Kregel Publications: Circle C Beginnings

We were recently introduced to Susan K. Marlow's character, Andi Carter, in the book, Andi's Indian Summer (illustrated by Leslie Gammelgaard).

Here's a synopsis from the website:

Andi's friend Riley shows her a scary old dime novel that sets Andi's mind spinning with thoughts of being captured by Indians. But when she and Riley ride a little too far from the safety of the ranch, Andi discovers the truth about the natives living nearby.

The series currently has four books:

• Andi's Pony Trouble
• Andi's Indian Summer
• Andi's Fair Surprise
• Andi's School Days

And the good news is that the fun will continue with two more books expected out in August 2011:

• Andi's Circle C Christmas
• Andi's Lonely Little Foal

You'll want to own the whole set!

Enjoy the following book trailer about the series:

Our Experience

The targeted audience for this Christian fiction series is 6-8 year olds. My 8 year old son read it on his own and really enjoyed it. After he'd raced through it, I read the book out loud to my 4 and 6 year old daughters. The chapters were a perfect length to read before bedtime. And they had enough suspense and adventure to keep them begging for more each night! They were both mesmerized by the story from start to finish.

Here are some of the things we particularly liked about this book series and the extra resources offered by Kregel Publications:

• Historical Notes about the time period written directly to the child so they can understand more about the time in which Andi lived.

• New words defined at the beginning of the book

• Coloring sheets that matched the book illustrations (my girls LOVED being able to color scenes from the story). Available on the Circle C Beginnings website. Staple the completed pictures together for a fun way to review the story

• The Circle C Beginnings home page also offers story excerpts (click on a cover)

• In addition to Coloring pages, the website offers Activity packs, Puzzles (java required), and Lapbooks ($12.00 plus shipping; read about the Lapbook topics)

I highly recommend this wholesome series. The free resources from the publisher make this series extra special. After finishing the Beginnings series, I know my girls will enjoy the continuation of Andi's story in the Circle C Adventures.

To learn what other families thought of this series, visit the TOS Homeschool Crew Blog.

Ordering Information

Books can be purchased directly from the publisher here. Homeschoolers can save 30% on orders placed between now and August 31, 2011 (upcoming books can be pre-ordered and will ship when they become available). To view all of Kregel's resources for kids, browse through their Children's Catalog for other wholesome reading selections for your family. You may also be interested in Kregel Academic & Ministry resources. And Kregel also publishes Spanish resources.

Contact Information

Website: www.kregel.com

E-mail: kregelbooks@kregel.com

Phone: (800) 733-2607

Address: Kregel Publications, 733 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Disclaimer: We received a free copy of Andi's Indian Summer from Kregel Publications for the purpose of reviewing. No other compensation was received.