This is a very nice, very inexpensive (about $10), large-size set of the Stations of the Cross (created especially for children) appropriate for homes and classrooms. The drawings are simple (they remind me a little of Tomie dePaola's drawings) and what my husband would describe as "sanitized". Our first inclination was to think these were too sanitized, but when we compared them to our more "traditional" set (which cost us $30 and are about half the size), we realized that the other set, too was without blood. As a matter, of fact, my 10 year old son noticed that one of the pictures in our "traditional" set was reversed and had the wound in Jesus' side - on the wrong side.

I think many families will find this to be a very nice set to hang on their walls during Lent as a very visual reminder (and even a visual catechism in the sense that religious art of old was intended to instruct) of Jesus' death and resurrection.

Contemporary in theme and presentation, Stepping Stones, the Comic Collection deals with a lot of issues that school children, middle school and above, deal with. These colorful comic stories follow the lives of Alberto, Chantal, Denver, and Suki, who represent a variety of ethnic backgrounds. As comic characters, they express very intense emotions, one minute crying, the next slapping one another on the back, and sometimes shouting to make a point. This can give the reader the impression of being on an emotional roller coaster. Definitely, there is nothing mild mannered here. Although this is an age group, which expresses intense emotions, and these are comic characters, who naturally show strong emotions, in real life such behavior would be highly annoying, disruptive, and considered probamatic. Fortunately, these behaviors are addressed. This collection deals with real life issues like a physically disabled girl, a drinking mom, a boy who needs anger management, gossiping students, friends vs. girlfriend/boyfriend relationship, childhood insecurities when a baby is added to the family, the desire for friends, qualities that make a “good” friend, forgiveness, and praying to God. Stepping Stones presents a realistic view of grade school life. Even though it is a school setting, most of the issues deal with relationships and are not so academically oriented: insecurity about how others will perceive you, bullying, name calling, and misunderstandings among friends. Sounds very negative, but in the end, all the issues are resolved. Since it presents a realistic portrayal of school and negative behaviors, it is a good book to ask the question, “If someone did that to you, what would you do? Or, do you think that character did the right thing?” Some homeschool kids might think, “Whoa, I’m glad I’m not in school.” But some of these issues all children have to deal with, whether or not they are homeschooled. Kids are attracted to the bold and colorful style of comics. Yet, younger children might not fully understand some of the issues. This collection of comics allows children to explore negative emotions and issues from the safe distance of a reader. The parent, however, would be wise to discuss some of the ramifications of the characters’ behaviors and choices.

This children’s version includes 36 of Shakespeare's 37 plays. Chute covers the essential plots of the plays in a readable modern prose. Although her style is clear, simple and direct, it contains a certain lyrical quality. Not just summaries, these are wonderful stories. Especially appropriate for 12 and up, it might also be enjoyed as a read-aloud for younger children.

I must admit a bias. Because I have used the method suggested in Stories with a View for years with my own children, I highly recommend this resource. Why? It works! By observing and interacting with pictures and poetry, young writers are inspired to write interesting fiction.

In fact, Mrs. Davidson makes this method even easier to implement by offering discussion questions and suggested "story starters" to prompt the young writer. For example, with A Restful Tune (a painting about a shepherd boy playing a reed pipe) the questions include:

1. Describe where this scene takes place?
2. Who is the boy?
3. What time of day do you think it is?
4. What are the sheep doing while the dogs rest?

In addition to these thought provoking questions, younger children might also want to name the people and animals in the picture to make it more personal, which the author does in the "story starters." The "story starters" are great. Even the most reluctant writer will be provoked into action. If you want additional questions to stimulate the writing process, just keep in mind the question words: who, what, where, when and why and apply them to each picture or poem.

Paging through the various pictures, even the child most adverse to pen and paper should have something to say about these paintings. Some of them are truly amusing. In The Mouse by Giacomo Favretto, you can just imagine the young women squealing on the chairs at the thought of the mouse scurrying across the floor as the little boy tries to capture it in the corner.

Since younger children, preschool and kindergarten age, have very fertile imaginations, they too could use this resource, having the child dictate the story aloud. 79 pages might not seem like a lot of material at first, but as anyone who spends time writing knows, the writing process takes time and may drafts to create a polished final copy. There is more than enough material here to inspire the budding writer. Additionally, the suggestions and principles outlined here can be applied to stories, poems and paintings elsewhere too.

The Guide to Stories with a View includes an overview for the teacher, suggestions for how to incorporate this writing program into your language arts program, and directions on how to implement the program; including specific dialogue to guide and motivate the student through the writing process to a story that the student will be proud to keep in a "writing portfolio." If you have a reluctant writer, several story starters have been included in the guide for each painting or poetry selection. Your own writer may want to add some new ones to the list.

With my own children, I have mostly used pictures and picture books to stimulate them to write their own stories. Using poetry now adds another whole new dimension to draw on. With this resource, I don't have to look for paintings or poetry to inspire my children; I have it all in one place with questions to prime the writing pump. These attractive, full-color paintings and beautiful poems will stimulate great thoughts and interesting stories in even the most writing resistant child. You will be surprised by the results.