Books reviewed prior on this site prior to March 2019 were provided to me, at no charge, by the publisher, or by the author, in exchange for an honest review. I have received no further compensation for these reviews. Reviews beginning March 2019 come from a variety of sources: advanced copies, library loans, and my own purchases. All reviews are my honest opinions.

May 31, 2015

Channing O'Banning {Tommy Nelson Kids}

channing o'banning
Channing O'Banning and the Rainforest Rescue
When Channing O’Banning’s BFF goes gaga over new boy Marco, Channing wishes she could send him back to where he came from. Her wish turns into her worst nightmare when Marco tags along on her family’s dream trip to Marco’s home country of Costa Rica.

With her secret sketchbook in tow, a colored pencil stuck in her ponytail, and adorable pot-bellied pig, Teeny, by her side, Channing embarks on a high-flying adventure through the Costa Rican rainforest. But when the feisty fourth-grade artist makes a few wrong turns and gets lost in the jungle, she discovers that maybe Marco isn’t so bad after all.

Through her wild escapades, Channing learns just how important it is to keep the earth—and friendships—healthy.

channing o'banning
Channing O'Banning and the Turquoise Trail
When fourth-grade artist Channing O’Banning unearths something very weird on the school playground, she’s sure it’s going to be the biggest thing ever to happen at Greenville Elementary. But things take a rocky turn, and Channing never wants to show her face at school again.

Thankfully, Channing finds lots of rocks to hide under when her family visits the American West. With her signature colored pencil stuck in her ponytail and Teeny, the coolest pig on the planet, by her side,

Channing discovers that art comes in many different forms—and that God is the greatest artist of all.

Our Thoughts:
I think it is awesome that my daughter is learning to read and constantly looking for more books to expand her reading. Channing O'Banning has been a fun character for us to read at our house, and she has given us plenty of laughs.

Channing's adventures seem to be full of obstacles and mishaps. They are full of twists and turns, and stories to keep my daughter asking questions and wishing for her own adventures.


But with each adventure comes a great lesson that God is always there for us. No matter what situation Channing seems to find herself in, she gets reminded that God has her back and is always there to watch over her and her friends.


These lessons are the kind of lessons I want my kids to get out of everything they do in life, and I'm happy to have Channing O'Banning in our house to remind my kids of God's grace and love.



Author Angela Spady is an award-winning educator, curriculum author, and mother to two daughters. Her innovative teaching techniques have been featured on PBS, KY Teacher Magazine, and in various print media around the country. She is a noted advocate for encouraging art and self-expression among elementary school children and is often sought out by both parents and teachers on this critical topic. She and her family live in Kentucky.






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