1. ArtisanPacificPublishing






To the Shore of a Child's Ocean: Homeschooling from Birth to Age Nine


To the Shore of a Child's Ocean, Part One: Homeschooling from Birth to Age Nine
 
By Chris Manning 

$18.99 CAN/$18.99 US plus Shipping and Handling


Summary

To the Shore of a Child’s Ocean, Part One is the first installment of the story of one Canadian family’s journey in the dynamic educational culture that is homeschooling. Within the pages of this book, sensible advice and practical answers are given for many questions apparent when considering homeschooling. Comprehensive details are provided on the following:
  • The reasons families choose to homeschool their children. 
  • Western society and the direction it appears to be taking. 
  • Central issues important in homeschooling. 
  • The many philosophies inherent to homeschooling. 
  • Detailed profiles for Mathematics, Wellness, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. 
  • Practical advice on behavioral issues. 
  • Descriptions of representative homeschooling days.
  • Useful, year by year descriptions of the challenges of homeschooling with specific recommendations provided for: 
    • Basic supplies for a homeschooling “classroom”. 
    • Songs, nursery rhymes and finger plays. 
    • Games for enhancing Language Arts and Mathematics study.     
 
Product Details
  • Paperback: 160 pages 
  • Publisher: ArtisanPacificPublishing (October 15, 2009) 
  • Language: English 
  • ISBN-10: 0981223605 
  • ISBN-13: 978-0981223605 
  • Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.4 inches 
  • Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces 


Reviews

Courtesy of Reign Chelsin

A Practical and Empowering Homeschooling Guide 

This guidebook/memoir is intended for parents who are interested in homeschooling their children but are unsure if it is the right decision for their family, if they will be able to excel at it or perhaps they simply require a clearer view of what a typical homeschooling day looks like. 

Within the pages of this book is the story of one Canadian family's journey from their first decision to homeschool through to the day-to-day lifestyle that is homeschooling. The author discusses a range of topics such as societal matters, homeschooling philosophies and central issues pertaining to homeschooling but also gives very specific, detailed year-by-year descriptions of the fundamentals of homeschooling each age. 

The book is divided into nine chapters: The first chapter, The Source, introduces us to our protagonist in this story: a mother who we find reminiscing about a friendship that has stood the test of time and poses the question of how two similar people could choose such divergent paths. In the second chapter, Currents, western society is closely examined, it's changing landscape, its trends and how one may arrive at the decision to homeschool their children. In The River Bed, a discussion of major homeschooling philosophies are outlined with specific details on the approach utilized within this book. The next five chapters are devoted to explaining each year's changing characteristics with fine detail and a wealth of specific information. In addition to this are narratives of representative homeschooling days for each year. The last chapter, Port of Call, draws us back to our main character and sets the stage for the next step. 

To the Shore of a Child's Ocean, Part One: Homeschooling from Birth to Age Nine is a highly instructive, honest, sensible and informative look at homeschooling. It is an account of how parents can help guide their children to an auspicious future. I highly recommend this book to any parent who is considering homeschooling their children.

 

Courtesy of Marilyn Lovejoy
    

"To The Shore of a Child's Ocean" is a wonderful account of one family's journey into homeschooling with younger children. Manning includes various personal stories, day-to-day life examples, and a plethora of ideas, resources and books to help inspire other homeschooling families. Shores is a down-to-earth guide that all homeschooling families of younger children should read. Manning has succeeding in writing a very down-to-earth guide that is sure to inspire families for years to come.


Courtesy of jgen

"To the Shore of a Child's Ocean" is a lovely account of homeschooling with young children. It reads like a story, making it easy to read, as well as relate. I find the resource recommendations very useful. As a mother with young children learning at home, I appreciate all the messy, joyful details shared in this book.  

 



To the Shore of a Child's Ocean, Part Two: Homeschooling from Ages Nine to Fifteen


To the Shore of a Child's Ocean, Part Two: Homeschooling From Ages Nine to Fifteen

By Chris Manning

$13.99 CAN/$13.99 US plus Shipping and Handling

 
Summary

In order to promote quality in both parenting and education the exchange of ideas is fundamental. This is the second book  of the three-part series, To the Shore of a Child's Ocean, offering parents practical advice on creating a blueprint for custom-made home education within the arms of a close family unit. This installment provides sound counsel and down-to-earth answers to many questions evident when homeschooling children between the ages of nine and fifteen. Thorough details are provided on the following: 
  • Central issues important in homeschooling.
  • How to establish a custom-made learning plan with your child.
  • The evolving nature of this age group.
  • The many philosophies inherent to homeschooling.
  • Useful, year-by-year learning plan options with specific profiles provided for:
    • Literature.
    • Creative Writing.
    • Mathematics.
    • Science.
    • Social Studies.
    • Art. 
    • Physical Education.
    • Music.
    • Foreign Languages.

Product Details
  • Paperback: 94 pages 
  • Publisher: ArtisanPacificPublishing (August 23, 2011) 
  • Language: English 
  • ISBN-10: 1463646666 
  • ISBN-13: 978-1463646660 
  • Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.2 inches 
  • Shipping Weight: 5.8 ounces 

Reviews

Courtesy of Reign Chelsin

A Down-to Earth Homeschooling Guide

 This book is meant for homeschooling parents of kids ages nine to fifteen, who are in need of some direction and sound advice. The author provides details on the philosophy used within this series, ways to develop your own custom-made learning plan with your child and highlights this age group's evolving nature.

This book has eight chapters, six of which are dedicated to learning plan options for each age group with specific information and fine detail – a wealth of information.

I highly recommend, To the Shore of a Child’s Ocean, Part Two: Homeschooling from Ages Nine to Fifteen for those parents grappling with day-to-day homeschooling matters. An indispensable resource! 

Also have the kids check out Vodianoi - the companion youth fantasy novel to To the Shore of a Child's Ocean, Part Two - lots of fun.

 

Courtesy of Moma T.

This book is a great resource for home learning parents. The book is well organized by age group. I bought this book hoping for some renewed inspiration in home learning for my 9 and 12 year old and I wasn't disappointed. I refer to the book often especially the lists of novels to introduce at various ages. This little gem is a great value for the price!
 
 
 
Courtesy of E. Thur (Mother of two, 15 & 13 years)
 
A wealth of information and first hand advice gathered through the most dependable avenue, personal experience. It's simply put and to the point and much needed as a home school resource.
 

 



To the Shore of a Child's Ocean: Homeschooling Through the High School Years


To the Shore of a Child's Ocean, Part Three: Homeschooling Through The High School Years

By Chris Manning

$14.99 CAN/$14.99 US plus Shipping and Handling


Summary

The exchange of ideas is essential to the promotion of excellence in both education and parenting. This is the third installment of the three-part series, To the Shore of a Child's Ocean, offering parents guidance and useful direction on their quest for personalized home education. This book provides sensible advice and practical answers to the varied questions evident when homeschooling children through the high school years. Details are provided on the following:

  •      The homeschooling philosophy maintained in this series
  •      How your teen can establish a custom-made learning plan.
  •      The unique demands of this age group.
  •      Community resources accessible to homeschoolers
  •      Creating an effective portfolio
  •      Creating a winning admissions essay
  •      Extensive reading lists for the following subjects:
    •     Language Arts.
    •     Mathematics.
    •     Science.
    •     Social Studies.
    •     Visual and Performing Arts.


Product Details

  • Paperback: 118 pages
  • Publisher: Artisan Pacific Publishing (May 28 2014)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0981223648
  • ISBN-13: 978-0981223643
  • Product Dimensions: 20.3 x 13.3 x 0.6 cm
  • Shipping Weight: 191 g


Reviews


Courtesy of Reign Chelsin

A Wealth of Information

I cannot recommend this book enough! As a homeschooling parent to teenage kids, my job is continually evolving and I am always on the prowl for important resources to supplement their education. Bursting with ideas, To The Shore of a Child's Ocean, Part Three delivers insight, practical answers and an abundance of sources unmatched by any other resource book out there. If you are in need of direction or sound advice or simply looking for that perfect book to enhance your homeschooling library, look no further. This book is practical, empowering and indispensable!




To the Shore of a Child's Ocean: The Series: Homeschooling from Birth Through the High School Years


To the Shore of a Child's Ocean, The Series: Homeschooling From Birth Through The High School Years

By Chris Manning

$25.99 CAN/$25.99 US plus Shipping and Handling


Summary

In order to advance the promotion of quality in both parenting and education, continual dialogue is paramount. The To the Shore of a Child’s Ocean Series is intended for those parents who long for practical advice and a glimpse of possibilities. It portrays one Canadian family’s journey in the dynamic educational culture that is homeschooling. Within the pages of this series, sensible advice and practical answers are given for many questions apparent when homeschooling.

For children aged from birth to nine, thorough details are provided on the following issues:

  • The reasons families choose to homeschool their children.
  •  Western society and the direction it appears to be taking.
  •  Central issues important in homeschooling.
  •  The many philosophies inherent to homeschooling.
  •  Useful, year by year descriptions of the challenges of homeschooling with specific recommendations provided for:
    • Basic supplies for a homeschooling “classroom”.
    • Songs, nursery rhymes and finger plays.
    • Authors.
    • Fairy tales and other classic stories.
    • Detailed profiles for Mathematics, Wellness, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies.
    • Games for enhancing Language Arts and Mathematics study.
    • Practical advice on behavioral issues.
    • Descriptions of representative homeschooling days.

 For children aged nine and fifteen, insight is given on:

  • How to establish a custom-made learning plan with your child.
  • The evolving nature of this age group.
  • The many philosophies inherent to homeschooling.
  • Useful, year-by-year learning plan options with specific profiles on Literature, Creative Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Art, Physical Education, Music and Foreign Languages.

For children of high school age, details are provided on:

  • How your teen can establish a custom-made learning plan.
  • The unique demands of this age group. •Community resources accessible to homeschoolers
  • Creating an effective portfolio
  • Creating a winning admissions essay
  • Extensive reading lists for Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Visual and Performing Arts.


Product Details

  • Paperback: 368 pages
  • Publisher: Artisan Pacific Publishing (June 6, 2014)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0981223656
  • ISBN-13: 978-0981223650
  • Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds


Reviews


Courtesy of Reign Chelsin

Everything you'll ever need to know!

In her straightforward and down-to-earth style, Chris Manning covers it all with this series. If you are contemplating homeschooling, just starting out on this wonderful journey or are a veteran homeschooling parent looking for inspiration, this series is a welcome addition to your library. It covers everything from the different philosophies of homeschooling to your child's successful acceptance to the post-secondary institution of their choice. She has chosen the finest resources and provides the quintessential blueprint to a premium custom-built home education. This series is a must!


Vodianoi


Vodianoi

By Chris Manning

$10.99 CAN/$10.99 US plus Shipping and Handling

 
Summary

Dear Reader,

I'm glad you picked this book - not that you're going to believe this story or anything. I mean really, a Vodianoi, a water spirit? Come on! But you may be surprised by what you see when you, well...look! Yeah, I know. There is no such thing as mythical creatures. The old myths are just those...myths. Right? They definitely don't have any place in our modern world. But having said that what other explanation can you give me for the really weird feather we found? And what about those gleaming sand dollars? What about them? I could go on but I think you get the point. For me, the world would be a pretty boring place if there was no room for a little wonderment in it now and then. So anyway, I hope you enjoy this little bit of what you call "fantasy" and the next time you spot something really bizarre or disturbing out there, well...try to be brave. 

Good luck,

Alex, Defenders Club Member.

P.S. Just a little advice...brush up on your riddle solving skills. You may need them.


Product Details
  • Paperback: 120 pages 
  • Publisher: ArtisanPacificPublishing (August 8, 2011) 
  • Language: English 
  • ISBN-10: 146364695x
  • ISBN-13: 978-1463646950 
  • Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.3 inches 
  • Shipping Weight: 6.9 ounces 


Reviews

Courtesy of Reign Chelsin

More Than Just a Fantasy

When was the last time you (or your pre-teen) read to the end of a book and immediately wanted to pick it up and read it again? It certainly doesn't happen very often. Not only is Vodianoi engaging and fun to read it also carries the weighty themes of the power of friendship and the genuine concern for the welfare of the planet. This is more than just a fantasy novel for kids; it lends voice to the environmental crisis we all face today. Yes, the book is about mythical creatures, but it is also about a bunch of everyday kids (who happen to be homeschooled and are so real they could be your next door neighbors) who stand up and on their own, try to save us all from destruction. The story will instantly draw you in and compel you to join them in their quest.

 

Courtesy of HLMama     

My son and I read Vodianoi. We found the book's theme innocent and compelling. I was certainly caught up in the vividly described scenes in the wilderness and the adventure that the main characters were on...I loved the riddles, they made the book interactive. I liked how the author used mythical creatures in the story...even though our earth is changing because of our industrialized society, and the kids knew this in the story, it was magical how they engaged with the mythical creatures. The back of the book is full of further reading and what to do about our ailing oceans. Reading this book was a great way to inspire lots of discussion about mythology and environmental issues.

 


 Courtesy of Angela Menzies
         

My kids, just like the characters in the book, also just happen to be homeschooled. We loved this book. The character voices are so authentic they immediately become friends of yours. Vodianoi is wonderful on so many levels: information and passion about environmental issues, fabulous mythical beings, mind boggling riddles and a fantasy based mystery to solve. I would dearly love to see a whole series based on these characters!

 

Courtesy of Heather

Vodianoi is a great book! Everyone in the family has read it and we all enjoyed it. We loved how the kids were so trusting and adventuresome, and how they went headlong into TROUBLE and then got out of it, not so much by pure smarts as by compassion and friendship This book is a keeper which will be read over and over until it is in tatters.

 

 

Spirit Grove


Spirit Grove

 By Chris Manning

$10.99 CAN/$10.99 US plus Shipping and Handling


 
Summary

Spirit Grove pits a spirited 13 year old girl against a powerful logging company intent on clear-cutting one of the area's last remaining old-growth forests. When logging tape is found draped around many ancient trees in a cherished grove, Alex and her Defenders Club friends feel compelled to protect the grove at all costs.

Product Details
  • Paperback: 114 pages
  • Publisher: Artisan Pacific Publishing (November 13, 2014)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0981223664
  • ISBN-13: 978-0981223667
  • Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.3 x 8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 6.6 ounces

 
Reviews

Courtesy of Reign Chelsin

Environmental Heroism in Small Packages

They're just kids, but what sets them apart is their conviction to do what they think is right when the road is steeper then a mountain logging trail. Alex and her Defender Club friends challenge a powerful logging company like champions. It is their bravery that lights the way for all those saddened by the state of our environmental neglect and give us hope for the future. An inspiring story.

 


 
     
The Voices in My Head: An Anthology


The Voices in My Head: An Anthology

By Chris Manning

$12.99 CAN/$12.99 US plus Shipping and Handling

 
Summary

The Voices In My Head is an anthology of poetry in two parts.

Beaver Tales and a Canada Goosing: Poems illustrating a Uniquely Canadian Perspective.

*This candid collection of poems represents a distinctively Canadian perspective on world event, the current state of western society and on Canada itself with parody thrown in for good measure. Presented will irreverence, satire and sensibility, this work elucidates many facets of a nation shaped by ruthless winters, industrialist society and proximity to the last remaining super power. Absurd to judicious, it is a work that creates a sense of what it is like to be a fly on the wall of the world.


George and Condi: The Last Decayed - A Collection of Poems from the Last Decade.

*This politically charged collection of poems was inspired by events which transpired over the first ten years of this century. Satirical and irreverent images abound creating fantastic mayhem and revealing human weakness and pretense at a tie of immense political turmoil. Whimsical to despairing, this work illuminates our reaction to coarse humanity with playfulness, absurdity and biting honesty.





Product Details

  • Paperback: 162 pages 
  • Publisher: ArtisanPacificPublishing (April 30, 2014) 
  • Language: English 
  • ISBN-10: 098122363x
  • ISBN-13: 978-0981223636 
  • Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.4 inches 
  • Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces 


Reviews

Courtesy of Reign Chelsin - Review of Beaver Tales and a Canada Goosing

This Book Defies Convention  

This book is a compilation of poems written with refreshing approachability and good dose of humor. 

Chris Manning writes about many things within these pages - 9/11, the war in Iraq, the 2004 tsunami, POW's, American politics, royalty, growing up in the prairies of Canada, parenthood, all with honesty and care. 

Some of the poems are completely flights of fancy - yet all are clear, coherent, lucid, and intelligible. She expresses herself freely, without the confines of convention, with originality and genuine, creative thought. 

The book is presented with three chapters: We All Played the Fool which contains primarily poems with a political edge, Intent Eludes the Staunchest Cops, largely a whimsical look at life with a humorous bent and Give Me Beaches Over Castles, a section devoted to Prairie people and their relationships with the land. 

If you are looking for a book of poetry that leaves behind convention, is wildly entertaining and accessible, then Beaver Tales and a Canada Goosing is a great choice. 


Courtesy of Reign Chelsin - Review of George and Condi: The Last Decayed

Break the Rules Political Poetry 

This collection of poems was prompted by ten years of political disorder. It is written candidly, with satire and irreverence in an unaffected style. 

Chris Manning writes about many topics in this book - the war in Iraq, American politics, the military, relationships, industrialist society and what lies in the future. This is done with often bitter sincerity, in a fashion that energetically breaks the rules. 

The book is divided into four chapters: the first, Roads To Comprehension comprises poems inspired by the disintegration of American politics. The second chapter, A Shifting Divide, introduces sometimes gloomy sometimes fanciful but always entertaining subjects. In Caught in a Meaningless Fog, the mood continues but takes on a more bleak tone. And in the final chapter, Lessons Must Be Noted Now, the question of what lies in the future is posed. 

George and Condi: The Last Decayed, at times playful and fun and at others cutting and bitter, acts as a beacon to a decade not soon to be forgiven let alone forgotten. I heartily recommend this book to those seeking thoughtful, break the rules poetry with a political edge. 


 

George and Condi: The Last Decayed: A Collection of Poems from the Last Decade

George and Condi: The Last Decayed: A Collection of Poems from the Last Decade
 
By Chris Manning

$10.99 CAN/$10.99 US plus Shipping and Handling

Summary

This politically charged collection of poems was inspired by events which transpired over the first ten years of this century. Satirical and irreverent images abound creating fantastic mayhem and revealing human weakness and pretense at a time of immense political turmoil. Whimsical to despairing, this work illuminates our reactions to coarse humanity with playfulness, absurdity and biting honesty. 


Product Details
  • Paperback: 86 pages 
  • Publisher: ArtisanPacificPublishing (September 24, 2009) 
  • Language: English 
  • ISBN-10: 0981223613 
  • ISBN-13: 978-0981223612 
  • Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.2 inches 
  • Shipping Weight: 4 ounces 


Review

Courtesy of Reign Chelsin

Break the Rules Political Poetry 

This collection of poems was prompted by ten years of political disorder. It is written candidly, with satire and irreverence in an unaffected style. 

Chris Manning writes about many topics in this book - the war in Iraq, American politics, the military, relationships, industrialist society and what lies in the future. This is done with often bitter sincerity, in a fashion that energetically breaks the rules. 

The book is divided into four chapters: the first, Roads To Comprehension comprises poems inspired by the disintegration of American politics. The second chapter, A Shifting Divide, introduces sometimes gloomy sometimes fanciful but always entertaining subjects. In Caught in a Meaningless Fog, the mood continues but takes on a more bleak tone. And in the final chapter, Lessons Must Be Noted Now, the question of what lies in the future is posed. 

George and Condi: The Last Decayed, at times playful and fun and at others cutting and bitter, acts as a beacon to a decade not soon to be forgiven let alone forgotten. I heartily recommend this book to those seeking thoughtful, break the rules poetry with a political edge.



 
Beaver Tales and a Canada Goosing: Poems Illustrating a Uniquely Canadian Perspective

Beaver Tales and a Canada Goosing: Poems Illustrating a Uniquely Canadian Perspective
 
By Chris Manning

$10.99 CAN/$10.99 US plus Shipping and Handling


Summary

This candid collection of poems represents a distinctively Canadian perspective on world events, the current state of western society and on Canada itself with parody thrown in for good measure. Presented with irreverence, satire and sensibility, this work elucidates many facets of a nation shaped by ruthless winters, industrialist society and proximity to the last remaining super power. Absurd to judicious, it is a work that creates a sense of what it is like to be a fly on the wall of the world.

Product Details
  • Paperback: 84 pages 
  • Publisher: ArtisanPacificPublishing (September 24, 2009) 
  • Language: English 
  • ISBN-10: 0981223621 
  • ISBN-13: 978-0981223629 
  • Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.2 inches 
  • Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
Review

Courtesy of Reign Chelsin

This Book Defies Convention 

This book is a compilation of poems written with refreshing approachability and good dose of humor.

Chris Manning writes about many things within these pages - 9/11, the war in Iraq, the 2004 tsunami, POW's, American politics, royalty, growing up in the prairies of Canada, parenthood, all with honesty and care.

Some of the poems are completely flights of fancy - yet all are clear, coherent, lucid, and intelligible. She expresses herself freely, without the confines of convention, with originality and genuine, creative thought.

The book is presented with three chapters: We All Played the Fool which contains primarily poems with a political edge, Intent Eludes the Staunchest Cops, largely a whimsical look at life with a humorous bent and Give Me Beaches Over Castles, a section devoted to Prairie people and their relationships with the land.

If you are looking for a book of poetry that leaves behind convention, is wildly entertaining and accessible, then Beaver Tales and a Canada Goosing is a great choice.