Birch Island Books

Fog’s Children

LFSAlden — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:39:40 +0000

Riona and her father have a secret. It’s up to her to travel the continent and find those few who can be trusted to share it and keep a dream alive. She must use her wits to avoid suspicion, find her new friends, and teach them skills they’ll need to help the glowing ember of freedom live through her country’s dark night.

Fog’s Children: Chapters 1-5 of 10

Fog’s Children: Chapters 6-10 of 10

Celebrate Mabon

LFSAlden — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:43:40 +0000

Autumnal Equinox blesses our families with bounty, beauty, and stability. May you find balance and abundance this harvest season.

Finding Balance - What’s up in Matt’s life? There are too many things to do; can his spelling list help?

Spirit Play Support

LFSAlden — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:04:07 +0000

I have created a few stories and a few support documents for you religious educators and home educators who are using the Spirit Play storytelling method. Please use freely! Also, many of the stories on the Beginning Reading pages can be adapted as Spirit Plays!

Spirit Play Story: Origin of the Moon Accompanying Story Pattern!

Spirit Play Administrative Files: Spirit Play on a Shoestring. My friends, this PDF of a Keynote presentation is having the darnedest time getting uploaded. I will happily email you the 9.4 MB PDF file.

Earth Chart for Brent Annable’s Sphere

LFSAlden — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:27:52 +0000

This is a modest addition to the geometrifantastic “Stockinette Short-Row Sphere” by Brent Annable, found for free on his web site. I’ve simply made an intarsia chart to help you turn one of his spheres into a model of Planet Earth. I mean, every kid needs a stuffy planet, right? Begin at the International Date Line and work westward (as the sun does).

Earth Chart for Brent Annable’s Sphere

Prime Factors

LFSAlden — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:51:55 +0000

Every number can be written as a multiplication sentence - which can be very useful when the numbers get too big or too many. Here’s practice re-writing each number from 2 to 100 as the multiplication of Prime Factors. Prime Factors

Cabley Cozy Slippers

LFSAlden — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:45:56 +0000

Double soles, pretty cables, plus felted bulky wool equal toasty toes! These use about 100 meters of yarn, and I prefer Reynolds Lopi.

Cabley Cozy Slippers

Thoughtful Tales

LFSAlden — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:33:41 +0000

These quiet stories invite reflection and meditation, and make good Spirit Plays.

The Truth of the Tree People The story of a beautiful friendship between a child and a tree.

Dream Leaves

LFSAlden — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:22:31 +0000

Angharad must help Calum, the 14 year old heir to the Dukedom, prepare for his duties. Just a few problems - the neighboring country is attacking, they must find a mythical highly poisonous plant, and Calum isn’t quite sane.

Dream Leaves 1

Dream Leaves 2

Primary Readers!

LFSAlden — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:08:35 +0000

Ready for reading beyond “Pony and Little Girl”? Here are some primary reader stories which my kids loved - our heroes use cooperation and their wits to engage in adventures laced with welcoming values and fun.

The Great Laundry Mystery Karen’s Mom is marrying Gwen’s Mama, and the girls find adventure in the middle of all the preparations! Karen is an extra-energetic gal and her almost-sister Gwen is a very deliberate, careful girl. How will they work together?

Nthabi’s Star What could the Sea Faeries be searching for outside Nthabi’s window? She’d better get her favorite adult and go help them!

Katherine’s Gift How can a kid solve the problem of getting a gift for her baby sister? It can be tough when you have no money, no transportation, and you’re not allowed to leave the yard without a grown-up. Thank goodness for Cat Magic!

Junior Brigadoons Sometimes adventures are closer than you know! A sister and brother learn things they never knew about fire safety and help out a friend in need.

Abigail and the Sea Abigail makes a magical friend! The two girls from different worlds combine their wits to diffuse the danger of the Great Grump.

Sweetheart Mitten

LFSAlden — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:55:19 +0000

It’s the Cold Latitudes Dilemma - how to hold hands with your sweetie on a romantic walk through the snow without getting frostbite? A stockinette hand pouch with cuffs! Add your own beautiful cables or color work, of course. It goes particularly well with a matching pair of mittens, shared by your non-holding hands. Makes a great Valentine’s or engagement gift. Price is $2.00 through PayPal.