mother to all of these horrors. The three characters are a maiden with no shadow, a madman who has haunted a forest since Waterloo, and a genuine Hobby Horse. Finding himself propelled along on this quest, Phelim must overcome his fears, his disbelief, and quite a few monsters.

Geraldine McCaughrean has taken the old idea of fairytales proving true, and has formed it into a fascinating story. In her world, the simple stories of yesterday are transformed into a reality deadly beyond a cartoonist's wildest imagination. This book is a good read, well written, and I recommend it highly. ... Read more

Book Description

12 of the most important Bible teachings portrayed in 12 fun-filled stories kids can identify with and understand. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Great Family Devotional
I've had this book for 3 years and both my children (now aged 5 and 11) still love to hear the stories. The pictures are colorful and enjoyable and the bible stories are well placed in the story themes. The story set up begins with a situation the bear family encounters and then a bible story that relates to that situation is recollected by one of the bears. The last story Heaven Can't Wait will have the reader teary eyed, and is told in such a way that although the child will experience the sadness of death, they will see the victory of eternal life with God. I wish there were more books written of Big Ideas In the Bible. This book makes a great family devotional!

My 6 year old loved it.
We were on vacation at a friend's. They brought out this book to read for her bedtime story. Well, we had to read 2 of the stories that night. The first thing the next morning, she got the book out again and asked me to read more. While the other kids were out swimming in the pool, she insisted I read her 2 more of the stories. When we got home from vacation, she told me she wanted to use her allowance money and buy a copy of the book herself. The tone of the book is warm and encouraging. The spiritual truths are shared in a beautiful and loving way. ... Read more

Book Description

They're starry-eyed.They're headed for the altar.Only one thing - who are "they"?Eugene and Katrina?Jack and Joanne?Whit and Whit???!Big changes are in store for some of your old friends in Odyssey. . . As well as for others you're about to meet.Join the fun as a handful of local kids threaten to go on a "chore strike", city slicker Nick takes up residence with Odyssey's newest family - the Mulligans, and a painting with a past teaches a valuable lesson about forgiveness.Whether they're trying to foster-parent an entire zoo or undo the damage of previous mistakes, Odyssey's lovable citizens have their hands full.But no matter the predicament, one thing is certain: each is determined to stick to his or her commitment to God - even if following His will isn't easy.

Reviews (2)

Welcome Mulligan's!
They're starry eyed.  They're headed for the altar.  Only one thing-who are "they"?  Eugene and Katrina?   Jack and Joanne?  Whit and Whit??? Big changes are in store for some of your old friends in Odyssey...as well as for others you're about to meet.  Join the fun as a handful of local kids threaten to go on a "Chore strike", cit slicker Nick takes up residence with Odyssey's newest family-The Mulligans, and a painting with a past teaches a valuable lesson about forgiveness.

Episodes:

1-3: For Whom the Wedding Bells Toll, Part 1-3 (Discerning God's will about who we marry) - Who will get married?  Eugene and Katrina?  Jack and Joanne? or Whit and Whit???
4: The Pushover (Standing up for yourself)-Cody is always being treated less by people and this time he learns to stand up for himself.
5:  Chores No More (Family Responsibilities) - The kids in Odyssey want more free time in their lives and less chores.  Thus they plan to strike against their parents.
6:  Just Say Yes (The cost of Obedience) - The new family in Odyssey, The Mulligans invite a new person into their family.
7:  The Painting (The power of   forgiveness) - Their is a secret behind a painting that Jack and Joanne have.
8:  Best Face Forward (Hiding who we really are) - A bike rider who is writing a book in his travels plans to go to "Whit's End" but Connie wants everyone to Whit's End to be portrayed as something else.
9:  Viva La Difference (Appreciating Differences in Others) - The Mulligans now have a zoo in their home.   The ongoing story of  the Mulligans.
10-11:  The one about trust, parts 1-2 (Jumping to Conclusion) - Why is Eugene getting paid more than Connie?  Why is their tension between Connie and Whit? 
12:  Amazing Grace (God's Mercy) - The story of John Newt.

REVIEW: I have to admit that I was a little bummed out that the Barclay's (Odyssey's #1 promoted family through the years) was no more....but now they have the Mulligan's!  Hooray!  Great storyline.  The story line of  "For Whom the Wedding Bells Toll" was great...but the most powerful storyline was "The one about trust".  Excellent!  To hear the tension between Connie and Whit...something you never expected.  The latest in the series is truly recommended!

It ain't a book, but it's Adventures In Odyssey!
Fans who were on the edge of their seats can rest easy now...we know who the wedding couple is. But I can't tell you! You have to buy the thing for yourself!

Also included, besides the three Wedding Bells episodes, are some episodes with the Mulligans, and other, happy slice-of-life episodes from AiO.

It's enjoyable, and it teaches lots of lessons. It's wholesome, and enjoyable. Buy it today! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Never too young to start this
My daughter is four and has had this book since she was about 10 months to a year-old. I have played it for her when she goes down for a nap and at bedtime over the years and now play them for she and my son in the van on our travels around town.

Even though she was too young to fully comprehend all that is on there, she REMEMBERS what she has heard and has repeated things back to me and asked questions.

I am now teaching her memory verses and she knows eight so far, one of them being John 3:16, which is pretty long for a little girl. My son is learning them as well, and knows one so far (he's two).

I highly recommend this book and the tapes/cd's that go along with it. In fact, we originally recevied this as a gift with the cassettes. We wore the cassettes out and I was fortunate to be able to get just the cd's online without having to buy a second book.

Adults could become a little annoyed at the voices used for the animation, but as the Lutheran mother above wrote, her daughter loves it. Kids are attentive to dramatic voices and would likely just ignore someone reading in a manner that would please the Lutheran mother's ears :o

It's a wonderful book for Christian parents who want to teach their children about the Bible. Everything in there is scripture, so no matter what denomination, if you believe the Bible is the infallable Word of God, this book is for you.

Fun & educational
This is a wonderful set of stories & songs. In fact, I'm tempted to give it the highest possible praise: its quality is comparable to "Baby Mozart." My daughter asks to hear the songs over & over. When the kids are restless in the car we say, "a few more stories & we'll be there!"

the word of God sowed in my heart
I am a Korean University student. It was really excellent.
I heard it as audio CD. I listen to it again and again.

A Noble Effort, but Somewhat Grating to Adult Ears
My daughter at 4-1/2 was ready to move out of the Beginner's Bible, and I was looking for a more mature approach to Biblical knowledge. The book and audio set is beautifully produced and delivers on its promise to present the essence of the entire Bible as a read- and sing-a-long experience. It is ideal for the beginning reader to appreciate the "bookness" of the Bible instead of thinking of it as a bunch of "stories." Much better than my ancient Illustrated Children' Bible with its too-high reading level, which when I searched was still the only other whole Bible project that could be used with a pre-reader.

My daughter would certainly give it five stars. She sits and turns the pages with the text and enjoys the songs. Some of the songs are pretty nice, others don't wear well on adult ears; this is only to be expected. What drops my rating is the overly swooning style that many of the narrators chose to read their texts in. Everyone from Moses to Hosea to Jesus uses exaggerated, elongated vowels, "Goooooooood Waaaaaaants Youuuuu to Giiiiiive Up Your EEEEEEEEEvil Waaaaaaaaaays," which is *really, really* annoying, and I think gives kids a twisted example of "special Bible-style talk" that detracts from the real power and beauty of the words.
My tender, liberal ELCA Lutheran heart also cringed when I noticed "Jerry Falwell as Matthew" on the credits, but it's an unfortunate truth that this kind of project can only make money if it targets the conservative Christan community. And, let's face it, no one less conservative would dare to serve some of the un-gentle aspects of the Old Testament straight up (inevitable in the minor prophets). So if you're in the mainstream-to-left Christian community, be forewarned about this p.o.v. that's not entirely obvious from other reviews. All in all, though, it's an honest presentation of excerpts from all the books, and I don't want my daughter to grow up with a sugar-coated "children's stories" approach to her Judeo-Christian heritage.

Instill a love of God's Word in your children
This Bible/CD set is a tremendous resource for parents and kids. It is so well made and scripturally sound. There is at least one story from every book of the Bible. Every story begins with a Bible verse and follows with an engaging narrative that keeps your child's interest. Most stories are followed by a great song that reinforces the lesson. I have two children, ages 6 and 4, and they are on their fourth time through since Christmas. They follow along with the CDs, usually in the car. My six-year-old is asking me questions like "Mommy, how can I be a peacemaker?" Her reading skills have also dramatically improved as she reads along with the CDs. My four-year-old is going around singing, "If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray." I am seeing real fruit in their lives. It is a great way to fill your children's thoughts with things that matter for eternity. ... Read more

Book Description

Volume 35 marks a distinctive return to everything for which Adventures in Odyssey is known - quality story-telling and beloved characters - in this set of 12 new half-hour episodes from the Adventures in Odyssey radio broadcast. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A revival of the series!
The previous years of the show has been a little dry. With Blackgaard dead, Jason off doing mission work outside the US, Jack and Johanne happily married, and Eugene and Katrina virtually Ignored, nothing was really happening on the show. Until now :) Kids' Radio is jammed with the singals of a Big Media Giant, someone breaks into Whit's End, a few kids run into a hacker on the Internet, and Jason returns to Odyssey. All of the sudden, things are ALIVE in Odyssey!! The series has abandoned the idea of split-episodes (the contraversial 15 minutes programs of the last few albums) and has started focusing on it's main characters for the last 13 years -- Whit, Tom and Connie. Plus, it's starting to sound fresh again...and few series, Radio-Tv or otherwise, can sound so alive and full of ideas after so long. So, hat's off to the new, Improved Adventures in Odyssey!! Keep it up!!

Getting Better
Unlike the current trend of Adventures in Odyssey where the quality of the shows were going down, this album presents a small promise of a return to the normal Adventures in Odyssey writing. With the introduction of a new villian, and the start of some long term arc episodes, The Big Picture hopefully will mark the upswing in Odyssey writing. ... Read more

Book Description

New from Heritage Builders, a ministry of Focus on the Family, The Singing Bible features story songs about Jonah and the Whale, the Ten Commandments, and more, making this a fast-paced and exciting journey. Children ages 2 to 7 will love to join with their parents and friends and sing along to over 50 fun Bible songs!

4 cassettes ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The best audio resource our family has found
More than 50 great songs in numerous styles take you and your children through the Bible from beginning to end. You can't do better than that. I don't know why it's only marketed as 7-and-below. I'd say all the way up to 12 or so (and the adults will enjoy it too.) A Sunday School group could cover this over a year, have a great deal of fun with it, and develop superb Bible knowledge. It is also packed with humor and great characters in a musical-within-a-musical format.
The Osbornes have created a marvellous resource here and I feel their wonderful work has been poorly served by their publisher's marketers. For years I tried in vain to get copies to give to children in my Children's Church class. I get the feeling it's becoming more widely available again. I'd like to see it on CD or MP3 download.
Match this to a Children's Bible in 365 readings and you have the tools for excellent broad-spectrum Bible knowledge for your children. It worked for us, and we had a great time using it.

Wonderful, fun overview of the Bible for Kids
I found this set of tapes several years ago. It is a wonderful set and has fun, upbeat, and catchy songs that appeal to little kids and older ones as well. I liked going in the car on long rides because I could listen to all three tapes. It makes the Bible (especially the old test) come alive and make sense in the big picture--not just little snapshots.

The Singing Bible: A Sublime Teaching Tool!
This is the best collection of bible stories for youngsters that I've encountered thus far. It would be a fabulous show for any talented church group to perform on stage. The narration and story telling are top notch. The characters are played by adults and children alike. The songs are always a great compliment to the story and again are performed by both adults and children. It has a diverse genre of music to be enjoyed by all ages. Both my five year old and I love it! The music is professional and of Broadway caliber. Enjoy while you learn!!!

Without a doubt, a worthwhile investment!
As much as my children enjoyed this tape, I must say, I never tired of hearing it. It is accurately written to entertaining music. Our first tape was destroyed, and I haven't hesitated to replace it. I highly recommend it to all parents. A great way to educate your child on God's Word.

The Singing Bible
As much as my children enjoyed this tape, I've got to tell you, I never tired of hearing it. Accurately written, the music is fantastic, it's just an overall great Bible lesson. We were all distraught when our first tape broke while in the player. I was even more upset when I found that my local Christian bookstore did not carry it. I'm delighted to find this site so that we can, once again, enjoy God's Word through this delightful work. ... Read more

Book Description

The teens of today have more to juggle in their lives than teens did in the past.

This audiobook, like its predecessor, will be their guide- a beacon in the darkness, a safe haven in a storm, a warm hug in the cold and a respite from loneliness. More than just teaching lessons of survival and success, this book offers guidance, encouragement, support, and most of all, love.

The stories in this collection will show teens the importance of friendship, family, self-respect, dreams and life. ... Read more

Reviews (142)

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II
For those many readers who liked the first edition of Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, here comes yet another helping, with 101 more stories on subjects such as love, friendship, random acts of kindness, etc. This volume contains even more poems that you can read quickly when you just need a boost of self-confidence. This book has even more stories on relationships, how to overcome obstacles and learning important lessons. I have to say that I liked this Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul better than the previous ones, because there is even more stories dealing with tough stuff such as anorexia, divorce, etc. Each story is unique in its own way but one thing is for sure: each story touches the reader and makes them stop and think about how all of their actions have consequences, some good, some bad.

Jennifer Love Hewitt contributed yet another story for this book, as well as Andrew Keegan and Elisa Donovan. I strongly encourage teenagers, pre-teens and even adults to read this book in order to better understand the feelings teenagers' are experiencing, and how to deal with these often confusing emotions. Lovers for the Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul will not be disappointed, especially when they learn that a Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul III is also in stores.

Chicken Soup For The Teenage Soul 2
...Chicken Soups are books written by readers of real life stories about either their life or someone else's. There are many Chicken Soup books directed to certain people, mostly by ages. Some of them are Chicken Soup for anyone to read, Chicken Soup for kids, for mothers, for fathers, for parents for Christians, teenagers and many others. This particular book is the second version of the Chicken Soups for Teenagers. It has one hundred and one more stories about the life of teenagers. The writers of stories have written about the following topics: Relationships, Friendship, Love and Kindness, Tough Stuff, Family, Learning Lessons, Making a Difference and Growing Up. All these are topics, which teenagers can relate to as they all experience things connected to the topics. The authors of the topics vary, most of them are written by teenagers. Some of the stories are even written by parents who have teenagers and sometimes celebrities write in a story. In this particular book actress Jennifer Love Hewitt wrote a story about friendship. In addition not only are there stories but there are also poems.
Chicken Soup Teenage Soul II has a story written by Jennifer Love Hewitt, which is known to have attracted many people to read this edition. Her particular story is on the topic of friendship. The title of the story is "A Friend For Life." This story is about Jennifer Love Hewitt meeting a young girl named Nicole who is suffering from cancer. Jennifer Love Hewitt was asked by an organization to help young people with sickness have their dream come true. Nicole's dream was to meet the actress. The story explains the kind of personality Nicole had towards life, even though she was suffering from cancer. Jennifer Love Hewitt explains about her full-of-energy life, how she didn't want anyone to pity her, she just wanted to live a normal life, she was just so positive about everything. Jennifer Love Hewitt mentions that her experience with Nicole is a day she'll never forget and that would affect her forever. Nicole was and always will her inspiration.
This is a book, which teenagers can connect with. By reading it they can realize that they aren't alone when it comes to certain conflicts or struggles in common daily life a teenager could experience. Every story and poem all have life lessons and morals to learn from, take notice of and understand. It is classified as an inspirational book and is very uplifting.

Chicken soup for the teenage soul II
If you like poems and love stories then this is the book for you . It talks about lost loves can broken hearts.This book is also about friendships and family too!
One of my favorite poems is called inside , by Melssa Collette because it relates to my life called inside, it is very good. Another good poem is called Confussed , by Anonymous. The authors are jack Cnafeild Mark Ulcter Hansen , and Kimberly Kirberger.When I read this book it warmed my hear. I would recomend this book to anyone.

Chicken soup for the teenage soul II
Chicken soup for the teenage soul II¡Xa book of love, life and learning by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Kimberly Kirberger made the #1 New York Times bestseller list and made my list of meaningful books.
In a way Chicken soup made me feel that I am not the only one left alone with all my teenage problems. There are a lot of kids my age out there who are dealing with the exact same problems and more.
The importance of this book is not to read all those love or sad stories that you usually see in movies, but actually to relate many of these real experiences in your life! It¡¦s like a guidebook, an instruction book or a reference guide that you can always flip back to when you¡¦re having a hard time. These experiences can be used to consult the way other teens have struggled through situations that we might encounter and help us to develop our own path to solving our problems.
Another reason I would recommend this book is that its inspirational stories can help counter all the negative stories we get from the media. It gives people the other side of the story that there is hope for the human race.
There is one shocking story of bravery that stuck in my mind called ¡§Hero of the ¡¦Hood¡¨, about Mike Powell, whose mother, Cheryl, was fifteen when she had Mike. Fonso, Mike¡¦s father, had psychological problems, and after he was released from prison, he forced Mike to do pushups for hours when Mike was only four. When Mike was barely eight, Fonso was murdered, and Cheryl brought home Marcel who was even worse and got her hooked on cocaine. Marcel was violent and often did horrible things to all Cheryl¡¦s kids. Cheryl began not to return home more and more often, leaving only Mike to take care of all his younger brothers and sisters. When it was the right age for them to be educated, Mike encouraged them to go to school, get good grades and be model citizens. At last Mike and all his seven other brothers and sisters were rescued and went to live with their grandparents. Though they still struggle, the children are in a loving environment, and Mike is pursuing his goal to start a small company that can help street kids who were like he and his siblings once were.
When I read these real life struggles for decent life, I feel that my problems are really not so insurmountable, and that if people can keep hoping and have confidence that what they are doing is right, even though the path is so difficult, then they will succeed.

chicken soup for the teenage soul II
Chicken soup for the teenage soul II was a fun book! THis book never got boring, it always had something interesting to learn about. Many of the stories made me cry, laugh and left me wondering of what happen to the person in the story. These are the stories that real teens want to hear about because, they come from teens that have experienced some struggles along their life, and want other teens to learn from their mistakes. I give this book an A+ for the awsome stories that make you not want to put the book down. ... Read more

Book Description

‘Danny returns to the museum to invite his dinosaur friend to his sixth birthday party. As in the original book, the dinosaur does things with his own unique twist, providing the humor beginning readers will enjoy. Though the illustrations are now fully colored, the characters and their expressions leave no doubt that these are the same friends from the past—with a bright future and deserving a spot on beginning-reader shelves.’—SLJ.

Children's Choices for 1996 (IRA/CBC) ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Danny +Dino
In the second of the Danny and the dinosaur books, Danny goes back to the museum to invite the dinosaur to his birthday party. The dinosaur is glad to accept, and, as it turns out, today is his birthday too!

The story flows better than Danny and the dinosaur, and the few conversations are more believable. Danny and the dinosaur have changed slightly, and the pictures don't have quite the same style as in the first book. The pictures are cute, even if the solid colors they are filled in with make them look kind of harsh.

The reasons I give this book four stars are the words are still a bit awkward, the plot is rather strained (pointless escapades added to lengthen the plot and nothing really happens), and finally because the book in general lacks a charm that other books contain in abundance.

Loggie-log-log-log

Not one of Hoff's best
Sorry, this book reeks to me of late-career "cashing in" on the D&tD legend. For me, Hoff's original "Danny and the Dinosaur" is a classic work, a brilliantly simple book, with a lovely fantasy story and exquisitely simple, highly memorable illustrations.

Unfortunately "Happy Birthday" was drawn by Hoff in his eighties, and the illustrations barely resemble the characters I know and love. Sad to say, it looks like the poor guy can barely control the pen. I can't deny that Hoff (and now, his estate) deserves every penny he could squeeze from his beloved characters, but the characters (and the readers) do deserve better than this weak sequel.

Happy Birthday, Danny and the Dinosaurs
The print type in this book is larger enough for a beginner reader to point to an not lose there place. My son enjoys reading this story as much as I did when I was his age. ... Read more

Book Description

Not many months have passed since teenager Alexander Cold followed his bold grandmother into the heart of the Amazon to uncover its legendary Beast. This time, reporter Kate Cold escorts her grandson and his closest friend, Nadia, along with the photographers from International Geographic on a journey to another remote niche of the world in the Himalayas. The team's task is to locate its fabled golden dragon, a sacred statue and priceless oracle that can foretell the future of the kingdom.

In their scramble to reach the statue before it is destroyed by the greed of an outsider, Alexander and Nadia must use the transcendent power of their totemic animal spirits -- Jaguar and Eagle. With the aid of a sage Buddhist monk, his young royal disciple, and a fierce tribe of Yeti warriors, Alexander and Nadia fight to protect the holy rule of the golden dragon.

Isabel Allende once again leads readers on a fantastical voyage of suspense, magic, and awe-inspiring adventure in this riveting follow-up to City of the Beasts.

Performed by Blair Brown

Reviews (4)

Has a freaky attitude
Isabel Allende's "Kingdom of the Golden Dragon" seems like a cool book at first. It has a village of yetis, indomitable Buddhist monks, and a talking statue made out of gold. Though her writing drags, she has some good ideas.

But she really puts out some weird and disturbing ideas as well. Allende seems to have a problem with Americans in general. Her ideal 'Forbidden Kingdom' is a benevolent dictatorship, where the king gets to tell people how to dress, restricts what Western influences they get to see, and generally controls their lives according to his whims. The sheep like subjects all like that. And this is shown as a good thing. Call me a materialistic, soulless Westerner, as I'm sure Allende would, but I call that a lack of freedom and rights.

Who knows why Allende doesn't think much of Americans. But it's weird that she puts forward an ideal civilization that is far from ideal. And unfortunately, the Forbidden Kingdom wrecks the rest of the book.

captivating
My mom and I both read this book and Allende's previous City of the Beasts. I read it in a few days which is very fast for me. I recommend this book for anyone who likes a great mystical adventure. I never found myself bored or not liking Allendes writing.

This "Kingdom" doesn't rule
Someone stop Isabel Allende before she writes more fantasy. The reknowned author of "House of the Spirits" is out of her element in her second excruciating fantasy for teens, "Kingdom of the Golden Dragon." Tepid thrills, horrible love stories and constant preaching bog down a thin plot until it collapses.

In the Himalayas, Buddhist monk Tensing and his crown-prince sidekick encounter the legendary Yetis, and save the meager tribe from extinction. Elsewhere, Alexander Cold (who now insists on being called "Jaguar") accompanies his grandmother to the Kingdom of the Golden Dragon, a place that allows virtually no outside (read: American) influence inside. Nadia comes along with them.

But things take a nasty turn when Nadia and a bunch of other girls are kidnapped by the Sect of the Scorpion, a band of vicious warriors. Alexander goes after his friend, only to stumble into Tensing, who has rescued Nadia. Then they uncover a sinister plot to kidnap the king, and that the Sect is planning to make off with a magical statue that tells the future.

In "City of the Beasts," Allende couldn't stop preaching. In "Kingdom," she's gotten even worse. While talking about how wonderful the isolationist dictatorship Kingdom is, she condemns the materialism of (yes, again) the nasty nature-destroying Western civilization. And again, there are more hairy subhuman beastie tribes -- although the "army of Yetis" scene is more funny than thrilling.

Her preaching doesn't end there, either -- her slobbering monologues on the tenets of Buddhism get old fast, like listening to someone reading from a religious pamphlet. And with a complete lack of subtlety, she makes the villain a cartoonish megamogul, and the heroes a band of pure-hearted, nature-loving pacifists.

Does Allende's writing salvage the wilted plot? In a word... no. Her writing is tepid and lacking in detail, the pace is glacial, and the attraction between Nadia's pal and the prince turns into true love in about five pages. Perhaps the most annoying fact is that the characters are never really in danger. Whether it's invincible martial arts, healing with "the energy of the universe," telepathy or turning invisible, the heroes have a superpower for every occasion. I have yet to meet a Buddhist monk who could do half the things Tensing does.

Allende seems reluctant to spend any time actually developing the characters. Alexander and Nadia, being "pure of heart," are about as fun as dental surgery. Alexander in particular has shed any skepticism and quirks, and now believes everything he hears. In short, he has essentially become a male version of Nadia, who dazzles the idiot natives with her little tricks. And super-monk Tensing drops strings of cliches ("We are what we think. Our thoughts construct the world") before sauntering off to kick butt.

Isabel Allende's sophomore excursion into the world of young adult fantasy proves that "City of the Beasts" was not a solitary flop. With hideously bad characters, a dull plot and plenty of magical saves, "Kingdom of the Golden Dragon" is one for the reject pile.

Fantastic Sequel to 'City of the Beasts'
Sixteen-year-old Alexander Cold, and his partner in adventure, Nadia Santos, are back, only this time their journey takes them someplace a lot colder, and much less wet. The two of them are traveling to the frosty peaks of the Himalayas. Using their acquired power from the totemic animal spirits, the Jaguar and the Eagle, the two of them are forced to not only locate, but to also fight to protect the kigdom's sacred treasure, the Golden Dragon, before it is too late, and it is destroyed by a greedy, power hungry individual, who is an outsider to the Himalayas, and a threat to everyone occupying the frosty peaks.

After reading CITY OF THE BEASTS, I had doubt in my mind that Allende would be able to caupture the essence of another adventure featuring Alexander and Nadia. However, I will admit, I was very wrong. KINGDOM OF THE GOLDEN DRAGON was an amazing book, filled with mystery, mayhem, and adventure, that will have readers clinging to their seats in anticipation of what is to come next, and unable to put this gripping novel down at all. Fans of Allende's previous book in the series, CITY OF THE BEASTS, will find that KINGDOM OF THE GOLDEN DRAGON is an enchanting thrill ride. I'm only sorry to see it end, and I hope to be able to read more about Alexander and Nadia's adventures in the future. Great work, Ms. Allende!

Erika Sorocco ... Read more

Book Description

Another exciting collection of Adventures in Odyssey episodes is now available in CD format and repackaged cassette! In The FUN-damentals, the Odyssey kids manage to get themselves into all kinds of interesting predicaments. But with a little help from John Avery Wittaker, the kids learn that God can guide them through anything.

In Volume 4 of the Adventures in Odyssey series, children of all ages will hear more of their favorite episodes, including:

• "By Faith, Noah"
• "The Prodigal, Jimmy"
• "A Matter of Obedience"
• "And When You Pray…"
• "A Good and Faithful Servant"
• "Choices"
• And many more!

Book Description

The Veritas Project team has a new assignment: To find the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of two runaways. When one runaway turns up totally out of his mind, and a government agent steps in to take over the case, the Springfields continue their own investigation. The twins, Elijah and Elisha, go undercover, posing as runaways. What happens next will keep readers on the edges of their seats as the twins end up in a strange academy where Truth is challenged, a gang-like war develops, and Elijah is taken to an ominous mansion from which no one has ever returned. A great thriller with a realistic look at right and wrong.

Reviews (29)

Awesome Book!
Nightmare Academy was an overall awesome, thriller fiction book. I'd have to say the book was one of the most suspenseful books I've read. After the first few chapters, which start out slow compared to the rest of the book, I couldn't put it down. Nightmare Academy is about a family, the Springfields, who are put on a case to find out how a boy's memory was almost completely wiped out. The Springfield's twins, Elijah and Elisha, act like homeless kids and are taken in by a mysterious woman. They are asked to stay the night at her hotel, but when they wake up, they are in a completely different place where rules don't exist and all communication to the outside world is gone. Their parents have to find them before they are killed or turn out like the boy who almost lost his memory. I won't give away any more of the book, but I would recommend it to anyone.
I would suggest that the reader reads the first book in the series, Hangman's Curse, before they read Nightmare Academy so that you can get to know the characters and also read another good book. Frank Peretti, the author, does an amazing job at building mystery and suspense. He also described the characters so well that I felt like I really knew them by the end of the book. Additionally, the tension and excitement by the end of the book makes you feel like you have to keep on reading until the end.
In conclusion, Nightmare Academy is a very good book, except for the slow beginning, that I would recommend to any fiction lover. The plot is excellent and the characters have interesting personalities that anyone could enjoy.

A page-turner that pummels...
"Nightmare Academy" is book two in "The Veritas Project" series. Reading like a mix of the old TV show "Millennium" and the "Spy Kids" movies, but with a distinctly Christian worldview, The Veritas Project books follow the adventures of the Springfield family (Dad Nate, mom Sarah, and teen wondertwins, Elijah and Elisha) as they fight the bad guys with the help of the shadowy Veritas leader, Mr. Morgan, and the imprimatur of the President himself.

Summoned to aid a teen found in the middle of a rural road, his mind completely jumbled, the Springfields follow the boy's lead (during a rare lucid moment) to a youth center in Seattle. The center offers young runaways an unusual proposition, one which has potentially lethal consequences. The twins, posing as street kids in order to investigate for Veritas, are soon in the belly of the beast. After agreeing to the offer, they find themselves shuttled off to a mysterious school attempting to rewrite societal conventions, The Knight-Moore Academy.

Unaware of the exact location of the school, and unable to remember how they arrived, Elisha and Elijah are forced to match wits with many other kids and their eerie instructors. The school's staff - a generation and a couple continents removed from their kindred found in "The Manchurian Candidate" - attempt to rewire the students' thinking via clever verbal manipulations (and a few physical ones, as well.) Black becomes white and truth whatever one makes of it. While their parents search cross-country for them, the twins battle the brainwashing by holding true to God and His absolutes, becoming outsiders in the student body. Soon the social engineering wreaks "Lord of the Flies"-like consequences and what masquerades on the surface as a rarified prep school soon promises a learning experience no youth could ever imagine, even in their worst nightmares.

Frank Peretti's foray into youth fiction should please young readers looking for a thriller with solid, evangelical Christian values. A definite page-turner, "Nightmare Academy" has the needed creepiness balanced by biblical morality to give one the shivers without the guilt induced by reading something of questionable taste. The strong message that relativism is senseless and can only bring the downfall of our society, leaving us prey to nefarious forces, is reinforced on nearly every page.

Yet while this comprises the basic theme of the entire book, it comes off being heavy handed (though, sadly, not unlike many other books in this genre.) As Christian writers attempt to counter youth-oriented lit that fails to embrace traditional biblical values with sanitized, message-driven lit of their own, they've yet to really come up with books that drive truth home with more subtlety. C. S. Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia" is the archetype, but rarely has it been done better. Attempting to shoehorn concepts espoused in "The Left Behind " series into other writings also bedevils books like these. Rather than creating a unique vision, they merely look like copies of everything else. Even the best works are missing that magical quality that gives them life unto themselves. The result is, therefore, always mildly disappointing.

So while "Nightmare Academy" is a decent escape, its fire is nearly snuffed by the unfortunate hamhandedness of the presentation of its message. Discerning readers, even the young, will get the point immediately. We just need to have it presented more deftly - less sledgehammer, more skillful storytelling. Peretti is one of the foremost evangelical novelists out there, blessed with the chops to make it work. We should expect better.

Another nice read.
"Hangman's Curse" and "Nightmare Academy" are entertaining and easy reads. If you've been doing heavy research or reading this is a good switch. Light, and fun, I enjoyed it after a long study program I was in.. I read both books back to back so this review will be seen under both books.

I liked "The Visitation" better, but all three are worthy of your money..

Great, a amazingly good book........
Its a shame how few good christian teen writers there are. I read alot so I should have a clue what I am talking about. And I think that this is incredibly good. All they need to do is make a movie about it , like Hangmans Curse. If you think this book preaches. It doesn't. I grew up in the church and I know what I am talking about. Unless your loking for the sermon, you won't feel preached. Enjoy the the book for what it is and read more Frank Peretti

I am a typical teen w/issues and found refuge in this book.
You know, i read everyone else's reviews and laughed. Obviously, they were written by parents. The truth is, the point of Nightmare Academy was that no matter what happens to you or what situation you are put in, God is stable ground. He will always stand firm and when you need him, he will be there for you. The book is written for teens, not adults. The message is clear and instead of looking at it from a political/professional view, look through your faith. I LOVE the way it intertwines action and killer ability to use technology. Elijah and Elisha are 21st century action heroes. Frank Peretti, you are a gifted writer, talent in reaching a person's mind, and expanding a teens view of the world. I WANT MORE!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

When Whit and his young Odyssey pals get going, you'll always find exciting drama and lasting value lessons.Here are the stories you'll find inside this six-cassette album:Back to Bethlehem, Someone to Watch Over Me, Melanie's Diary, Isaac the Procrastinator, The Second Coming, Emotional Baggage, and more!

Book Description

Read by the author, Alanis Morissete, LeVar Burton and a full cast
approx. 6 hours
4 cassettes

From the author of the bestselling Conversations with God series comes an audiobook just for TEENS!

Conversations with God for Teens incorporates all the questions that teenagers from every corner of the globe are asking, and the answers they have received from God.

To compile questions for this book, the author traveled all over the world to speak with young people in order to accurately incorporate their unique issues into his personal dialogue with God.The result is, in the words of the author, "one of the first books ever to speak to teens from God's point of view."


... Read more

Reviews (59)

Truth
This is a great book for teens. I have two teen boys and I am happy that they have this book. It's very no-nonsense and approachable, all about love and acceptance - things that are important and kids want to talk about. It makes the reader think, and shows how we can have to take responsibility for our own lives and our own decisions.

Not for true Christians
I must first start out in saying that in no way am I a Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell type of Christian. I'm extremely liberal, in fact. I bought this book because I thought it'd shed some light on some of my own beliefs, plus I love Alanis Morissette.
First of all, I don't care who you are, do not presume that you can convey the voice of God to me. Do not type on a page His words, unless you have a Bible verse to back it up.
Secondly, the author totally disregards the Bible in this book...Sex? You want to have sex? Go right ahead, do what you want! Is that really the message you want to give your teenage kids? I'm only 17 myself, but goodness...as if there isn't enough pressure in the world already..
There are far better books out there on God than this one, and no, they aren't always extremely judgemental and hypocritical.

A truly blessed work ...
...FREE YOUR MIND. Share the beautiful, loving possibilites of God. Share your ideas. Share this book.

Thank you Neale Donald Walsch for having the courage to share your valid, wonderful version of God. I prefer this God to the horrible, judgemental God of Dobson & the "Christian Right".

I am getting my Master's degree in High School Guidance Counseling, and will be sure to share this book as often as needed.

GREAT BOOK
I just want to share what i think, first i think this is an amazing non religous book, the author is not having a conversation with GOD (the one the you all believe in)this is the god that we all have inside the one that we all want to believe in the one that could really change the world! this book says taht god is life itself and we all are life itself , so we are all god pieces of god , life is god.. we have created the world ( you should read some antropologist book as well) nothing exist without the meaning that we gave to anything without that meaning theres nothing.
well i think everybody in the world should read a conversations with god book , specially teens , that way the world would be a lot more different.
excelente introduccion by Alanis Morissette...the final part of the foreword it is just what we all would like to hear.

really great book!
why it is so hard to catholics and christians to accept? anything different? wel.. this book does nothing but accept .

Another dangerous book ...
Before you buy this book, read the sample pages provided by Amazon and you will get at least a small hint that this is a dangerous book. The real danger, however, lies in the pages that Amazon chose not to show us. Very bad stuff here from this secular humanist author! If, on the other hand, you believe that nothing is wrong, that "anything goes" and "if it feels good, do it," perhaps this is a book you will want your teen to read. In my opinion, kids deserve better than this relativistic tripe. ... Read more

Book Description

Catch all the excitement of the Adventures In Odyssey® radio drama in these action packed volumes, each featuring twelve 30 minute episodes. Available on either cassette or compact disc, these radio shows provide hours of listening fun for children while teaching important values, principles, and truths.

Reviews (1)

Great Listening
My children beg for Adventures in Odyssey CD's whenever we get in our van. They love the stories. They are very exciting and keep you wanting more. Great Content! We have odyssey tapes and cd's for the house and for the van. Great for long rides. ... Read more

Book Description

The perfect companion to William J. Bennett's number-one bestseller; The Book of Virtues, The Children's Book of Virtues is the ideal storybook for parents and children to enjoy together:

With selections from The Book of Virtues, from Aesop and Robert Frost to George Washington's life as well as Native American and African folklore, The Children's Book of Virtues brings together timeless stories and poems from around the world.

The stories have been chosen especially for a young audience to help parents introduce to their children the essentials of good character: Courage, Perseverance, Responsibility, Work, Self-discipline, Compassion, Faith, Honesty, Loyalty, and Friendship.

Lavishly illustrated by the well-known artist Michael Hague, these wonderful stories and the virtues they illustrate come to life on these pages.

The Children's Book of Virtues is an enduring treasury of literature and art that will help lead young minds toward what is noble and gentle and fine. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated book!
William Bennett has written the perfect compliment to his Book of Virtues. The Childr