Mother Nature struggles to maintain equilibrium in a changing world
while fire, disease, logging, human displacement, and war repeatedly destroy
forests of centuries-old trees. Split Toe, a deer chosen at birth for a unique
education, travels through time to understand the interconnected workings of a
Michigan forest. He meets humans along the way: Ice Age hunters who trap and
kill a mastodon; Mukwoh, a young Ojibwe hunter who stalks Split Toe through
swamp and forest; loggers clearcutting Michigan’s white pines; Edra, a
woman advocating for the trees; Angus and Grace, pioneers who become a first
generation of family farmers; scientists from the future studying the impact
of nuclear radiation.
Split Toe witnesses two hundred years of conflict building between modern
humans -- who fight to control the natural world -- and Mother Nature, who
repeatedly reaches for balance. He wonders whether human ways will ultimately
overpower Mother Nature, until he meets a boy who changes everything.
Excerpt
Chapter 5 – The Sacred Circle – AD1409
Page 54
Copyright @ 2026 by Daniel S. Ellens
And here, within the ancient circle, the barrier between the physical world
and the spirit pool was thin. He could hear them now, whispering to each other
in the wind.
Waawaashkeshi breathed deeply, looked up into the tree foliage, and asked the
spirits the question that was weighing on him.
“Was that really necessary? The hungry cougar? The human stalking me?
This flea? The problem at the river? I nearly broke my neck. It is still
sore.”
Waawaashkeshi stretched his neck upward and to the side in a circular motion,
lifting his chin. He was speaking to himself. Listening for an answer that
would come from within.
“Am I not a chosen deer? Why do you not protect me from such
things?”
The spirit’s answer seemed to whisper through his mind like wind through
the leaves.
“Waawaashkeshi, you know that physically, you are an ordinary deer. You
learn from experience as any other living thing learns from experience. You
are as big and strong as your kind can be. Your chances of survival are better
than other deer because of your strength and the wisdom you’ve gained
from your experiences. Your adversaries are mighty, which will only make you
stronger … if you survive. Your judgment grows, like a river fed by
many streams. You would never be able to understand what you must learn if you
were not an ordinary deer who faces real suffering. You are not protected from
the natural trials of life because trials are a part of life. Do you think you
could understand the strength of the river without such a crossing? Do you
think you would have found out about the living soil if you had not crossed
the river? Knowing such things is important. Your experiences will guide you
in the future. They will help you understand the natural world, the forest,
and its inhabitants. They will help you survive. These are your
lessons.”
About the Author
Dan Ellens is an outdoor enthusiast who is passionate about connecting people
with nature. He spends nearly half of each year in an isolated,
electricity-free treehouse on Winterfield Pines Nature Sanctuary with
woodstove heat, handpump water, and oil lamp lighting.
Dan has written four nonfiction books intended to inspire adventure, promote
self-sufficient lifestyles, and connect people with nature.
While not in the wilds, Dan and his wife live in the small community of Salem,
Michigan.
Amazing Amanda and the Crazy School Carnival includes comedy and yet realistic
life issues. Readers will laugh, giggle, worry, and cheer Amanda's attempts at
growth. Amanda is a pre-adolescent girl who deals with body issues,
middle-school drama, angst with new girls, coming of age issues such as seeing
beyond the surface, handling responsibilities of leadership, and questions
about faith. Set in a mid-size central Minnesota town, the story is told
exclusively from Amanda's point of view. Amazing Amanda is a clean, family
friendly story.
This is Abear's debut novel.
Coming soon: Book 2 Amazing Amanda and the Mystery of the Black Cat and
Book 3 Amazing Amanda and Her Bright New Day. The series takes readers
through Amanda's entire sixth-grade experience.
Excerpt
Amanda lurched down the hall, flapping her arms like a pelican
trying to dry her armpits, and flew past the locker area and into her homeroom
class. As sunshine streamed through open windows, she hoped a breeze reached
her soon. She shrank down when she got into her seat, the last desk in
the middle row of five. Head and shoulders taller than most students and twice
as wide, she preferred the back. That was better than hearing, “Amanda
scrunch down so I can see,” or “Amanda, could you move a bit to
the left?” and other—not so nice—comments. When the
bell rang, she punched out her left arm. “Yay! I made it on
time.” “Watch it,” Charlie Piggott said in the row to
her left. His blue eyes widened. “Almost got me that time.” “Sorry.”
Amanda grimaced. “Really.” “It’s okay. Better
luck next time.” “Huh?” “To hit your
target.” She frowned. “I don’t want to hit
you.” He broke out in a grin. “Amanda, I’m just
kiddin’ ya.” Amanda grinned back. “You’re a
pal.” After she dragged her science stuff from the book bag, she kicked
the bag under the desk. Tucking her thatch of brown hair behind her ears, she
wiped sweat from her forehead and closed her eyes to slow her breathing. She
sensed the noise and chatter fading away… “Before you get
too settled, Amanda.” Miss Holter’s voice pierced through
Amanda’s mist of serenity. “Please close the door.” Amanda
scrambled to her feet, smacking her thighs against the desk. “Ow!”
She gritted her teeth and lumbered to the door. As she started to close
it, Miss Holter said, “Then come to the front of the class.” Amanda
jerked, slamming the door. “Uh Oh’s” escaped from
several students as heads swiveled toward her. Confused, Amanda stumbled
over a bookbag on her way to the front, mumbling, “One more thing and
I’m going to scream.” Standing beside Miss Holter made Amanda
feel almost petite. When the teacher turned, she whispered to Amanda,
“Go ahead and sit in the chair there beside my desk.” Amanda
glimpsed the corners of her teacher’s mouth turn up ever so slightly and
wondered what she wanted. If I’m not in trouble, why am I here? Miss
Holter, her favorite teacher, had never done anything to embarrass her
before. The teacher motioned for their full attention. “In faculty
meeting this morning, Principal Primson announced we’re having a
carnival fundraiser. The sixth grade will be putting on the event. A student
representative will help organize the students as we work on the carnival. The
four homeroom teachers each nominated one student who must accomplish three
challenges.” “Sounds like too much work,” Mark Nelson
said, scrunching his face. The teacher nodded. “It will be. But a
student with real leadership potential should not find the challenges too
difficult. The tasks may even be invigorating for him or her.” A
zing of excitement crept up Amanda’s spine. The teacher crossed her
arms with a smug look. “My nominee—no, pardon me—our section
6B nominee is the very best.”
About the Author
As a teacher for almost thirty years, Beverly Abear enjoys writing for
middle-grade and young adult readers. She has several stories in progress that
she hopes to finish and get published. The Amanda stories are mostly set in a
k-6th elementary school like the one the author attended in northern
Minnesota. Because her faith has greatly affected her life, Beverly's passion
for her readers is that they grow to trust in the Lord and enjoy an abundant
life in Him.
Amazing Amanda and the Crazy School Carnival is Beverly's debut novel.
1 Lucky Winner Will Win The Bad Guys 2 on Blu-Ray DVD!
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The struggle to be good continues with everyone’s favorite Bad Guys, as they encounter a new challenge from a gang of Bad Girls, in DreamWorks Animation’s newest action-comedy, THE BAD GUYS 2, coming home exclusively on digital platforms to own or rent August 19, 2025 and on 4K UHD and Blu-ray™ on October 7, 2025 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Based on the New York Times bestselling children’s graphic novel by Aaron Blabey, the latest animated adventure takes the Bad Guys to new exciting locations around the world and even further, to outer space! Unveil THE BAD GUYS 2 master plan with over one hour of captivating bonus content showcasing the exclusive animated short “Little Lies and Alibis” as well as never-before-seen features including deleted scenes, hilarious recording booth moments, how to draw character sketch tutorials with filmmakers, and more when you purchase from participating digital retailers nationwide.
The Bad Guys are back, and this time, they’ve got company. In the new action-packed chapter from DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed comedy smash about a crackerjack crew of animal outlaws, our now-reformed Bad Guys are trying (very, very hard) to be good, but instead find themselves hijacked into a high-stakes, globe-trotting heist, masterminded by a new team of criminals they never saw coming: The Bad Girls.
The Bad Guys creative team reunites to bring this worldwide caper to life with director Pierre Perifel (Kung Fu Panda films), co-director JP Sans (Trolls World Tour) and producer Damon Ross (The Croods). The film’s charming characters are brought to life by a sleek animation style and star-studded voice cast featuring Academy Award® winner Sam Rockwell (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) as Mr. Wolf, Marc Maron (“GLOW”) as Mr. Snake, Craig Robinson (Hot Tub Time Machine franchise, “The Office”) as Mr. Shark, Emmy® nominee Anthony Ramos (In The Heights, Hamilton) as Mr. Piranha, and Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians) as Ms. Tarantula comprising the Bad Guys, alongside co-stars Zazie Beetz (Joker), Lily Singh (Bad Moms), Emmy® winner Alex Borstein (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), and Richard Ayoade (Paddington 2). THE BAD GUYS 2 welcomes fresh powerhouse voice actors to represent the Bad Girls, including Danielle Brooks (A Minecraft Movie) as Kitty Kat, Natasha Lyonne (“Poker Face”) as Doom/aka, Susan, and Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm) as Pigtail Petrova.
EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES WHEN PURCHASING AT PARTICIPATING RETAILERS:
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*Deleted Scenes with Introductions by Director Pierre Perifel and Co-Director JP Sans:
*Lowrider Chase
*Crime Sisters
*BAD GUYS: Out of Line: Step into the studio with the cast as they record some of their silliest lines in this hilarious montage of recording booth moments!
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*Kitty
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For more information onTHE BAD GUYS 2, please visit:
This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 10/16/2025. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to mcushing7 at hotmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put these email addresses as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void were prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the Giveaway Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contest are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Melissa Cushing at mcushing7 (at)hotmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.
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Dr. Seuss's The Lorax Nonfiction series from Random House Books for Young Readers:
What Humming-Fish Wish: How YOU Can Help Protect Sea Creatures and
Green Machines and Other Amazing Eco-Inventions
About the books:
Join the Lorax—Dr. Seuss's beloved icon of environmentalism—as he introduces readers to nine real, incredible eco-inventions and nine endangered sea creatures, and empowers children to think creatively and take simple actions to protect our planet. These rhymed easy-readers, illustrated with bright, cheerful art and full-color photographs, are a perfect choice to nurture a love and respect for the natural world—as well as a love of reading and creative thinking!
I am the Lorax,
and we’re here to celebrate
eco-friendly inventions
that people create.
In Green Machines, the Lorax describes nine kid-friendly inventions from around the world that are helping keep our planet green! From a googly-eyed garbage eating machine to Living Seawalls to edible water "bottles" these amazing inventions will inspire children to think creatively about the world around them and take a fresh look at life's challenges! Green Machines includes brief biographies on the diverse inventors included in the book, plus a brainstorming activity to encourage young readers to think like inventors.
I am the Lorax.
Let’s go to the sea!
I invite you to come
on a journey with me.
In What Humming-Fish Wish, the Lorax explains the threats faced by nine amazing sea creatures, along with the actions people can take to help them survive. Young children will learn how life in the ocean affects us on land (by cleaning the air we breathe and providing food to eat), and how humans—including kids—can make simple changes that will help these amazing species to survive! What Humming-Fish Wish includes suggestions on reducing plastic waste and energy use, conserving water, and tips for organizing a beach cleanup.
Open To United States entries only and must be 18+ to enter
Giveaway Dates ~ 10/8/25 1:15pm EST through 11/2/25 11:59pm EST
Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winner will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. Winner will have 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this, please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.
I am so delighted to be back in full force! Eli is studying at home again and I couldn't be happier! We are both growing together and learning at home is still awesome in the elder teen years!
So, stay in touch and have a listen to our new homeschool radio show. We will focus mainly on book reviews, homeschool reviews for curriculum as well as other homeschool information regarding high school years.
Our homeschool picked these juice boxes up recently to see how they taste. First off, every single one of my kids and neighbors that had one, HATED the taste. No hint of anything like apples and it wasn’t water tasting either! Anyways out of five stars we rate this flavor and brand a fat Zero!
Getting
the kids ready for their future is imperative. ACT or SAT? Always one
of the key questions for homeschool families.
This
post is sponsored by College Prep Science. Copyright 2020 by Greg
Landry.
I
started helping homeschooled students with ACT prep over 14 years ago
as I helped our children and then students from other families in
classes. Now, more than ever, it makes sense to laser focus on the
ACT.
Standardized
tests like the ACT and SAT are critically important for two reasons -
they are an important part of the college admission decision and
academic scholarships are often based directly on this score (higher
score = more scholarship money). This score may make the difference
in a college acceptance decision or in thousands, or tens of
thousands of dollars in scholarships.
First,
a little background. Most colleges and universities require that
students take either the ACT or SAT and that the score is reported to
them as part of a student's application process. All colleges and
universities will accept either test for the application process.
Some students take and report both. Since 2012, more students take
the ACT than the SAT and that gap widens every year. The SAT is
rapidly losing market share.
While
a majority of students used to prepare for and take both tests, more
and more students are now focusing all of their preparation on the
ACT and only taking the ACT. The conventional wisdom used to be that
you should prep for, and take, both tests. The rationale was that
because of the differences in the tests you may score significantly
better on one than on the other. Actually, that rarely happens
(although my anecdotal experience is that homeschooled students tend
to perform better on the ACT). The scores for the vast majority of
students who take both tests are very similar. Some would suggest
that students should take the PSAT because of the chance of becoming
a national merit scholar. But the chances of that happening are very,
very small and in my opinion not worth the potential downside except
in rare situations.
Several
reasons I believe students should laser focus (and become an expert)
on taking the ACT!
1.
Taking only the ACT eliminates the test-taking confusion that many
students experience because of the differences in strategy and
structure between the ACT and the SAT. A little confusion while
taking these tests can negatively affect college admissions and
scholarship money - sometimes significantly.
2.
Considering homeschooled students I've worked with who have taken
both tests, the majority preferred taking, and performed better on
the ACT.
3.
All math questions on the ACT are multiple-choice - a decided
advantage for students who know how to exploit this factor - as I
teach students to do in my boot camp. Also, unlike the SAT, the ACT
allows the use of a calculator for the entire math test.
4.
In early 2019, College Board (the publisher of the SAT) announced
that in 2020 it will begin including an "adversity index"
with the SAT scores it submits to colleges in 2020. This index score
will be an estimate of how much adversity a student has faced in
their life as estimated by the College Board. This step has been
roundly criticized in academic and test prep circles as unfair to
students who don't fit into the "adversity index" - for all
practical purposes it acts to effectively lower the SAT score of all
other students. Another reason to ditch the SAT.
5.
The "science reasoning" section of the ACT (about 25
percent of the test) can be very intimidating. This section has
little to do with science knowledge and is more about reading
comprehension, critical thinking, and reasoning. For students
planning to be science majors in college, doing well on the "science
reasoning" section of the ACT is especially important and can
give them a decided advantage. It's also the section that has the
largest potential for improvement with appropriate preparation. It is
typically composed of several science-related reading passages (often
with some type of graphical data) with several questions related to
each passage and data. It can be conquered and used toward a
student's advantage with appropriate preparation!
6.
If a student focuses solely on the ACT they can become an expert on
taking that test. This is much more difficult to do when preparing
for both ACT and SAT as you don't have as much time to focus on ACT.
Rather than spending time preparing for the SAT and the ACT, spend
all that time totally focused on the ACT, likely yielding a better
ACT score.
Ideally,
a student should begin preparing for and taking the ACT in the 9th
grade and take it two to three times per school year through 11th
grade or early 12th grade. A student can take the ACT up to 12 times.
The fee to take the ACT is $68 (writing test included) and the
experience gained in taking it multiple times may make the difference
in a college acceptance decision or in thousands or tens of thousands
of dollars in scholarships. The goal early on is to gain valuable
experience of taking the test and to continue to improve.
Then,
submit one (the best) of those 11th / 12th-grade scores to colleges
to which you're applying. 99+% of colleges only require that you
submit one of your scores. A few colleges require that you submit all
of your ACT or SAT scores but state that they use your best score for
admission consideration. Also, admissions personnel that I've had
contact with view taking the test multiple times as a sign of a
student's determination and perseverance - qualities they want to see
in a student.
The
experience of taking the ACT multiple times over several years is so
important! Imagine the difference between students who take the ACT
for the first time in 11th or 12th grade vs. students who are
thoroughly familiar with the test when taken in 11th or 12th grade
because they've prepared for it for years and have taken it several
times! It's huge!
If
your student is beyond 9th grade and hasn't started preparing for and
taking the ACT yet, no worries - they can get started now and still
make significant progress.
Homeschool
dad, scientist, and former college professor, Greg Landry, offers
live, online homeschool science classes, Homeschool
ACT PrepBootcamp
the Homeschool Mom’s Science Podcast, in-person two-day science lab
intensives nationwide, freebies
for homeschool moms,
and homeschool print publications that students can be a part of.
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