WHERE LIONS ROAR AT NIGHT

A read aloud book for the whole family to enjoy by Rosie Boom

Emma Jelsema for Scene Magazine, Whangarei, NZ June 2009

"Life seen through the eyes of a 10-year-old  exudes such a golden glow of possibility - and for young Milly Boom that golden glow has been faithfully, skillfully recreated in the pages of her Mum's novel.

Reading this hard-cover tale will have you reminiscing deep into the night; and for thiose of us who remember that unique blend of excitement and innocence from childhood favourites Little House on the Prairie and Swiss Family Robinson, those feelings of wonder will come flooding back.

In a world bursting with shock-value and fast-paced cheap thrills, this book is a simple piece of sunlit childhood.

Rosie, her husband Chris and their brood of six children live in Whangarei - not too far from Zion Wildlife Gardnes; hence the rather unusual title. Following the daily life of the Booms, we glimpse a modern-day pioneering childhood where high jinks and adbventures abound. Gentle yet absorbing. Parents and children will enjoy  reading this together at bedtime."

Radio Rhema – “BETWEEN THE COVERS” – 27th June 2009 

“THE GIFT of VALUES” (Volumes 1 & 2) and “WHERE LIONS ROAR AT NIGHT” by Rosie Boom.  HMS Publishing, .

 At Bible in Schools recently I read an extract from one of the three books I want to tell you about today. It was headed “Who am I?” This question was followed by a page that described the negative and positives sides of this mystery person.

 Actually it wasn’t a person at all but something we all develop over the years of our life. The answer is “I am HABIT”. There are of course many different habits that we can become prone to, some good, right through to some that are downright evil and even harmful.

 As the final three lines on the page state: “Take me, train me, be firm with me and I will put the world at your feet. Be easy with me, and I will destroy you.”

 As a Christian parent one of the best habits you can get into is to maintain regular family devotions. The associated habit is that of sitting down as a family and eating the main meal of the day together rather than, as I gather is the case with many families today, of eating ones meal in front of the television.

 There is a wealth of material available at your local Christian bookshop that can be used to make such time, at the end of the meal, really interesting, meaningful and God honouring. Reading a passage from the Bible and praying together are an essential part of this but this can be enriched by using other material especially provided for such a time.

 Rosie Boom, who lives in Whangarei with her husband Chris and their six children has compiled two books called “THE GIFT OF VALUES” as a resource for family devotions or for use by parents who are home schooling their children.

 Volume One incorporates such values as Honesty, A Positive Attitude, Courage, Diligence, Perseverance and Obedience. Volume Two the values of Generosity, Encouragement, Self Control, Compassion, Patience and Forgiveness.

Each book opens with an explanation as to why the author wrote these books followed by some guide lines as how  they can be used to greatest benefit.

Each chapter opens with a short introduction as to why the particular value is important for children to learn, appreciate and practice. Then follows a story that illustrates how the value in question operates. These stories are drawn from many sources and would also be ideal for use as children’s talks in church.

Following the story is a list of things to think about and discuss. Children like having something interesting to do and ideas for a variety of activities are included. Also listed a number of quotations relating to each particular value under the heading “So said…”   Rosie Boom adds a “Boom clip” that relates the value to an incident or experience in their own family. There are verses from the Bible listed for each value under the heading “Words to live by” and then some suggestions as to how the subject can be taken to a deeper level. Films and books etc that flesh out, in a dramatic way, each particular value.

Well known Counselor Dr John Sturt writes in commendation…”These books are a valuable resource for parents in their important, but often difficult task, of’ bringing up a family and instilling good values into young lives’. They are full of practical suggestions and creative ideas, drawing on the wisdom of the past, the author’s experience of the present and the teaching of Scripture.” (End of quote)

Another book by Rosie Boom is quite different. “Where Lions Roar at Night” is the story of a family who, having returned from Papua New Guinea set up home in an old barn on a small holding while they wait to build a proper home.   In commendation of this book, a mother, Jenni Anderson writes, and I hope she won’t mind me quoting her here – her enthusiasm is infectious.

“This book is a winner! We devoured it as a ’family read’ in less than a week. Many chores were left undone as my family pleaded for ‘just one more chapter, Mum!’ again and again. We got to know each family member as a close friend, laughing at their antics, sharing their adventures with enthusiasm and their crises with bated breath.

“This is the captivating, real life story of a Kiwi family that every reader would want to know and be a part of, a family who cares for each other and shares each other’s triumphs and losses. It’s about creativity, making the most of life’s ups and downs, dancing in the puddles (or canoeing in floodwaters) on rainy days and living the great adventure with whatever’s at hand.

“Where Lions Roar at Night is more than the family biography that we’ve been longing to read, it’s an inspiration to families and readers of all ages.”

Three books by Rosie Boom, published by HSM Publishing, a division of CMC Australasia . Hardcover, R.R.P. $19.99 each.

Reviewed for Radio Rhema by John Ward and recorded by John Lindsay in the Christchurch studios of the Christian Resource Centre INTERNATIONAL.

“An awesome book - everyone should read it! Parts of it are very funny. I didn't want Mum to stop reading it. The characters come alive - it made me want to meet them.” ~ Sarah, age 11

“This book is a winner! We devoured it as a ‘family read’ in less than a week. Many chores were left undone as my family pleaded for “just one more chapter, Mum!” again and again. We got to know each family member as a close friend, laughing at their antics, sharing their adventures with enthusiasm and their crises with bated breath. This is the captivating, real life story of a Kiwi family that every reader would want to know and be a part of, a family who cares for each other and shares each other’s triumphs and losses. It’s about creativity, making the most of life’s ups and downs, dancing in the puddles (or canoeing in the floodwaters) on rainy days and living the great adventure with whatever’s at hand. Where Lions Roar at Night is more than the New Zealand family biography that we’ve been longing to read, it’s an inspiration to families and readers of all ages. We can’t wait for the next installment!”  ~ Jenni Anderson, mother