Imagination Station Book Review and Giveaway!

I am always looking for great books to read aloud to the children, or for the older ones to be able to read on their own. I was very excited to have the opportunity to review the two newest books in the Imagination Station series: #3 Peril in the Palace and #4 Revenge of the Red Knight by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker and from Tyndale House Publishers and Focus on the Family.



The Imagination Station series is written for children about age 7 years and up, but certainly can be enjoyed as a read aloud for younger children. The series features the virtual reality device the Imagination Station invented by Mr. Whittaker, which is also used in the Adventures in Odyssey radio drama series. Although no one really knows exactly how it works, it is able to take people back him time to visit Historical events in person by the push of a button.


In Peril in the Palace (119 page paperback), cousins Patrick and Beth are sent back to China in the year 1271 to find the golden tablet of Kublai Khan. They are kidnapped by Mongol warriors when fellow traveler Marco Polo saves them. While at the Shandu Palace, Kublai Khan dislikes their gifts and their message about Christianity. Magicians challenge the cousins to a spiritual showdown, war breaks up and Beth and Patrick are locked up. They must escape and get themselves and the tablet back to the Imagination Station.




In Revenge of the Red Knight (107 page paperback), the cousins are sent to 1450 England and end up in the middle of the War of the Roses instead of back to Whit's End where they though they were going. The cousins get to meet Albert, but they are accused of trying steal the treasures they have been trying to return. Before the new moon, they must figure out who are friends and who are foes before Lord Darkthorn returns to lock Albert in his terrible tower.



Each of the Imagination Station Books are $4.99. So far, there are 4 books in the series, but there are plans for at least 8 more books to be written. Showdown with the Shepherd and Problems in Plymouth are the next two books and will be released in October.


I used these books as a read aloud for my 4,5,7, and 9 year old boys, although my 9 year old could read them on his own. I love the whole idea of this series! It is an exciting adventure series, but also so much more! The books contain a lot of Historical Content and they are Christian based which is something many adventure type series books for this age group is sadly missing. The chapters are short enough to keep the younger children engaged and eager to read more. Even my 2 year old loves looking at the illustrations. Each book is linked to the others in the series, but you don't necessarily have to read them in order to understand and enjoy them (we have not read books #1 and #2.)



I loved this quote I read from one of the authors, Marianne Herring, "While I am committed to books as a storytelling medium, I think all storytelling should not only entertain but also communicate truth." I highly recommend these books, you and your children will definitely enjoy them!



Now for the Give-Away  (giveaway has been closed thanks to all who entered)



The publishers have generously offered to give away one set of books #3 Peril in the Palace and #4 Revenge of the Red Knight to one of my readers. All you have to do to enter is leave me a comment with a way of getting in touch with you (like email address.) A second entry will be given to those who are new followers or already follow with GFC or Networked Blogs. Just leave a second comment telling me you are now following or are already following. Winners must have a US or Canada mailing address. Give away will close next Sunday 6/19 at 11:00 pm Central Time. Winner will be chosen at random. Good Luck!



I received a complimentary copy of Peril in the Palace and Revenge of the Red Knight from Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review. I received no other compensation.