Saturday, November 21, 2015

It Is Well With My Soul: The Story Behind the Hymn

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Horatio Spafford
Image Credit:  Creator Unknown - Public Domain Image - via Wikimedia Commons
The words to the well known hymn, It Is Well With My Soul, were written by a Chicago lawyer by the name of Horatio Spafford. When Spafford wrote the heart gripping words to the hymn, he was not insinuating that all things were going well in his life. In fact, Spafford’s words were meant as a song of thanksgiving and praise to our God in the midst of deep grief and loss as a result of a series of tragedies that can only be imagined by most.

Horatio Spafford and the Song "It Is Well With My Soul"


In the 1860s, Horatio and his wife, Anna, lived in Chicago. The Spaffords were friends with D.L. Moody and were well known in Chicago for their support of the preacher. By 1870, in spite of a successful career, Horatio and Anna Spafford began to suffer a series of tragedies that would change their lives forever, beginning with the death of their son. His death was the result of Scarlet Fever at the tender age of four. Approximately one year later, a large portion of Spafford’s real estate holdings were lost as a result of the Great Chicago Fire. Spafford lost his life’s savings.


In 1873, D.L. Moody was planning an evangelistic campaign in Great Britain. Horatio, Anna, and their four daughters planned to join Moody. They were eager to help and eager to get away after suffering such losses. In November of 1873, the Spaffords traveled to New York in anticipation of boarding the French ship, Ville de Havre. Before the family sailed, Horatio was called back to Chicago in order to tend a last minute business development. Horatio did not want to spoil the trip for his family so he headed back to Chicago alone and sent his wife and daughters ahead to Europe. He planned to join them later. Nine days later, Spafford’s wife, Anna, sent him a telegram from Wales. The telegram read, “Saved alone.”

The French ship, Ville de Havre, had collided with an English vessel, The Lochearn, on November 22, 1873. It took only 12 minutes to sink, taking 226 lives with it. Anna’s last memories were of her daughter being ripped from her arms by the raging waters. She alone had been rescued from the debris. All four daughters died in the accident.

Horatio boarded the next ship out of New York to join Anna. During the voyage to Europe, the ship’s captain called Horatio Spafford to the ship’s bridge. It was there that the captain explained to Horatio that they were passing over the spot where his daughters had perished. Horatio returned to his cabin and wrote It Is Well With My Soul .
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
  • Refrain:
    It is well, with my soul,
    It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.


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How to Not Ruin Your Life

How to Not Ruin Your Life


Scrapbook from Manila File Folders

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Scrapbook from Manila File Folders
Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Every time I try to get into scrapbooking, I get discouraged. I’m not especially creative and making a memorable scrapbook can be time consuming.   I enjoy digital scrapbooking because there is no mess and I can do it all right on my laptop by placing photos into premade template pages.

However, I do get the occasional urge to make a few cutsy scrapbook pages and try again. My problem is patience. I don’t have any.

Recently, I learned that some people make mini scrapbook albums from envelopes, paper bags, and manila folders.

These albums can be made within a few hours and they make great gifts with or without added photos.

Here is how I made mine:

 Make a Scrapbook from Manila File Folders


First, I obtained four manila file folders. It doesn’t matter if there are marks or writing on it because any imperfections will be covered with decorative paper.

I cut the tabbed edges from the folder so that all the edges match up evenly. Then, I opened the folder up and folded it upward to make a horizontal crease which resulted in four sections with creases. With scissors, I cut the folder up along the vertical crease, but only halfway. This is so that the pages will open up correctly while viewing photos. After I cut the folder, I folded up the flaps and then folded the folder together to make the first pages of my undecorated book. I did the same thing with three other manila folders.

After all the folders were cut and folded, I used a hole puncher to punch holes in the binding and then stapled the folders (pages) together. I’m glad I punched the holes before I stapled the folders together. Otherwise, the book would have been too thick for my stapler.

Scrapbook from Manila File Folders

Scrapbook from Manila File Folders

Scrapbook from Manila File Folders

Then, I flipped through and decided what I wanted each page to look like. I cut and trimmed to make packets on some pages while other pages folded down.

Scrapbook from Manila File Folders

Then, I decorated each page with coordinating papers. This particular book features a sports theme. Inside the pockets of my book, I added tabs. They look like book marks. I added decorative paper to one side where small photos can be applied. On the other side, I pasted white paper for journaling. Photos can be arranged on the pocket and back page and on the tabs. While viewing the photos, the tabs can be pulled out so that the person viewing the photos can read about the event.

Finally, I added two rings on the binding and I attached ribbons to the tabs. My book was finished. I made this particular book as a gift for a friend. She will add her own photos later.

These books are adorable and can be made fairly quickly. They make cute gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and even weddings. You can make one for vacation photos or you can make brag books for new parents and/or grandparents. The possibilities are limitless.

Helpful Hints:

Make sure you staple any pockets before adding decorative paper. Otherwise, the staples will show.

Use a quick drying glue. I used Modge Podge for decoupage because it last forever and dries quickly. However, this means you will have to place your decorative paper carefully and quickly. Once you place the paper, you won’t be able to remove it without tearing it off.

(Some people use glues sticks, but I don’t recommend it. Stick glue does not adhere well over time and you want this book to last.)

You can decorate the pages before stapling them together if you like. This way, you can get the decorative paper all the way into the inner binding. However, when I tried this with my second book, I ran into a few problems. I had forgotten to staple pockets together before attaching my paper. I also forgot to consider the binding when centering paper and placing journaling areas. I ended up having to trim part of a decorative frame off in order to make a page fold properly.

Don’t forget to cover the binding with paper for neatness.

Below are photos of my finished product.

Scrapbook from Manila File Folders

Scrapbook from Manila File Folders

Scrapbook from Manila File Folders

Scrapbook from Manila File Folders

Scrapbook from Manila File Folders

Scrapbook from Manila File Folders

Scrapbook from Manila File Folders

Scrapbook from Manila File Folders

Scrapbook from Manila File Folders

Scrapbook from Manila File Folders





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Friday, November 20, 2015

Chattanooga, Tennessee: Family Activities

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Chattanooga, Tennessee: Family Activities
Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Recently, my family visited Chattanooga, Tennessee. We live approximately two and one-half hours from the city and visit there from time to time, but our visits are usually short and restricted to only activities that will fit into a short weekend. This year, we needed a family friendly vacation within a short distance from home so we decided to spend an entire week in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We found Chattanooga to be an incredibly family friendly place to visit. Residents there have spent a great deal of time, money, and efforts to improve the city’s previously neglected areas. Parks, bridges, and shopping venues have been added to the city’s attractions and older attractions have been well-kept and improved. Chattanooga, Tennessee is a perfect place to spend quality with the most special people on earth, family.

Chattanooga, Tennessee Family Activities

Chattanooga Lookouts Minor League Baseball Game


While visiting Chattanooga, be sure to take in a baseball game. The Chattanooga Lookouts’ is the local minor league baseball team and the stadium is located within walking distance from the Tennessee Aquarium and Imax Theater. The tickets are well priced and the stadium is rarely crowded. The mascots put on a great show and you never know who might show up to surprise the fans. When my family attended the game, we were entertained by the famous San Diego Chicken. A minor league baseball game is an inexpensive way to entertain a family and add to the experience of a Chattanooga vacation.

Baseball Game
Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

 Dinner Aboard The Southern Belle


The Tennessee River offers several opportunities for family fun along the Chattanooga shores. One unique experience is a meal, lunch or dinner, aboard the Riverboat The “Southern Belle”. Once a family boards the boat, they are guided to their assigned seats. After all passengers have boarded, dinner is served buffet style. An attendant will ask a few tables at a time to begin the line. The last few tables to be served must practice a bit of patience; however, the boat is small so this method of service does seem to be the best option. Passengers are offered several desserts to finish the meal. Once dinner is over, passengers may remain below, in the dining room for relaxation, dancing, and singing. Others may spend the remainder of the tour above deck while enjoying the beautiful Chattanooga evening. The dinner tours run about two hours long and provide another unique experience along the Tennessee River.

Dinner Cruise
Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

 The Tennessee Aquarium


The Tennessee Aquarium offers a world of aquatic exploration for all ages. Visitors will find the Ocean Journey Building just as pleasing as The River Journey Building. Both experiences are sure to be remembered as a vacation favorite as families view the world of sharks, sea horses, sting ray, jellyfish, aquatic plants, and much more. Watch for divers as they interact with the animals and maintain the tank. Be sure to visit the Aquarium’s Butterfly Garden. Visitors may obtain a chart which features photographs and descriptions of various types of butterflies. Then, they are encouraged to move about the room and discover all the varieties of the beautiful creatures and the plants among which they live. Butterflies are fragile creatures so please encourage gentleness and respect for the butterflies and their habitat.

 The Tennessee Aquarium


Tennessee Aquarium
Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

 The Butterfly Garden


Butterfly Garden
Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

Chattanooga’s North Shore


Across the bridge from Downtown Chattanooga, visit the North Shore shopping district. This older section of town has been given a new look with the addition of Coolidge Park and renovated shops. Coolidge Park offers a walkway alongside the Tennessee River which includes a small, but usually uncrowded water play area and carousel. Along the sidewalks are engraved footprints that teach steps to dances such as the Waltz, the Cha-Cha, and the Twist. The first two shops were stocked with finer items such as jewelry, paintings, and collectibles. Further down the street, visit River City Apparel for affordable clothing such as dresses, blouses, and accessories. For the more artistic visitors, step inside Art Creations for a large variety of art supplies such as brushes, canvases, paints, easels, and various other necessities. Prices are more than reasonable and artists are bound to leave the store well supplied for their next project.

North Shore
Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living
North Shore
Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living
Chattanooga, Tennessee: Family Activities
Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

The Tennessee Riverpark


Chattanooga visitors must take a stroll or bicycle ride along the Tennessee Riverpark. The Riverpark provides miles of walkway alongside the beautiful Tennessee River. Along the way, you will find rest areas complete with pic-nic tables and stationary charcoal grills, trash receptacles, clean restrooms, and mile markers. Walkers and bicycle riders enjoy a variety of atmosphere including tree covered shaded areas, sunny areas beside the waters, straightaways and curves, all adorned with trees and flowering plants. An individual or a family might choose to walk the entire distance or choose to walk only a short distance as we chose to do with our family. Park your vehicle in a number of marked parking lots along the way, walk a mile or two, and then return to your vehicle. Couples might enjoy a nice romantic evening walk. Families with young children can easily stroll infants and toddlers along in their strollers. Students from Chattanooga colleges and universities often find a nice place to study along the trail. Visitors are allowed to fish as well. The park prohibits skateboards, swimming, alcoholic beverages, and reckless behavior. The park is enjoyed by individuals and families of all ages.

The Tennessee Riverpark


Tennessee Riverpark
Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

The River Gorge Explorer


Another “must do” while visiting Chattanooga, Tennessee is the River Gorge Explorer boat ride. The River Gorge Explorer is a Tennessee Aquarium activity which proves to be one of Chattanooga’s most exciting adventures. The boat carries its passengers approximately sixteen miles down the Tennessee River while featuring both fast and slow rides along the river. The boat slows for other boaters, docks, and barges; then speeds up for a bit. Once the boat enters the gorge, passengers are allowed to enjoy several minutes above deck while enjoying the Chattanooga sunshine as the boat remains at a slower pace. A tour guide interacts with passengers while identifying various wildlife along the way. The ride lasts approximately two hours.

Tennessee Aquarium Boat Ride
Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living
Read more about places to visit in Chattanooga, Tennessee here.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

I’ll Always Love You by Paeony Lewis

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I’ll Always Love You by Paeony Lewis

 I'll Always Love You by Paeony Lewis


I’ll Always Love You by Paeony Lewis is one of my favorite children’s books. I used to read it to my children over and over again. They loved the book as much as I do. Young children sometimes don’t understand the difference between temporary frustration or anger over something they have done and general dislike for them. If a parent of caregiver is upset with them and scolds them for something they have done wrong, they might interpret that behavior as “she doesn’t love me anymore.” I always wanted my children to know that I would always love them no matter what they do. I might get frustrated with them, even angry with them, but I will always love them. True love is unconditional. I’ll Always Love You is a sweet illustration of the unconditional love between a mama bear and her cub.

Uh Oh!

Alex is an adorable little bear cub who wakes up one morning with the ambition to to please his mother by doing something special for her. In the process of completing his thoughtful task, he makes a mistake. Alex, under the influence of his tender little heart, worries about what his mother will think of him when she finds out what he has done.

He asks his mother, “Mom, will you only love me if I’m good?”
 
Alex’s mother assures him that she will always love him.

“Even when I’ve done something that isn’t good?” he asked his mother.

Alex’s mother promises him that she will always love him.

Alex continues to question his mother by presenting her with different possible scenarios which he could get himself into. His mother patiently assures him that she will love him in spite of every circumstance but she is careful to point out what the consequences of each behavior might be.

 When Alex and his mother make their way into their kitchen for breakfast, his mother discovers Alex’s mistake. She is surprised by what she sees and lets out an “Oh no!” which causes Alex do doubt his mother’s promise that she will always love him.

As a parent, I can appreciate Alex’s next response as I have heard it many times from the mouths of my own “not so innocent” little children, “I love you.”

After another hug and promise of unconditional love from his mother, Alex finds a very creative way to make up for his mistake which leads both him and his mother into a very happy little ending to a sweet little bear story.

I’ll Always Love You by Paeony Lewis was illustrated by Penny Ives. It was first published in 2000. The book remains a childhood favorite in the memories of my own children and I am sure it will be a favorite for all children and adults who read this adorable little book. It promises to be a classic for generations to come.


I’ll Always Love You by Paeony Lewis

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Wednesday, November 18, 2015

The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll

The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll

Fall is a wonderful time of year to relax, enjoy cooler weather, beautiful colors, and read a good book. One of the best ways to instill in children a love for reading is to read to them. The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll is a good choice for the Fall season. The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll is a Read With Me Cartwheel book published in 1884.

The Biggest Pumpkin Ever


Kroll introduces the reader to two mice, Clayton the house mouse and Desmond the field mouse. The two mice discover a tiny green pumpkin growing in a garden. Each mouse, not knowing the other mouse has discovered the pumpkin, begin making big plans for the pumpkin once it is ready for harvest.

Both mice care for the pumpkin, one during the day and the other at night. The pumpkin grows and grows and grows. It becomes a giant pumpkin.

One night, both mice find themselves caring for the pumpkin at the same time. At that moment, they become aware of the fact that each of them have been caring for the pumpkin and each of them have a plan for the pumpkin.

Rather than argue over which mouse has the right to the pumpkin, the mice come up with a compromise. One mouse will enter the pumpkin in the planned contest. Then, after the contest, the other mouse gets to carve the pumpkin as planned.

The Biggest Pumpkin Ever teaches children the importance of growing and caring for plants. It teaches them patience. It takes a long time to grow some plants, maybe even an entire season. The book teaches children the value of responsibility. Both mice had to care for the pumpkin every day for a very long time. The book provides reading pleasure for adults and children and it teaches children the value of friendship and compromise.

The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll is illustrated by Jeni Bassett.

Get your copy of The Biggest Pumpkin Ever here.
The Biggest Pumpkin Ever
The Biggest Pumpkin Ever

The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad

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The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad
Image Used by Permission from Donna Sundblad
The Inheritance was provided by Donna Sundblad in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.

The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad


A Rich, Mysterious Beginning




Since I work with young children every day, and then take care of my husband, three kids, three cats, a dog and sometimes my youngest daughter’s goldfish in the afternoons, I rarely get the chance to sit down and enjoy a good book geared toward adults. Recently, I decided to take a little bit of time for myself and read The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad.



As I began to read the book, the first thing that caught my attention was Sundblad’s choice of names for the characters and places in the book. The reader will quickly grow accustomed to names like Illuminati, Pundit Tenacious, Punctilious, Wigglewot, and of course the main character, Jejune. Places are given creative names such as the Village of Lofty Thought, the Valley of Shadow, and a most important city, The Eternal City.



Within the first chapter, the reader’s attention is captured with mysteries which make it difficult to put the book away. The story opens with a vivid description of the town and it’s surroundings. The reader gets a feel for the atmosphere surrounding the story. The main character, a Seeker named Jejune, is inside a counsel chamber before the High Pundit Tenacious. The reader is not immediately aware of the reason for the counsel session, but is given just enough information to stir curiosity. The reader can’t help but wonder who Jejune really is and why has he found himself inside the chamber and before the High Pundit. Soon, the reader learns that Seeker Jejune questions the philosophies of Lofty Thought.



The first chapter of The Inheritance is rich in mystery. Before the end of the first chapter, the reader is anxious to read on to find the answers to questions such as:



What is a Seeker?



Why does Jejune question the philosophy of Lofty Thought when others follow the philosophies and traditions without question?



 What are the philosophies of Lofty Thought?


What is the Fountain of Tradition and why is it important?

Where is the Eternal City?

Why have so many searched for it?

Once one reaches the Eternal City, are they trapped forever or do they choose to stay?
What is Truth?



Which Way?



Jejune has not seen his parents since he was a young boy. His mother and father left Lofty Thought in search of a place called the Eternal City, but they never returned. Just before Jejune’s Coming of Age ceremony, he sneaks into a forbidden room where he believes he will find answers to many questions concerning his parents, his mysterious heritage, and the Eternal City.



Within the room, Jejune finds a journal. The journal doesn’t describe the way to the Eternal City, but it does list a few routes that do not lead the way. Jejune must decide which way to go.



Jejune has decisions to make. Should he remain in Lofty Thought and fulfill his duties or should he leave Lofty Thought in search of the Eternal City?



The only thing he knows at this point is that he must search for Wisdom. Jejune believes Wisdom will lead the way.



Jejune’s Quest



Jejune finds a way to fulfill his obligations in Lofty Thought which results in a little twist on the chain of authority there while he satisfies his longing to search for Truth and set out on his own quest for the Eternal City.



During his journey, Jejune finds himself in a few predicaments. He is distracted from his quest and questions his decision to leave Loft Thought on various occasions. His path leads him to interesting characters who help Jejune find his way. He must rely on the advice of Understanding, Prudence, and Humility, just to name a few. At times, Jejune finds himself struggling to decide whether to follow the way of Heavenly Wisdom or Worldly Wisdom.



To make matters worse, he discovers he has a “Condition” and must find the cure. Otherwise, he will not be permitted to enter the Eternal City, even if he finds it. As if Jejune didn’t have enough to worry about, his travels are made more interesting when he meets a young lady. The young lady accompanies Jejune on his quest for she has similar ambitions, or does she?



The two face obstacle after obstacle together and Jejune becomes more and more aware of the confusing ways of women. This particular woman is particularly confusing and when Jejune is at his whits end with her . . . well, let’s just say he “gets more than he bargained for.”



Finding more advice from his new friends; Understanding, Prudence, and Humility helpful, Jejune finds his way back on the “narrow way” in search for a cure for his “Condition” and the Eternal City.



Questions and Answers



The first chapter of The Inheritance leaves the reader anxious to find answers to questions. The body of the story builds on those questions and leaves the reader pondering over the answers while presenting the reader with a few more questions:


What exactly is the Condition?

Why can’t a person with the Condition enter the Eternal City?

Is there a cure?

The answers to all those questions are revealed by the time the reader gets to the end of one of the craftiest, most delightful stories I have ever read.



Spiritual Warfare in Human Form



The story of The Inheritance includes adventure, mystery, humor, romance, and the best qualities of a “good verses evil” story, including the snares of a Dragon and the tragedy of great loss. In the Inheritance, the “good guys” are not just “good guys” and the “bad guys” are not just “bad guys.” Imaginative characters take on the names of their personalities.



Each character in the story represents an element of spiritual warfare in human form.



While reading The Inheritance, the reader gains a bit of insight as to why people believe the way the do. The Inheritance doesn’t force a belief on the reader, but it shines a light on what makes sense and what doesn’t in the real realms of Heaven and Earth.



The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad is highly recommended literature and it will be available in print on Amazon by the end of November 2011.



Vocabulary



 Knowing the meanings to the following words will enhance the reader’s understanding of the story.



Jejune: Lacking knowledge and experience, childish.



Lofty: Exalted in rank, dignity, or character, arrogantly or condescendingly superior in manner.



Tenacious: Persistent, stubborn, keeping a firm hold.



Punctilious: strict or exact in the observance of the formalities or amenities of conduct or actions.


Pundit: A learned person, expert.

Illuminati: Person claiming to possess superior enlightenment.

Quidnunc: A person who is eager to know the latest news or gossip.

Chary: Cautious, careful.

Calumny: False statements made with the intent of harming someone else.

Penury: Extreme poverty, insufficiency.

Halcyon: Calm, peaceful, happy, prosperous.

Pragmatism: the doctrine that the content of a concept consists only in its practical applicability

Avarice: insatiable greed for riches; inordinate, miserly desire to gain and hoard wealth.


Kumtux: Knowledge



About Donna Sundblad


Donna Sundblad
Photo Used by Permission from Donna Sundblad

Donna Sundblad left corporate America to follow her dream to become a writer. She enjoys her life as a Freelance Writer and Editor. Donna works on various freelance projects and she has written several books. Her latest book, The Inheritance, is a 2012 Epic Book Award Finalist.



Donna enjoys outdoor activities, wildlife and healthy living. She makes her home in the great state of Georgia.

The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad
The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad

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The Redemption Series by Karen Kingsbury
The Redemption Series by Karen Kingsbury



Sunday, November 15, 2015

The Adventures of Lovable Lobo by C.L. Murphy

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The Adventures of Lovable Lobo by C.L. Murphy
Image Used by Permission from C.L. Murphy

*C.L. Murphy provided this book in exchange for an honest book review.  I was not required to write a positive review.
About C.L. Murphy

C.L. Murphy lives in southern Oregon with her husband and has two sons. Her great love of the outdoors and wildlife in the beautiful Oregon’s forests have inspired her storybooks. A percentage of the proceeds from her first book of the series, ‘The Adventures of Lovable Lobo – Lobo & Popo Fool the Pack’ will be donated to wildlife rehabilitation refuges.

The Adventures of Lovable Lobo


The Wolf Pup Rite of Passage

Lobo the Wolf Pup has reached the age when he must complete a right of passage. Lobo’s pack must set out on its first solo hunt. Each pup, in order to prove he is a real wolf, must return before sunset with his portion of dinner to share with the rest of the pack. Lobo is different from the rest of his wolf pup friends and finds himself challenged to complete the task.

Not knowing what to do, Lobo seeks help from his friend, Popo the Opossum. Together they come up with a plan to solve Lobo’s problem.

Lobo and Popo’s plan proves dangerous and Popo barely escapes with his life

The Adventures of Lovable Lobo and the Elements of a Great Children’s Book

The Adventures of Lovable Lobo: Lobo & Popo Fool the Pack contains many elements of a great children’s picture book including colorful and engaging illustrations, adventure, wildlife, critters in nature, lovable animals and friendship.

Children will identify with a character who feels “different from all the rest” because most children feel that way at some point in their lives.

Children will appreciate the power of friendship between Lobo and Popo, realizing that true friends make great sacrifices for one another.

The Adventures of Lovable Lobo contains colorful illustrations which will capture the attention of the youngest of readers.

At the end of the story, readers are presented with a story element which is bound to keep them coming back for more – suspense. Children will want to turn the page and keep reading, but they will have to wait and read the next book in the Adventures of Lovable Lobo to find out the answer to the question: Did Lobo and Popo really fool the pack?

Applications to Education and Literacy

The Adventures of Lovable Lobo: Lobo & Popo Fool the Pack by C.L. Murphy is a great additional resource to a classroom or home-school library. The adventurous story and colorful illustrations along with all the elements previously mentioned will aid in developing a love for reading in young children which will contribute to more advanced literacy skills as they grow and develop in their literary world. Better literacy skills contribute to greater success in other academic areas as children advance to higher levels of education.

Improve Vocabulary:  Suggested Vocabulary List

For very young children, a short explanation of these words before reading the story will contribute to a better understanding of the story line. Teachers and Home-school parents can develop more challenging activities around these words for older, more advanced readers.
 
Advice

Success
Snuggles Little Live PetsDistracted
Desire
Dandelions
Meadow
Pine Nuts

Prefer
Blackberries
Herbivore
Opossum
Solution
Approach
Fawn
Litter
Howl
Frantic

Other Concepts:

Teach children that a group of young wolves is called a “pack.”

Wolf packs live in “dens.”

Teaching Letters and Counting

Teach Letters: Within the illustrations of The adventures Lovable Lobo, you will find objects to aid in teaching letters. For example, you can use the illustration involving ants to teach the letter “Aa.” Use the illustration involving birds and blackberries to teach the letter “Bb.” Read through the book carefully and prepare ahead for teaching several letters of the alphabet using this well illustrated book.

Look for hidden insects, animals, and objects. As you read the story, exercise those little brains by asking questions such as:

Can you find the fox?

Can you find the bees?

You will notice several pages where children can exercise “attention to detail” while finding “not so obvious” nature favorites.

Counting: While reading this book to children, take the opportunity to stop and allow the children to count objects within the illustrations. As you read through the pages, count ants, birds, bees, spiders and other wildlife creatures and plants.

Personal Recommendation

I took the opportunity to read this book to several preschoolers and a seven year old little girl. The book captured their attention from the first page. The preschoolers loved looking at the pictures and finding all the little critters and animals within the illustrations as I read the story.

The seven year old declared her love for the book and wants to read the next one.

I am excited to recommend The Adventures of Lovable Lobo: Lobo & Popo Fool the Pack for those between the ages of 2 and 92.

This book should be read for educational purposes, contributions to wildlife refuges, and for pure enjoyment.

Update:  The Adventures of Lovable Lobo:  Lobo and Popo Fool the Pack is no longer on Amazon, 

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Have you ordered my book yet?

Have you ordered my book yet?
Start reading!

Verse of the Day from Bible Gateway