Voyage with the Vikings (AIO Imagination Station Books)

My grandson, age 8, was so enthusiastic about the book that he loaned it to his teacher to read. Then he used his allowance to order the entire series. Their mom reads it to my six-year old granddaughter who thoroughly enjoys it also.

This is the first of many adventures that Beth and Patrick have thanks to Mr. Whittaker’s imagination station machine. Although on this particular day Mr. Whittaker can’t get the machine to work for him, it did work for Beth and Patrick taking them back in time to visit a Viking ship. Mr. Whittaker provides the two with appropriate clothes for the time as well as giving Beth a chess set and Patrick a cape. He also asks them to bring him a Viking Sunstone so they can save Albert. Suddenly the two find themselves on a boat on an ocean inlet with no oars and a white polar bear roaring at them until a seal catches its attention. When part of an iceberg broke up it caused a high wave that moved their iceberg close enough to jump to shore. Once on Greenland they encountered reindeer with huge antlers running toward them. But the reindeer raced past them as Viking men approached them. Patrick and Beth met Eric the Red, ruler of Greenland and his son Leif. Eric assumed the two children were spies, but Leif pointed out they were Christians from the cross signs on their brooches. They ride on Leif’s horse to his stone house where they meet his mother Thjodhild. What did Patrick do to find the sunstone? What happens next? Great book for kids to teach them history in a fun way!

In the first of the Imagination Station series by Focus on the Family, we meet cousins Beth and Patrick, who end up traveling back in time to the age of the Vikings on a mysterious quest to save one of Mr. Whittaker's ancestors. The quest involves gathering different things from different time periods. They meet Erik the Red.

I'm a history buss, and I think it's interesting. The Viking time period is not a period that seems to get much attention, and I'm glad they decided to place Beth and Patrick there.

The books are simple, but seem realistic (other than the fact that time travel is impossible). Beth and Patrick wear costumes so they fit in semi-well, and they never seem to be able to change the past. They always find what they're looking for. The books also emphasize God more, although it seems to be everyone except the two children who refer to Him.

The characters are not always fleshed out, but given that it is for younger readers, that could be overlooked.

The content is interesting and gives information about a historical event often overlooked by writers and researchers.

I would say a 9 on a 10 point scale.

Read this as part of the Tyndale Summer Reading program and because my son (9), who has a summer reading challenge of his own, checked it out of the library. It's a bit below his reading level (and, for an adult shouldn't take more than about an hour to fully digest), but there are some nice moments of adventure, intrigue, and action.

Essentially, the Imagination Station is a time machine and our two main characters are kids, so the book is a bit reminiscent of a Magic Tree House book minus the wizards and sorcery. In this "episode," our travelers journey back to the days of Leif Erikson and his vikings. They learn about religious persecution, forgiveness, and God's love, while playing chess, dodging reindeer, and avoiding polar bears. Pretty fun book and, like I said, a quick read for your summer reading fix.

Another quick read and enjoyable story for younger readers and fans of Magic Tree House or Secrets of Droon books who are looking for (or at least don't mind) a Christian twist.

Cousins Beth and Patrick are visiting Mr. Whittaker at Whit's Soda Shoppe when they come across the Imagination Station. Although Mr. Whittaker says it is broken, it comes to life when the duo sit inside it. After finding a letter requesting a Viking Sunstone, the cousins agree to travel to the time of Vikings to try to find the stone. Will they find the stone, and a way back to the present?

This book reminded me a lot of the popular Magic Tree House series, with a Christian perspective. I actually quite enjoyed this book, although I am not the target audience. So many times I have read the Magic Tree House books, with my own children, and when I was substituting in another teacher's class, and I have shuddered inwardly at the supernatural references. I think it is awesome to have an alternative the Magic Tree House books.

If your children enjoy the Magic Tree House books, they will love this book. If you are looking for a Christian series for younger readers, this would be a great choice! At this time, there are twelve books published from this series, with another one coming out in January, 2014.

This is the first novel in the Imagination Station series, and it's a fantastic introduction to what promises to be some exciting reading adventures! In "Voyage With the Vikings" Patrick and Beth meet the Imagination Station and have their first time travel experience.

On their journey the two cousins encounter Erik the Red and Leif Eriksson, two of the most infamous of the Vikings of old. Turns out Leif is a brother believer, but dear old dad (Erik) isn't. By the time the adventure ends, Beth and Patrick have taught a few lessons in kindness and humility, as well as brains over brawn.

They've also recovered a critical sunstone and returned to help free their friend, only to find a new adventure awaits.. Your young readers will experience history through the eyes of Beth and Patrick, learning along the way and enjoying some great, quality fiction!

Beth & Patrick are cousins in Odyssey who, after meeting Mr. Whittaker and taking a peek at the Imagination Station, are surprised to find out that *they* can make it work - and travel in time!

It is the year 1000, and their mission is to find a Viking sunstone. When they arrive, they discover that Vikings are pretty fierce, and they don't shake hands. They meet Erik the Red and his son, Leif, who is a Christian (his dad doesn't approve). They also get to see the Northern Lights and teach the King about kindness and loving your enemies.

I think these are wonderful books for an earlier reader. The combination of history and fantasy (they are able to take their knowledge of historical events and make educated decisions on how to behave, etc.), really adds to the story. I recommend this series!

Finally! I read the first book almost last. My library had to order all of the books in and they couldn't get this book in until just now. I loved this book, as I have this series. I think I might end up buying the entire set for my nephew.

This book introduces Beth and Patrick and takes them on their first trip in the Imagination Station. They land on a Viking ship and come very close to a polar bear. After meeting Leif and Erik the Red the two discover what life was like during that time and how Christianity was portrayed a bit differently. In search for the sunstone to take back to Whit, the kids experience their first near death experiences.

Great story and great series!

The possibility to review Children books is something I have enjoyed greatly. My nose was always in a book as a child after all!
There is such a wonderful world to explore betwixt the pages of a good book and what a way to travel! One day you can be a Knight and riding with Richard the Lionheart, another you can be Kim and walk along the Llama in India... Marco Polo was definitively my favourite and my imagination led me to travel along the Spice Road with him...

Voyage with the Vikings is the first adventure of a series called The Imagination Station Focus on the Family. In this series we are introduced to the main characters Beth and Patrick and an inventor named Mr. Whittaker. As the story unfolds the two children are transported back in time in search of a precious Sunstone.
Their adventure takes them to the Year 1000 in Viking country. There they meet Erik the Red, Leif Erickson and many other Vikings, including a host of characters such as Polar bears and Reindeer.

This soon to be released series (21 March 2011) is written by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker and designed for Readers age 7 and up, is fun to read and an excellent way to involve children in History and Geography. It is also very nicely illustrated!
Best of all, as part of Focus on the Family, it will also teach them some great Christian values.

Psst...Don't forget to check out the puzzle at the end of the book, then go to this site and enter the secret word for a surprise!

I give it 4 stars!

I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Beth and Patrick head put on their first adventure together. Meeting Erik the Red and Lief Erikson! My boys are 7 and 4. It took us 2 days to get through this. This book is perfect for kids starting to read chapter books. The story is wholesome, exciting and entertaining. Can't wait to read more!

The Imagination Station Series takes the story of Mr. Whittaker and the Imagination Station from Adventures in Odyssey to the next level. The book follows two cousins, Beth and Patrick on their own adventure in the Imagination Station back to the time of the Vikings. They meet Erik the Red and his son Leif Eriksson, learn a little about the Vikings and finally find the sunstone. When they finally arrive back at Whit's End the clue for the next adventure appears. This is the perfect adventure book for kids and they get to learn a little history too.

This is the first book in a series combining fantasy, history, adventure with Christian values. The books are sponsored by Focus on the Family based on the Adventures in Odyssey radio broadcasts. They are early chapter books marketed for ages seven and up, but the text is large font and vocabulary not too difficult making them easily understood by a child a bit younger. There are a few black and white simple illustrations assisting a younger reader to grasp story references and providing more incentive for reluctant readers. At the end of the tale, there is a secret puzzle to solve based on the text adding to the aura of a detective story. Additional information is available on the website that is included. This is an added incentive for homeschooling parents and classroom teachers who wish to use the book as a springboard for discussion to other historical figures, events or geography of the period.

Beth and her cousin Patrick are at a soda house named Whit's End. Curiously, it is located in a rambling old house described as a kid's museum. Beth introduces Patrick to the Imagination Station, which is a kind of time machine. It's owner, Mr. Whittaker, invents things. He suggests that the children use his time machine to go on an adventure to visit a Viking ship. He outfits them with Viking costumes. Then he asks a favor. Mr. Whittaker found a note in the Station asking that the traveler bring back a sun stone from a Viking to save someone named Albert. Off they go hurtling into space landing in an open field in front of a herd of reindeer.

The children meet Erik the Red and his son Leif Erickson. Leif has recently returned from his travels. He has recently introduced Christianity to the land. Leif brings the children back to the Church for their own protection, while he prepares to embark on another voyage. Erik is mystified when Beth challenges him to a game of chess. Unfortunately, the children have still not been able to accomplish their mission to find the sun stone. Will they be trapped back in time in this village or will they stow away on the Viking ship with Leif? Will they be successful in finding the sun stone and wending their way back to the Imagination Station or are they doomed to remain in the past?

Voyage with the Vikings by Paul McCusker & Marianne Hering is the first book in the Imagination Station series from Adventures in Odyssey. The Imagination Station was created by Mr. Whittaker who runs a soda shop called Whit's End. It's a bit like a time machine, but Whit is having troubles with it. It won't work for him, but when cousins Paul and Beth step inside, it lights up, ready for a mission. And they have somewhere important to go: a mysterious Albert is threatened by Lord Darkthorn, and Paul and Beth must retrieve a Viking sunstone to rescue him. Whit keeps a huge supply of costumes on hand to ensure that wherever the cousins go, they will be dressed appropriately, and he seems to have some knowledge of what will happen because he gives them just the tools they will need. In this adventure, Paul and Beth meet Erik the Red and his son Leif Erikson in Greenland. Leif is a Christian and treats the children with kindness, but Erik thinks Christianity is for weaklings and fools and he wants to sell them as slaves. The kids will have to use both their smarts and ability to find the sunstone and escape with their lives. First Mia's review: I liked everything about this book, especially being able to go to the past. My favorite part was the mysterious person who helped them open the church door. I loved the illustrations and the author is magnificent at his writing. I learned that God should forever be in your path. I really like that all of these books are Jesus books. I like the alliteration in the title. Now my review: I think this is a fantastic new series for chapter book readers. Mia and I have read several in the Magic Tree House series, to which this is certain to be compared, but Imagination Station is far superior. The writing doesn't talk down to readers, the plots are thoroughly engaging while using historical characters. They give kids a good view of what life was like at the time, because Patrick and Beth are treated like children of the era. The plot about Albert will propel this kids forward through the next several books, and I will be glad to journey with them. This is one series that I don't dread reading aloud with my daughter each night.

An adventure awaits Patrick and Beth as they step inside the mysterious time traveling machine called "The Imagination Station." From the days of the Vikings to Ancient Rome, each place holds an education that is more exciting than any read in a normal history book. Patrick and Beth are chased by tigers, fight with Vikings and learn that there is more to accomplishing a task than simply setting out on a quest. Each will learn to rely on each other, about the time and place they visit and possibly even gain a little bit more faith along the way in this fantastic new adventure series.

What an incredible series of books! This series is meant to be read primarily for ages 7 to 12, but I actually spent most of my time reading these outloud to Turkeybird. He couldn't get enough of the adventure, especially the parts when Beth and Patrick were being chased or were fighting with an adversary. Definitely a boy. What was truly enjoyable, for me at least, was being able to stop at points to tell him a little more about the time, people and places that were part of the story. I'm not sure it all stuck, but it was nice to have an adventure series to read with him that I wasn't afraid would be too graphic but still held his attention. That being said, I absolutely believe this would be a series older readers would love reading on their own as well.

Now, as many of you know, Tyndale House is primarily a publisher of Christian based books, both non-fiction and fiction. When I originally heard about the series I was intrigued but not convinced I'd love it. Yes, I'm Christian, but I'm not always a fan of Christian books. Why? Because, in my experience I've found it difficult to enjoy a fiction book without feeling like I'm being preached at or being given a Sunday School lesson. For me personally, if I'm looking for that I'd choose a non-fiction book. Well, I was pleasantly surprised with The Imagination Station series. It does have mentions of things like prayer, God and faith but not to a point where I felt the books were pushing some sort of agenda. It was incredibly well done and balanced! So much so that I'd recommend the series to people who may not be practicing Christians or even religious at all, but perhaps just looking for a clean adventure for their young children.

The Imagination Station series, particularly Voyage with the Vikings and Attack at the Arena, is the beginning of a fantastic set of books I know we will be continuing in our home. Not only will middle grade age children enjoy the adventure and educational aspects without feeling like they're sitting in a history class, but young children will also love having them read out-loud to them. Perfect for practicing and non-practicing religious homes, this is a series you can be sure will keep your children's attention without blurring the lines with too much graphic content. An absolutely wonderful beginning to a great series, make sure to check them out as soon as possible!

As the mother of two children who are avid readers, one child now reading easy readers, one just learning to read and another who will be learning to read in a few years, I am always on the lookout for new readers which are interesting while meeting the own personal standards which I have set for my family.

So it was with interest that I agreed to review these two new readers from Tyndale and Focus on the Family/Adventures in Odyssey. They are targeted for ages 9 to 12, but would they be easy to read? Have good, large type size? Would these stories appeal equally to both boys as well as girls? Have interesting stories which would hold children's attention and keep them turning pages? Would they reinforce the Christian values our family strives to teach our children?

Since we already enjoy a number of products from Focus on the Family/Adventures in Odyssey, I was fairly certain these books would contain solid Christian values. They do. I also found them a good typeset size for young readers, which in my experience is important for young children graduating from picture books. I also found them to have frequent, interesting illustrations and to be full of excitement and adventure. More importantly, both the boys as well as the girls in my family kept asking for "just one more chapter." Even my twelve year old, who sometimes pretends he is too old for stories to be read to him, borrowed the books to read on his own in his free time. Hint: Don't neglect to allow your kits to complete the fun puzzles with secret word bonuses to unlock at the Focus on the Family website.

Voyage with the Vikings begins with Beth providing her cousin Patrick a tour of Mr. Whitaker's basement workshop. As they are exploring the Imagination Station it begins working, and before the cousins realize it they find themselves back in Viking times hunting for a Viking Sunstone in order to save someone named Albert from a mysterious Lord Darkthorn. Soon they are facing a polar bear, charging reinder, and the fearsome Erik the Red and his son Leif. Will they manage to find the Sunstone and take it back to the Mr. Whitaker before it is too late?

Disclosure: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Imagination Station book series begins with Voyage with the Vikings. At Whit's End, Beth and Patrick are transported by Mr. Whittaker's invention, the Imagination Station, to Greenland circa 1000 as they search for a Viking sunstone. A mysterious note and a vanishing ring add to the excitement of this story.

Our family already loves Adventure in Odyssey, so we had high expectations for this book. Once I started it, my kids would not let me stop!! We finished it in one day! I was even able to tie in the Viking information from the story with what we had previously learned in our homeschooling. Entertainment AND learning - what a great combo! There is also a web address for more fun, informative facts. The only negative is that my reading isn't as creative as the audio productions of Adventure in Odyssey! Our whole family would highly recommend this book to all families and are looking forward to the next book in the series, Attack at the Arena.

(Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book to review.)

A perfect read for your young Adventures in Odyssey fan!

Patrick and Beth stumble across a letter in Mr. Whattaker's Imagination Station threatening to imprision a mysteryious Albert if the sunstone is not found and delievered. Beth and Patrick embark on a rescue mission to find the sunstone and save Albert!

As a church library assistant, I like to keep my eyes out for great children's books with both a sound message and lots of adventure, and these books make the cut. I love how they learn lessons about God while going back in history and learning about the past. In this one they even meet Leif Eriksson!

This series is targeted more toward children who have recently graduated from the I-can-read chapter books, to "real books" with an easy to read style, without alot of big words, and large print your young reader will be racing through this book. This series has it all, action adventure and a solid lesson behind it with some of your favorite characters from the radio series :)

Recently I picked up Voyage with the Vikings, the first book in Adventures in Odyssey's Imagination Station series. The book is written by Paul McCusker and Marianne Hering, and tells the story of cousins Patrick and Ben. While visiting the Whit's End soda shop they climb into the Imagination Station where they find a mysterious letter asking for a Viking sunstone. Mr. Whittaker then transports the two to Greenland in the year 1000. There they meet the Viking king Erik the Red and his son Leif Eriksson.
What's great about this book is that not only do you have some great Viking history in it, but the story also corresponds with Christian history, where it talks about the growing amount of Christians in the Norse world. Not only that, but kids will love the adventure and will have fun while learning something new. And you can even visit the Adventures in Odyssey website to learn more facts about the Vikings, find some coloring pages and even some family games and devotionals that all tie in with the book.
If you have a young grade school child, then this will be the perfect book for them (and you) and I have to say that I highly recommend it.

Beth & Patrick are cousins in Odyssey who, after meeting Mr. Whittaker and taking a peek at the Imagination Station, are surprised to find out that *they* can make it work - and travel in time!

It is the year 1000, and their mission is to find a Viking sunstone. When they arrive, they discover that Vikings are pretty fierce, and they don't shake hands. :) They meet Erik the Red and his son, Leif, who is a Christian (his dad doesn't approve). They also get to see the Northern Lights and teach the King about kindness and loving your enemies.

I think these are wonderful books for an earlier reader. The combination of history and fantasy (they are able to take their knowledge of historical events and make educated decisions on how to behave, etc.), really adds to the story. I recommend this series!

Those familiar with the Adventures in Odyssey radio program will recognize the "Imagination Station" as Mr. Whittaker's time traveling machine. It's this contraption that's the star of a new set of Odyssey spin-off books designed to offer a Christian alternative to the massively popular Magic Tree House books. Written by Marianne Hering (former editor of Focus on the Family's Clubhouse magazine) and Paul McCusker (writer and director of Adventures in Odyssey), the first book in the Imagination Station series is Voyage with the Vikings.

Everything about this book is closely modeled on the Magic Tree House series - from the plot line, to the two main characters, to the illustrations, to the cover and title. In this book, Mr. Whittaker sends young cousins Beth and Patrick on a mission to uncover secrets from a mysterious note left by someone named Albert who is about to be locked up in Lord Darkthorne's tower. The children don't know who Albert or Darkthorne are, but they are eager to go back into time to find the sunstone Albert apparently requires.

After dressing them in appropriate period attire, Mr. Whittaker sends the children back in time to the days of the Vikings in Greenland. Here, they meet the historical Eric the Red, and his Christian son, Leif. Eric wants to make them slaves, but Eric locks them safely in a small Christian church where Eric would never dare go. Wanting to complete his mission and find a sunstone, Patrick escapes and nearly gets killed by Vikings who think he's stealing. Leif rescues him and they make their way to a Viking party, where Eric's Christian wife protects the children from the pagan rituals - including sacrifices - there.

Thinking they are unable to complete their mission in time, and unable to find the Imagination Station, the children end up on a ship with Leif, headed to Norway. But when the children see Leif use a stone to navigate, they realize it's the sunstone they need. They make a trade with Leif and once the sunstone is in their possession, the red button to the Imagination Station appears. But not before Beth shows Leif a map of North America and the Viking decides to make his important historical sail there.

The children push the red button and give the sunstone to Mr. Whittaker - only to discover Albert needs them to travel to Rome. Are the kids game? You bet!

What I Like: My 5 year old, who loves Adventures in Odyssey, was delighted to have a book related to the radio series, and I love that this series tackles history with an emphasis on Christianity. Many parents will also be excited to know this book contains no magic, unlike the Magic Tree House books. I also really appreciated it when Patrick showed his faith by standing up to Eric. First, he apologizes for accidentally offending the famous Viking, but when Eric threatens to kill him anyway, Patrick reminds him there is only one God - and he prays silently for that God to help him.

What I Dislike: At one point, Patrick sees a large pot and compares it to a "witch's cauldron;" some parents may object to this phrasing. But mostly, I find it difficult not to compare this book to the Magic Tree House series, it's so closely modeled after it. This first book in the series, in my opinion, falls a bit short - mostly because it meanders. The Magic Tree House books are packed with action and most chapters end in such a way you just have to read more, but Voyage with the Vikings rarely has these qualities. The book is also longer - 108 pages of actual storyline - whereas most of the Magic Tree House books are about 80 pages. In addition, there are just 16 black and white illustrations; these illustrations by David Hohn are very good - but I do find the kids - especially Beth - way, way too thin. I also miss having factual historical information at the back of the book (some puzzles are included there instead).

Even so, however, this book is well done.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Kristina Seleshanko, Christian Children's Book Review

Join Patrick and Beth on an adventure in the imagination station time machine at Whit's End in Odyssey. the popular radio program is now in book form. Your children can go on adventures with the characters in the book as they set off in the time machine to visit Viking times.

Mr. Whitaker sends cousins, Beth and Patrick, to the time of the Vikings to find a sunstone which will save the mysterious Albert, mentioned in a note which was left in the time machine.

The children arrive off the coast of Greenland in a Viking ship. They land on shore and meet Eric the Red and Leif his son. The men are preparing to set sail for Norway the next day.

Beth and Patrick learn about the Vikings as they interact with the people in the village and try to find the sunstone.

My children enjoyed this story. I like how the author weaves History, adventure, and Christianity together throughout the book. The story is fast paced with a few problems thrown in for the characters to solve.

My daughter, Hannah(11) says, "It was pretty cool".

This book would be a good addition to a study of the Vikings and the discovery of America. It is recommended for ages 7 and up with a grade level rating of 1.7. I think it would also make a good read aloud book for a wide range of ages. I plan to use it in our History studies.

I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale Media in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion.

My children enjoy Adventures in Odyssey so when I had the chance to review The Imagination Station Book 1 I had to take it. This book is recommended for ages 7 and up however I did read it to my 4 and 6 year old as well as my 9 year old. All of them, including me, enjoyed it - I had to finish it in one day we were all so caught up in the story! Now, having said that, my 9 year old would have found this a too easy of a read if she had read this by herself as she is reading on an almost middle school level and the grade level for this is 1.7. Regardless, she enjoyed it and was the one begging loudly to please finish it.

In this book your children will venture to the time of the Vikings and of Erik the Red and his son Leif. Vicious polar bears and scary, pagan Vikings are included and while there is mention of sacrifice of the Christian Vikings - nothing is outright disturbing or graphic. What I liked about this is now my children are wanting to learn more about Vikings and their time period, and this book gave a good jump off with some historical accuracy. While secular readers will enjoy this book, the characters are not afraid of saying their is one True God especially when confronted by Erik the Red and his false gods.

**I was provided a copy of this book from Tyndale Media in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.

These books, just like the radio program, suck you in right at the beginning. These books are a wonderful read aloud as a family. They also are a great way to get interested in people and places in history. Great start to an edge of your seat adventure series for kids (and adults like me!) !

This Christian book is the PERFECT first chapter book for kids to read on their own. This book is published through Tyndale and is a Focus on the Family Resource. It's a spin off the radio show "Adventures in Odyssey" which my kids just adore. My son just finished 1st grade and he reads at or probably just a little above that level....the book says the FK grade level is 1.7...recommended for ages 7 and up. We homeschool and follow the classical method for their history and science. This basically means that we move chronologically through history over a few years and I like to use what we are learning in history as the catalyst for all the other subjects. These books use real historical figures and places and I LOVE IT when we find stuff that coincides with what we are learning in History...not only that, these books inspire them to use their imaginations and put themselves in that time period Another great thing about these books is that they are exciting and full of action (great for little boys). This particular book has swords and ships and time machines. I even liked reading them and I'm 30 yrs old. At the end of the book there is a quiz/puzzle for them to solve. They can enter the "secret word" at the website for a prize. If you go to the website: [...] they also have fun facts about the content, activities, crafts and devotions to use along with the reading. I really hope that they continue to come out with more. This is a great resource for young reading minds!

The Beggining...Where it all started.
Patrick and Beth are two cousins,two brave cousins that travel with vikings,get attacked at the arena,put in jail by the great Kublai Khan of China and more!Travel with Patrick and Beth in the imagination station on a mission to save Albert!

"Voyage With the Vikings" is the first in The Imagination Station series, presented by Focus on the Family. In this book, we are introduced to cousins Beth and Patrick who are sent on amazing adventures in the Imagination Station, invented by Mr. Whitaker. Each adventure has something that the cousins need to accomplish in order to help save another character.

I read this book with my four-year-old, and he really enjoyed it. It's reminiscent of "The Magic Treehouse" series, but with a bit more depth and detail. We are already looking forward to getting the next book from the library to continue the adventure!

I recently received Voyage with the Vikings from Tyndale house to read and review. This is the first book in the Imagination Station series. The imagination station is a time machine that a local inventor has at his workshop. The machine transports the children back in time to Greenland in the year 1000 during the time of the Vikings. They learn a lot as they work together to find a mysterious item called the sandstone that they must retrieve before going back home. The book shows how doing the right thing may be hard, but it is always the right choice. The book ends with another mystery that must be solved which leads into the next book of the series. The other books in the series are: Attack at the Arena (book 2), Peril in the Palace (book 3), and Revenge of the Red Knight (book 4). This series is recommended for children ages 7 and up.

I really enjoyed reading Voyage with the Vikings. This series would be great for a child to read on his own or to read it together as a family. The plot was laid out well and the mystery makes you desire more. I thought the ending was great in that it led to another mystery to be solved in the next book. The books not only teach history, but they also teach good moral principles too. I would highly recommend this series to anyone with children 7 and up. This would also be a great series to encourage kids who are not excited about reading. I think it would keep their attention and show them that reading can be fun!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in an exchange for an honest review.

The Beggining...Where it all started.
Patrick and Beth are two cousins,two brave cousins that travel with vikings,get attacked at the arena,put in jail by the great Kublai Khan of China and more!Travel with Patrick and Beth in the imagination station on a mission to save Albert!

"Voyage With the Vikings" is the first in The Imagination Station series, presented by Focus on the Family. In this book, we are introduced to cousins Beth and Patrick who are sent on amazing adventures in the Imagination Station, invented by Mr. Whitaker. Each adventure has something that the cousins need to accomplish in order to help save another character.

I read this book with my four-year-old, and he really enjoyed it. It's reminiscent of "The Magic Treehouse" series, but with a bit more depth and detail. We are already looking forward to getting the next book from the library to continue the adventure!

We are reading through the whole series and enjoy the fact that the characters work out differences in healthy and honest ways. We looked up additional information about vikings and had a good discussion to accompany the book.

So after reading book 2 first - my children (8 & 5) and I read book 1. I loved the educational pieces of the story. It led us on an internet search for more information about Vikings. Anytime a book can help us learn more about our world and our history, it's great!

My kids and I are really enjoying the skillful storytelling in these series of delightful books written especially for kids. I have been searching for some time now to find a series of children's books that teach bible based principles. These series also teach about history and what it may have been like in the past. It gives my kids and I a new appreciation for the freedoms we experience currently.

Voyage with the Vikings is twaddle. (I mean this in the nicest possible way. Google "Charlotte Mason twaddle" if you're not familiar with the term.) This book is overly simplistic in it's language, plot, historical elements, and Christian message. It lacks rich, descriptive language; abounds in sentence fragments; and has an incredibly predictable plot. A child could spend ten minutes perusing a picture book on the Vikings and glean just as much factual, historical information.

Perhaps the most disappointing facet of this book was its "Christian" message. It mentions Jesus Christ and God. It states that there is one God and references "the God of the cross" (pg. 94). The moral of the book is that Christians should be kind to their enemies: "Erik was mean to you. But you showed him kindness. That's just like God. He shows us kindness even when we don't deserve it" (pg. 106). However, there is no clear presentation of the Gospel in this book, and it is devoid of Scripture.

If you're looking for a book your child can read easily that is "clean", you'll probably enjoy this book. However, if you're trying to avoid twaddle, steer clear of this book. There is much better reading material on the market! A child may enjoy this book just as a child enjoys junk food, but a steady diet of this sort of writing will ruin a child's appetite for fine literature and deep, thought-provoking writing.

My kids and I really enjoyed this series! History seemed to come alive as we read these books. Great lessons were taught as well. I read them aloud to my four year old, who loved them. All of my kids up to my 13 year old actually enjoyed them, and I did as well. I highly recommend them!

ALERT. I purchased this book because I was looking for Vikings stories for kids (visiting Scandinavia) and I guess I should have read the reviews closer because this entire series is a bunch of nutjob Christians substituting their religious nonsense for science and history. I would not read this junk to my kids, they are much too smart to believe in fairy tales like invisible men who live in the sky and watch over us. I'd sooner believe stories about time traveling to the Viking Age than I would the Bible.