My family has enjoyed John Avery Whitaker in the Adventures in Odyssey radio shows for several years. Imagine my delight when I learned that Focus on the Family has expanded the tales of Mr. Whitaker in this new series, The Imagination Station! These highly enjoyable stories transport children back in history. If your child is unfamiliar with Adventures in Odyssey, you may want to begin with the first book in this series, as it explains the imagination station to readers.
The first book, Voyage with the Vikings, takes students to Greenland in the year 1000, where they meet Eric the Red. He is angry about the new God, and they have the opportunity to show him the peace of Christ. Please note, there are references to idol worship and animal sacrifice, in keeping with the culture of the time. In the second book of the series, Attack at the Arena, Patrick and Beth are transported to Ancient Rome. Beth is enslaved to the emperor and Patrick spends time with wise monk named Telemachus. They are reunited; however, it is in the infamous Roman arena. Through their adventures they learn that the greatest love of all is found in a man willing to lay down his life for his friend. Each book contains slightly larger font, making it easier for young readers. They also contain an Imagination Station puzzle at the back of the book. Black and White illustrations. Pb. 111-117 pgs. ~Deanne
My 8 year old son loves this series so much, he loves the "right choices" that the main characters make, and that some of the stories go into adventures from the bible and other history time periods…