If you have an early elementary student, chances are you have heard of or even read the Magic Tree House series. Peanut loves the adventure in them, and I am always amazed how the books make her want to learn even more about the time period, location, or topic presented. That said, there are a few things that hang me up about Magic Tree House including the “billions of years ago” lingo and consistent reference to magical powers and such.
That is why I was very excited to learn about the new Adventures in Odyssey Imagination Station series. Have you heard of it? It is very similar to Magic Tree House, with one exception–it’s Christian-based. Instead of magic taking two kids on an adventure, it’s their imagination. Instead of magic making things happen, prayer does. Instead of saying “some people believe that…,” it’s simply put as “God did this…”.
We just recently finished book #15, Surprise at Yorktown, which is all about the Revolutionary War surrender. Two cousins, Patrick and Beth, are whisked away in the Imagination Station to colonial times and end up on the British sidelines. Their goal–to get to George Washington in time to tell him the British’s plan to escape. Without giving too much away, I was amazed to see how prayer, faith in God, and perseverance interwove throughout the whole story. At the end George Washington is even found praying for the forgiveness of our nation’s sins and asked that the government would be wise and kind. It almost sounds like a prayer we could continue praying today.
How much did Peanut like Surprise at Yorktown? Well she is now calling some of her stuffed animals Patrick and Beth and asking to learn even more about early American history so I say it was a hit.
All that to say, if you have children from 5-9, this is definitely a recommended read. And, since each book is under $5, they would make great stocking stuffers too!
