The Adventures of Papa Lemon’s Little Wanderers
In April 2008 I had the privilege of attending the Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators conference in Duluth, MN. This was my first year to attend and boy was I excited. There were over 200 exhibitor booths, 4,800 attendees, and 90 workshops. I was glad I had two days to be there! I didn’t have a clue as a new homeschool participant as to what workshops would be best for me. After prayer and words of wisdom from my homeschool forum, I attended each workshop by faith, and learned something I needed to at each one. Amongst the crowds I found some kindred spirits in the book industry. One of whom was Lehman Riley.
Lehman is the inspiration behind The Adventures of Papa Lemon’s Little Wanderers stories. Lehman’s concept is fabulous. Through the travels of the Little Wanderers, kids from 7 to 12 years of age learn about the history of America. The Little Wanderers learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, slavery, World War II and the Navajo Wind Talkers, the life of Babe Didrikson, plus more. Papa Lemon and Mama Sarah were Lehman’s grandparents who were born in West, Mississippi. These two saints of God shared their lives and faith freely with their children, grandchildren and anyone who came to visit them. Now their stories are living on through the writings of Lehman Riley.
Papa Lemon had a way of telling a story that made everything fun and I believe Lehman has inherited his grandfather’s gift. Each story involves five kids from the neighborhood. These kids visit Papa Lemon and Mama Sarah in their quest to have their history lessons in school explained in a lively fashion. Papa Lemon has a secret stashed in his barn which is revealed in the first book “Meeting Dr. Martin Luther King”. This hidden secret is the avenue the kids and Papa Lemon use to research American history.
When I read books I don’t like illustrations but kids are different. Kids like to see what they are reading and Joshua Wallace does a great job capturing the essence of every lesson. If I couldn’t read, the pictures would explain the whole story to me and I would understand it.
These two men, Lehman Riley and Joshua Wallace are a great combination. I hope they will continue together as the years go on. Keep up the good work guys!
For more information I encourage you to visit the website for The Adventures of Papa Lemon’s Little Wanderers. You will not only find out where to purchase these little gems but there are study guides for all classrooms. If you need something to keep your kids busy, try the activity sheets listed on the website. This work in progress is a must for all to add to their favorites list so you can go back and visit often.
Enjoy!
Michelle Rothwell
