We started our homeschool adventure about 11 years ago when our oldest child was 3, before it was cool, but after it was legal. Back then, people really looked at you funny if you said you were a homeschooling family. Today they usually look at you a little funny and then tell some story about another homeschooling family they know. We've come a long way! But after reviewing Grumpy Mr. Grady and Baby Kong ($8.95 each), written by Scott Stroud and illustrated by Jim Hunt, I really feel like we've arrived as homeschoolers! Scott and Mary Stroud had the same frustrating experience we've all had - there are almost no kids' books around about homeschool families. So they decided to write their own, and I'm very glad they did. Baby Kong is a sweet and humorous story about Seth who becomes "Baby Kong" when dad leaves for work and the homeschool day begins. After a rampage that all of us can relate to (yes, admit it, your little ones sometimes wreak havoc, too!), the family finally wins him over and "Seth" returns! Grumpy Mr. Grady is about a grumpy neighbor who hates kids and is none too happy when a homeschool family moves next door. Through a clever series of events, though, the kids gain respect for Mr. Grady and he eventually softens to them, as well. Of course, none of us have ever had a grumpy neighbor, or disapproving friend or relative!

My family absolutely loved both of these creative, beautifully illustrated, books! There is something wonderful about picking up a book and seeing your life unfold in the pages. The resolution to both stories happens in a God-honoring way that can serve as a lesson on grace and humility. We loved the upbeat, humorous stories and illustrations. These are both stories that most homeschool families can relate to! We loved that the solutions showed God's grace without ignoring His righteousness. Grumpy Mr. Grady not only models how to deal with a grumpy neighbor, but also how to honor our veterans, a message near and dear to our hearts! Baby Kong shows the challenges, as well as the joys, of keeping young children busy during the homeschool day. Our only complaint with these delightful books is that Mr. Stroud needs to write more, many more!

Product Review by Dr. Anne Margaret Wright, Senior Product Reviewer, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC