Only 10 Days Left to Save on "The Heavens Declare"

Don't forget our 15%-off coupon only lasts thru December 31.  Enter this code at checkout to receive your discount: WUJ8SLHN.

 

That's not all... the fun continues with our FREE downloadable board game.  Try it out today, and see how many facts you remember about the solar system.  See link in the sidebar.

 

Already read "The Heavens Declare"?  Vote on your favorite chapter using the poll in our sidebar.  Don't forget to subscribe to our feed to hear which chapter wins top favorite status; and to receive discounts and info about sales and giveaways, updates about new books, and fascinating information about God's amazing solar system.

 

Is voting on your favorite chapter just not enough?  Want to say more?  Perfect.  Leave a review by clicking the button in the sidebar; we'd love to hear from you!

 

As always, don't forget to spread the word about "The Heavens Declare: Five Children, Eight Planets, One God" the new living book about the solar system.

Watch that Moon!

Have you or your children ever seen the moon turn orange, red, brown, or gray?  In other words, have you ever seen a total lunar eclipse?  Now is your chance!  On the night of December 20 to 21 (from 1:33-5:01am EST), watch as "the moon's appearance changes from bright orange to blood red to dark brown and perhaps gray.  To learn about the science behind eclipses, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/eclipse."

 

Nowadays, eclipses are more high-tech than they used to be... which is a good thing if you are expecting cloudy skies in your area.  "Astronomers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., will host a pair of live web chats to answer questions and help make the rare celestial experience one to remember. Marshall Center astronomer Rob Suggs will hold the first chat from 4 - 5 p.m. EST on Dec. 20 and discuss the best ways to view the eclipse. From 12 a.m. - 5 a.m., Marshall researcher Mitzi Adams will answer questions as the eclipse passes across the continental United States. A live video feed of the eclipse will be available on the chat site at: http://www.nasa.gov/connect/chat/lunar_eclipse.htm"  (Of course, these web chats will not be from a creationist viewpoint, but should be very fascinating nonetheless.)

 

To read more info about the upcoming total lunar eclipse, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2010/dec/HQ_M10-174_Lunar_Eclipse.html

 

(This information was received via NASA News Services.  file://C:\Documents%20and%20Settings\user\Desktop\www.nasa.gov.)

Board Game Now Available

FREE GAME! Shhh... moms, don’t tell your kids: this game provides a review of space facts learned in “The Heavens Declare.” The cards ask questions about the solar system, and players get to advance one space per correct answer. You might call it a ‘living’ science review! To download a copy of this free game, click here.

Give a God-honoring Book this Christmas

Thru December 31, enjoy this coupon for 15% off the list price of "The Heavens Declare: Five Children, Eight Planets, One God." 

 

Enter this code at checkout: WUJ8SLHN

 

What are children and their parents saying about this book?  See our Reviews page to find out: http://www.heavensdeclare.info/p/reviews.html.

 

Visit our Excerpts page to learn why they enjoy this book: http://www.heavensdeclare.info/p/excerpts.html.

Upcoming Meteor Shower

The peak date of the Leonid Meteor Showers is the night of Nov. 16—early morning of Nov. 17.  As Mr. Edwards mentions in the chapter, "A Dividing Line—the Asteroid Belt," it is easiest to see the meteors if you have driven beyond the bright lights of the city.  It is suggested that the best time to watch might be a few hours before sunrise on the 17th since the bright moon will have set at that time.  Don't miss this chance to spend family time together marveling at the creation of our Lord!

(I received this information via the e-newsletter "Biblical Astronomy Update" by David Rives Ministries: http://www.davidrivesministries.org.)

This Book is Not on Weighty Topics...

...because it's about 'light.'  Other than coming up with wordplays, I have been writing a sequel to "The Heavens Declare" on the topic of light.  This process is exciting to me especially since it involves the same characters I have grown to know so well.  I think this book will be even better than the first.  Tonight, at 10:30, I completed the first rough draft.  Now it's on to re-writes!

"Like" Us!

Do you like what you see?  Do you find the concept of a living book about our solar system interesting? 

"Like" The Heavens Declare using the Facebook button in the sidebar!

New Way to Get Updates

Do you want to hear about special discounts, giveaways, freebies, and sequels?  Sign up to receive our feed by e-mail!  Just enter your e-mail address in the field in the side bar.  Any time there are new posts to the blog page of this website, you will automatically receive them by e-mail.

Now is a good time to subscribe to our feed; with Christmas on the way, we will be announcing discounts you won't want to miss!

Review: "Really Awesome!"

"I thought your book was really awesome! I love the part when they go to the observatory and take a ride in the simulator! It is a great book to go along with a family studying the planets. It is very well written and can't wait to study it with the planets in school."
~Sadie (11)

It's Not Too Late!

Perhaps you have already purchased your curriculum for this school year, but it is never too late to add a living science book to your shelves.  Supplement your science curriculum this year with "The Heavens Declare," and enjoy hearing your children tell you space facts!

Not studying astronomy this year?  Take this opportunity to add a good, much-praised book to your family library.  As a story, "The Heavens Declare" will keep children entertained while teaching them important things about the solar system, their God, and family life.

Have a Family Astronomy Night

It only takes a little time to gather in the darkness of a clear night and marvel at the greatness of God.  Get the whole family outside and make it enjoyable to name the planets, decide the phase of the moon, and locate the constellations.  There are many helpful resources out there such as sky charts to locate stars and constellations, and websites and books with charts and information about our moon.  

 

The Bible is an excellent tool as well.  Try having a sort of sword drill; encourage kids to use their concordances and look for references in Scripture to the sun, moon, stars, planets, and other astronomy-related words.  Need another resource?  Read "The Heavens Declare" aloud, and enjoy the great family times and praise-filled learning about the planets in our solar system.  Like the Edwards family ends chapter two, find a good song of praise, and worship the Lord under His starry creation!

Review: Enjoyable Resource

"I...thought that it was a good story for grade-school age children with lots of interesting facts about the solar system packed into it.  It would make an enjoyable homeschool resource about science."

~ Homeschooling mother of 5

We Have a Winner!

Congratulations to the R family on winning our giveaway!  They will soon be receiving an autographed copy of the new living science book on the solar system: "The Heavens Declare."  We will be doing another giveaway so keep spreading the word!  (See downloadable flier at right.)

Only Two Days Remaining!

In two days, a winner will be drawn to receive a free autographed copy of "The Heavens Declare."  There are now more options for winning: anyone (other than the winner) who has entered this drawing three or more times will automatically be entered once in the next drawing.  Hurry to spread the word and enter the drawing before the 15th!

Only Four Days Left!

Know someone who uses living books in their curriculum?  Be sure to tell them about "The Heavens Declare" and about the drawing.  Time is running out: remember the winner of a FREE autographed copy will be drawn September 15... in only 4 days!  Hurry to enter as many times as possible to increase your chances of being the winner.

Book Drawing September 15th

I will randomly draw the winner for the FREE autographed copy of "The Heavens Declare" on September 15th.  So hurry to enter as many times as possible, and encourage everyone you know to do the same!

Have you Enjoyed "The Heavens Declare"?

Did one of your children particularly enjoy this living science book? Was there a favorite chapter? Did you find food for thought? Did it prompt an interesting discussion? Would you recommend it to others—home educating or not?

Share your thoughts on “The Heavens Declare” by clicking the link at right and leaving a review. Be sure to have your copy of the book handy, because you will need to enter a code found on one of the pages. (This is to prevent spam.) Once your review is submitted, it will be considered for publication on the website.

Don’t have a copy of the book yet? You can purchase one today by clicking the handy link at the top of the page, or tell everyone you know and enter the drawing repeatedly for a chance to win the FREE autographed copy.

Book Table at L.H. Old-Fashioned Picnic

 "The Heavens Declare" is coming to the L.H. Old-Fashioned Picnic, Saturday, August 21st.  Books will be sold at the list price of $8.95; book signing available upon request.

Flier Available

Need to spread the word about "The Heavens Declare" so you can enter the drawing for the FREE autographed copy?  Here is a quick and easy way: click the link at right and download the printable flier!  The flier gives a synopsis, review, and web address for this Charlotte Mason-style living science book on the solar system, and is perfect for sharing with your homeschool group or posting on your library's bulletin board.  Print as many copies as you need, and start sharing the news!

Don't Miss the Meteor Shower

The Perseid Meteor shower will be peaking the night of Thursday, Aug. 12^th, early morning of Friday, the 13^th.  It is estimated there will be one meteor per minute.  Don't miss this excellent opportunity to observe and discuss God's amazing creation!

(I received this information via the e-newsletter "Biblical Astronomy Update" by David Rives Ministries: http://www.davidrivesministries.org.)

Review: 12-Year-Old Boy Enjoys "The Heavens Declare"

"We really enjoyed this book.   It was a good way to learn about astronomy while honoring God and having lots of fun. I learned quite a few things that I did not know such as the earth not having exactly 24 hours each day..."

~Alex (12)

Why "The Heavens Declare"?

Bringing the solar system within reach... through a story. 

Sounds more interesting than reading a textbook, doesn't it?  Some topics are best taught using a traditional textbook approach, but others can be taught using a more engaging method.  Often called the Charlotte Mason Method (after its main proponent), the use of interesting fiction books to teach a topic can many times effectively replace or supplement textbook information that may be difficult to retain.  These works are called 'living' books because they bring the topic of study to life through the use of fiction. 

Until now, there seems to have been no engaging living book on our solar system.  If you are using the Charlotte Mason Method, need some supplementary reading for a unit on the solar system, or are just looking for interesting and uplifting reading material for your 8 to 12-year-old, consider purchasing "The Heavens Declare."  Not sure?  Read the "Excerpts" page and the "About" page, and don't forget to enter the drawing for a FREE autographed copy!

Over and Over and Over...

Do you realize you can enter our drawing for a FREE autographed copy of "The Heavens Declare" as many times as you like?  Whenever you do one of the things on the list, you can enter the drawing again!  Click the button in the sidebar to get started.  To make linking to us easy, we've provided the code for a handy button in our sidebar.  Use it anywhere on your blog or website.

E-mail from a Home Educating Mom

"I thought your book was very encouraging.  I thought the chapter where the family was stuck in the cabin due to the rain, was appropriate to all life's situations.  When the children started feeling sorry for themselves because they could not do what they wanted to do or felt that they were entitled to, was very "real life."  You brought their situations back to scripture and quoted Romans 8:28.  I felt that if we applied that scripture to every situation throughout our days, our joy would not be robbed, and we would never grow weary.  God has orchestrated all situations and they are used for His purpose to work together for His good.

 

Your book was an excellent reminder to me that God is in control of all details and situations.  The chapter, "Distant Giants-the Gaseous Planets" gave me a great peace. Thank you!"

Great Way to Spread the News!

Have you entered the drawing for a FREE autographed copy of "The Heavens Declare"?  You can enter the drawing if you have done any of a number of things including: e-mailing 5 friends, posting on a blog or web site, or posting on a Yahoo! group.  (Click the link at right for more details.)  Each time you do one of these and fill out the form, you will be entered in the drawing.

Review: 12-year-old Boy Recommends "The Heavens Declare"

The book, "The Heavens Declare: Five Children, Eight Planets, One God," is a very good book to read.   I enjoyed it very much.  I learned Pluto has a moon the same size as it, Jupiter is the biggest planet and has the shortest days, and Neptune has the longest year.  I would highly recommend it for all ages!

~ Timothy (12)

Proof Copy Has Arrived

The proof copy of "The Heavens Declare" arrived this morning.  That leaves only a few steps to making it available for purchase.  Beginning now, you can enter a drawing for a FREE autographed copy of the book.  Click the link at the top of the side bar, and follow the instructions.

Review: Both Interesting and Entertaining

"My favorite chapter is "The Planet of His Dreams –Mercury." I like Brian's dream in chapter one because it was funny and I learned new information... I would recommend this book to anyone who likes astronomy or stories!  I enjoyed this book very much."

~ Kelby (10)

"The Heavens Declare" Board Game

In addition to working on the sequel about light, I have been developing a downloadable board game for "The Heavens Declare."  See a thumbnail of the board above.  (Shhh... moms, don't tell your kids: this game will provide a review after reading the book.  The cards ask questions regarding the planets, and each time a player answers a question correctly, they get to advance one space.  You might call it a 'living' science review!)

Have You Seen Venus?

Venus is visible in the night sky right now; look for it around dusk.  As mentioned in "The Heavens Declare," it is the second brightest object in the night sky.  If you have access to a telescope, you can look at Venus just like the Edwards family does in the book.  And, speaking of the book, the proof copy is on its way!

The Living Book is about to Become Alive

Writing: complete

Editing: complete

Illustrations: complete

Layout: complete

Cover design: complete

File upload: complete

Now I'm just waiting on a proof copy... the 'living' science book about astronomy is on its way to publication!  Remember to watch for a countdown here on the website.  In the meantime, spread the word.  E-mail your friends, tell your homeschool group, and use the button in the sidebar to link to us.  Above all, pray that the Lord would bless the publication of "The Heavens Declare: Five Children, Eight Planets, One God."

Review: 13-year-old Enjoys Many Aspects

"The Heavens Declare is a well-written book that fabulously mixes wholesome and exciting family life with interesting facts about the solar system.  We greatly enjoyed reading about this well-developed, real-life Christian family as they found the joy in learning about each planet during a fun camping trip--complete with a pinecone war, storm, and meeting a Christian forest ranger and his family.  We learned so much about the solar system in a way that was free from the lies of evolution, while at the same time was uplifting the values of a Christian homeschooling family.  It would be nice if there were more books like this one.  It truly makes learning a joy!"

~Emily (13)

 

Review: "The Heavens Declare" was Successful

"This is an awesome way to learn astronomy for young children.  We just finished a whole unit in astronomy this year and I think we learned as much about the solar system in a way that is fun and more easily retained.  This book very creatively intertwined interesting information about the planets in the context of normal family life."

~Homeschooling mother of 7

 

Watch for a Countdown!

The Heavens Declare will be published this summer, so watch for a countdown here at the website and spread the word! Writing a 34,777 word book has been a huge project taking at least 4,191 minutes according to MS Word’s records. (And that is just the actual typing and editing of the manuscript.) I have destroyed several pencil erasers while drawing the illustrations, and spent many hours wearing a huge pair of headphones as I worked on my laptop... I write best when there are Irish jigs and reels racing around in my headphones. Enjoy the illustration sneak peeks!

Are you interested in writing, too?

Win an Elsie Dinsmore doll
or a William Wallace sword!

Who can enter the most writing contests this year? Enter more than any one else and you will be named Homeschool Writer of the Year, and win your choice of either an Elsie Dinsmore doll or the William Wallace Sword.

To learn more, please visit www.HomeschoolWriters.com.

8-Year-Old Beta Tester Review

"I liked learning about space combined with the fun of a camping trip, and how even when getting lost, God worked it all out for good."

-Malachi (8)

Publishing in the Near Future

Publishing is in the near future for "The Heavens Declare"!  Four of the seven pencil illustrations are complete, and the manuscript has been delivered to its editor.  More details as the publication date approaches.

 

Mother Looks Forward to Book

"I think the excerpts are really good, and I hope our family will be able to get a copy once it is available. I LOVE how you depict the warmth, humor, and discipleship in a large homeschooling family. Also, it reminds me of the style of teaching that is used in "Jonathan Park."  I wish my older children retained the things I read to them for homeschool (and we do use living books) as thoroughly and permanently as they remember scientific details from Jonathan Park!"
~Homeschooling mother of six

Book Proposal Update

I received this e-mail today:

"The acquisitions editor] received your proposal and reviewed it with the rest of the editorial team. The concept of weaving educational facts in and out of the narrative story was an effective learning technique and the visuals were impressive. We thank you for your interest; however, we are unable to publish your work because it does not meet any of our publishing needs at present. We wish you the best of luck in the continuation of this project."

I am planning to submit it to other publishers before deciding to self-publish.

Book Proposal

I sent a book proposal to a major Christian publisher today. There is a whole army of people praying the Lord's will be done, so we will see what He does. I will post an update once I have heard from the acquisitions editor.

Beta Test Family Loving It!

"We absolutely loved your book!!! Everyone really enjoyed it and we so hope you get it published."
~ Beta test family

First Illustration!

Today I drew the pencil drawing for chapter two "The Smelly Planet--Venus". That just leaves at least six more to go!

The Draft is Complete!

Praise God, the draft copy of the The Heavens Declare is complete! It was sent off to two of its readers late last night. It will soon be beta tested by several families, and edited by grammar expert(s). It's also time to illustrate!