John Van Hecke

Perelandra

Book cover: 'Perelandra'
Author(s): 
Clive Staples Lewis

Perelandra is Venus. Ransom gets sent to Venus on a mission. Of course it takes him some time to get settled with the new surroundings again.

Redwall

Book cover: 'Redwall'
This is a novel about a mouse among mice. There is a community of mice that lives in Redwall Abbey. The newest novice, Matthias, cuts a willing but uninspiring figure. He has an inordinate passion for Martin the warrior mouse whose legend is like that of Arthur - except that it lacks everything but the ability to swing a sword for the right side. There isn't much depth to Martin. But thanks to his efforts the abbey is become a place of peace and goodness to the surrounding forest community of animals.

The Reb and the Redcoats

Book cover: The Reb and the Redcoats
Author(s): 
Constance Savery

One of the many books my wife discovered. After she read it aloud to the kids they wanted me to read it to them AGAIN at their nightly story time before bed. Though this novel is written for children I stayed up late to finish it myself after one such session! It takes place in England during the American Revolutionary War. The main character of the book is a captured American 'Rebel'. He is befriended by the children of the country house where he is held prisoner.

On the Banks of Plum Creek

Book cover: On the Banks of Plum Creek
Author(s): 
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Illustrator(s): 
Garth Williams

The dog, which has been trotting in the shadow of the wagon for maybe a hundred miles, lays down to rest. The family has just moved from Indian territory to western Minnesota. Pa does a little negotiating and ends up trading the horses that helped them move for the sod hut of a Norwegian farmer who is ready to move farther west. So they begin their life at the new home. The delights of childhood leisure are described, not so much reminiscing as the matter-of-fact way that a child who simply enjoyed it would tell.

The Chronicles of Narnia

Author(s): 
C.S. Lewis
This set of seven books has been a children's classic for decades (and will soon be released as major motion pictures). The action is focused on a small group of children from our own world (Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve) who are drawn into the activities of a whole separate world - Narnia. The activity extends from our own world, to Narnia, it's neighboring countries, and even other worlds still.

Switch On!

Cover: 'Switch On!'

This kit is one of a number of kits aimed at giving children hands on experiments with electronics. It includes a battery holder, 2 capacitors, 2 resistors, 1 pot, 2 bipolar transistors, 2 LEDs, speaker, mike, motor, a variety of switches, 4 "IC's" and a few other parts.

Farmer Boy

Book cover: Farmer Boy
Author(s): 
Laura Ingalls Wilder

This mouthwatering book isn't about Laura. It is about her future husband, Almanzo Wilder, and told through his eyes. He works (hard) on his father's sucessful farm in upstate New York. As would be expected from the perspective of a hardworking young boy the book lingers on FOOD. They ate pretty well too! They have fresh fruits and vegatables, they make their own butter (some of which they sell for – about a buck a pound! – imagine that). The pies, the meat etc. etc. etc. Each is described just well enough that you want to make some for yourself.

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