What do you think?
Rate this book
The Imagination Station #8
Battle for Cannibal Island
It's 1852 and cousins Patrick and Beth sail to Fiji on the "HMS Calliope" under the command of Captain James E. Home. They arrive at the islands to find that the Christian Fijians are at war with the non-Christian Fijians. Missionary James Calvert is trying to make peace and suggests that the captain allow peace negotiations on board the British vessel. Patrick and Beth learn about sacrificial living when they observe Calvert's determination to live on Fiji despite the dangers and impoverished conditions and that he is willing to risk his life to live as Jesus would.
144 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
39 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Marianne Hering
98 books39 followersMarianne Hering is a prolific writer, having written hundreds of articles and a number of books for children and parents. For nine years she worked for several magazines in Focus on the Family’s periodicals department and became the editor of Clubhouse, a Focus on the Family children’s magazine with a circulation of more than 100,000.
As a book developer for Focus on the Family, she and coauthor / creative director Paul McCusker launched the Adventures in Odyssey book series The Imagination Station in 2010. Currently the series includes 19 books, with two more contracted for 2017 release. Paul bowed out of his role in 2015 to pursue other creative avenues. The combined sales are more than 450,000.
Currently Marianne is a freelance writer taking assignments. She and her husband live in Colorado with their twin sons.
As a book developer for Focus on the Family, she and coauthor / creative director Paul McCusker launched the Adventures in Odyssey book series The Imagination Station in 2010. Currently the series includes 19 books, with two more contracted for 2017 release. Paul bowed out of his role in 2015 to pursue other creative avenues. The combined sales are more than 450,000.
Currently Marianne is a freelance writer taking assignments. She and her husband live in Colorado with their twin sons.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 6, 2025
Marking this as read even though it was a DNF. My 10 year old didn't want to keep reading about cannibals.
November 17, 2018
I just keep reading these books because my boys keep asking for them. (Which I suppose is a valid point in itself to the books credit.) But my favorite thing about them is consistently that they are over within a week and a half's worth of nighttime read alouds. And they get me more books added to my reading goal :)
June 6, 2020
I liked this book. It had action, adventure, and a good message! Learning about cannibalism, fiji and missionaries was fun.
August 5, 2021
Turtle is re-reading series: great! Return to library.
November 2, 2021
Amazing read
November 3, 2012
Beth stops into Mr.Whit's Ice Cream Shop looking for her cousin Patrick. She finds him hiding in the Imagination Station, a time machine of sorts, invented by Mr.Whit. Patrick is in a bad mood because he does not want to go to his Grandmother's birthday party. There are so many other fun things he could be doing. Beth got in the machine with him to talk to him. He decides to push the button that starts up the machine, but he was under the impression it was turned off. Well it hummed on and they were off to an adventure in the Imagination Station. When the humming stops they are on the deck of a sailing ship which is flying a British flag. But Patrick thinks they may be on a pirates ship.
Off in the distance Missionary James Calvert is talking to a British Captain. Calvert is wanting to be put ashore on Fiji Island but the Captain refuses to let him on the island because it is inhabited with cannibals.
Calvert knew the cannibals were as much God's children as were anyone else. He had every intention to tell them about God. Some of the Fijians had already accepted Christ as their Savior. As they continue their conversation a canoe sets off from the island with several of the cannibals and their leader headed for the ship.
When Patrick and Beth are discovered on the ship the Captain gave orders for them to be put in the hull of the ship with the other hard core prisoners. Calvert would not stand for the Beth to be put with the other prisoners. It was no place for a girl.
Then things turn chaotic on the ship among the prisoners and Patrick is right in the middle. What will happen to Patrick? Who should he fear the most the Captain, the pirates or the cannibals? What an adventure this has become.
The Imagination Station is an excellent way for children to learn about our Christian heroes. True disciple of Christ. Willing to sacrifice their very lives to spread the word of eternal life through Christ out Lord and Savior.
The author gives our children a good look at the British involvement to rid the Figi Island of cannibals. It was Calvert's mission to tell thee Fijians about God. Patrick also learned a lesson. What would that lesson be?
Will Patrick decide to go to his Grandmother's Birthday after this adventure? Will they be in trouble for going using the Imagination Station without Mr. Whit's permission?
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here
Check back tomorrow when I will post a review on THE IMAGINATION STATION #9 - ESCAPE TO THE HIDING PLACE - ADVENTURES IN ODYSSEY by Marianne Hering, Marshal Younger
Off in the distance Missionary James Calvert is talking to a British Captain. Calvert is wanting to be put ashore on Fiji Island but the Captain refuses to let him on the island because it is inhabited with cannibals.
Calvert knew the cannibals were as much God's children as were anyone else. He had every intention to tell them about God. Some of the Fijians had already accepted Christ as their Savior. As they continue their conversation a canoe sets off from the island with several of the cannibals and their leader headed for the ship.
When Patrick and Beth are discovered on the ship the Captain gave orders for them to be put in the hull of the ship with the other hard core prisoners. Calvert would not stand for the Beth to be put with the other prisoners. It was no place for a girl.
Then things turn chaotic on the ship among the prisoners and Patrick is right in the middle. What will happen to Patrick? Who should he fear the most the Captain, the pirates or the cannibals? What an adventure this has become.
The Imagination Station is an excellent way for children to learn about our Christian heroes. True disciple of Christ. Willing to sacrifice their very lives to spread the word of eternal life through Christ out Lord and Savior.
The author gives our children a good look at the British involvement to rid the Figi Island of cannibals. It was Calvert's mission to tell thee Fijians about God. Patrick also learned a lesson. What would that lesson be?
Will Patrick decide to go to his Grandmother's Birthday after this adventure? Will they be in trouble for going using the Imagination Station without Mr. Whit's permission?
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here
Check back tomorrow when I will post a review on THE IMAGINATION STATION #9 - ESCAPE TO THE HIDING PLACE - ADVENTURES IN ODYSSEY by Marianne Hering, Marshal Younger
July 10, 2014
Cousins Patrick and Beth love going to Whit's End. There are always so many exciting things to do there, and one of their favorites is the Imagination Station. When Beth goes looking for Patrick, she finds him inside the Imagination Station. Next thing they know, they've been whisked off onto an adventure and are aboard a ship. Patrick and Beth soon get separated and they'll have to survive a storm, cannibals, and sharks and pray that they will get a chance to return home. Will they be successful? Or will they be stuck on island with cannibals forever? And what lesson will they learn?
I've never actually read an Imagination Station adventure before. I found it quite enjoyable.
Like everything I've either read or listened to regarding Adventures in Odyssey, there are always truths that the kids learn. I've grown up on Odyssey and will some day own the cds for the radio series. But that's a someday dream.
This book captured my attention from the first. I felt a little bad for Beth at the beginning when Patrick was being so mean to her. Yet as their adventure continued, they learned how much being kind and having a strong faith worked in their favor.
This is a perfect book for fans of the Magic Tree House Books. I'd say it would be targeted at ages 7-9 specifically. While it is a part of a series, it easily stands alone as each book is a different Imagination Station adventure.
I rented this book from the library to read for pure pleasure as part of the Tyndale Summer Reading Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of Magic Tree House, Adventures in Odyssey, I Survived Series, Josh Ladd Series, ages 7-9, and librarians.
Rating - 4 stars
I've never actually read an Imagination Station adventure before. I found it quite enjoyable.
Like everything I've either read or listened to regarding Adventures in Odyssey, there are always truths that the kids learn. I've grown up on Odyssey and will some day own the cds for the radio series. But that's a someday dream.
This book captured my attention from the first. I felt a little bad for Beth at the beginning when Patrick was being so mean to her. Yet as their adventure continued, they learned how much being kind and having a strong faith worked in their favor.
This is a perfect book for fans of the Magic Tree House Books. I'd say it would be targeted at ages 7-9 specifically. While it is a part of a series, it easily stands alone as each book is a different Imagination Station adventure.
I rented this book from the library to read for pure pleasure as part of the Tyndale Summer Reading Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of Magic Tree House, Adventures in Odyssey, I Survived Series, Josh Ladd Series, ages 7-9, and librarians.
Rating - 4 stars
November 22, 2014
Misleading title, but a good book about sacrificing for Jesus
Once again, this AIO Imagination Station has an inaccurate title. There is no battle - if we are generous we can call it a skirmish. Maybe.
That aside, in this adventure Beth & Patrick meet little known missionary James Calvert who believed cannibals could come to know and serve Jesus - instead of believing they were unredeemable, like many in his day. Every one who is a Christian has already died, he says, so why should I fear the cannibals when they cannot harm my soul?
Unfortunately, Patrick got him & Beth on this adventure in spite of Beth's protests and without Mr. Whittaker's permission & he isn't punish or really even reprimanded for his actions. That is my biggest let down from this book - otherwise I think this is one of the better ones in this series!
The simple language, illustrations, & easy-to-read larger font makes this series perfect for young readers.
Once again, this AIO Imagination Station has an inaccurate title. There is no battle - if we are generous we can call it a skirmish. Maybe.
That aside, in this adventure Beth & Patrick meet little known missionary James Calvert who believed cannibals could come to know and serve Jesus - instead of believing they were unredeemable, like many in his day. Every one who is a Christian has already died, he says, so why should I fear the cannibals when they cannot harm my soul?
Unfortunately, Patrick got him & Beth on this adventure in spite of Beth's protests and without Mr. Whittaker's permission & he isn't punish or really even reprimanded for his actions. That is my biggest let down from this book - otherwise I think this is one of the better ones in this series!
The simple language, illustrations, & easy-to-read larger font makes this series perfect for young readers.
December 2, 2012
Beth and Patrick are on another Imagination Station adventure this time to Fiji in the 1850's! The cousins find themselves being accused as stowaways on board a ship being hunted down by cannibals. After a series of events Patrick and Beth find themselves separated. Patrick is knocked over board with Nettleton, a sailor on the ship, while Beth follows James Calvert, a missionary trying to witness to the cannibal's king.
Battle for Cannibal Island is the eighth book in the Imagination Station series by Marianne Hering and Wayne Thomas Batson. The series is obviously written for younger readers but people of all ages will love the Christian values it teaches and enjoy the fun historical read. Lovers of the radio series Adventures in Odyssey will definitely want to read this series and will be sure to fall in love with these books. All in all it was a great book.
Battle for Cannibal Island is the eighth book in the Imagination Station series by Marianne Hering and Wayne Thomas Batson. The series is obviously written for younger readers but people of all ages will love the Christian values it teaches and enjoy the fun historical read. Lovers of the radio series Adventures in Odyssey will definitely want to read this series and will be sure to fall in love with these books. All in all it was a great book.
September 10, 2018
This book sparked fears in my 9 year old about cannibals and cannibalism and we discussed many questions about why people would want to eat other people and where such people lived, etc., and many assurances given. It was a new concept for the 4th grader.
Actually, though, when I read this book, I didn't think it was all that frightening, not more frightening than the rest of the series. Although the cannibals had eaten people in the past, they didn't actually do it in between the covers of this book.
I liked the description and the determination of Calvert, a missionary I had not heard about before.
Actually, though, when I read this book, I didn't think it was all that frightening, not more frightening than the rest of the series. Although the cannibals had eaten people in the past, they didn't actually do it in between the covers of this book.
I liked the description and the determination of Calvert, a missionary I had not heard about before.
July 1, 2014
Historical figures from long ago come to life when cousins, Beth & Patrick embark on another adventure in the Imagination Station at Whit's End. The kids have the chance to meet Missionary James Calvert after landing on a ship sailing towards a cannibal island. Patrick and Beth become separated from each other and each embark on a dangerous trip to the island.
This book is an excellent way for kids to not only experience a great adventure story but also learn about some important historical figures and learn some valuable life lessons.
This book is an excellent way for kids to not only experience a great adventure story but also learn about some important historical figures and learn some valuable life lessons.
July 14, 2014
Battle for Cannibal Island is an adventure that will be sure to captivate young readers. In this book, Patrick and Beth find themselves on HMS Calliope in 1621 under the command of Captain James Home. They sail to the Fiji Islands and witness a time of war between Christian Fijians and non-Christian Fijians. They meet a missionary named James Calvert who is doing all he can to stop the war while risking his own life to share Jesus with the Fijians. Beth and Patrick learn about the dangers and struggles that missionaries face to carry out the Great Commission.
August 28, 2014
This book includes some great history concerning the Fiji Islands and a missionary named James Calvert who was brave enough to go tell the cannibals about Jesus. This topic would be great to discuss with your kids. The story shows the importance of not judging others and sharing Christ with them as their only hope of change. Patrick also learns a valuable lesson about what is really important in life--thinking about others more than yourself! This book is filled with more great adventure that will help promote great discussion with your children.
November 21, 2012
Very cute series for young readers. It is about two young cousins who travel back in time to different periods of history. It has christian message and theme throughout. In this one, the kids go back in time and land on a ship. They meet a missionary trying to convert cannibals who are killing off Christians. It is a fun story with adventure and a great message, too. My son and I enjoyed reading this & will be getting more in this series.
May 22, 2013
These books involve exciting historic adventures. They are full of suspense and keep the reader engaged while learning about history. The characters are believable and easy to imagine. The books’ easy to read format will be inviting for early readers, and the story line is captivating for older readers as well. Excellent choice for reluctant readers and those who love to read.
My fifth grade son loved them and wants to read the others in the series.
My fifth grade son loved them and wants to read the others in the series.
June 16, 2014
Battle for Cannibal Island is a great adventure to take your kids. It's a good, fun, inspiring story for your kids. My kids loved reading about Beth and Patrick going back in time to meet pirates and James Calvert in Fiji.
This is the first book me and my kids have read in this series and we look forward to more books in it.
5 stars.
This is the first book me and my kids have read in this series and we look forward to more books in it.
5 stars.
August 6, 2014
In this exciting story Beth and Patrick find themselves on a sailing ship where they are considered stowaways who should be abandoned on the first island the ship finds according to naval law. Will Beth and Patrick get to the island safely and not get eaten by cannibals? Why did Toki throw the spear towards Beth?
October 16, 2016
I read this aloud to my 5 year old at bedtime. It has the right amount of adventure for him. But we both struggled to keep track of all the characters. Great vocabulary builder as we stopped to discuss words and implications.
It was a nice break from reading magic treehouse. But I will save these for a few years and he can read them on his own.
It was a nice break from reading magic treehouse. But I will save these for a few years and he can read them on his own.
June 5, 2014
Battle for Cannibal Island is an Adventure in Odyssey Imagination Station adventure to teach James Calvert, a missionary to Fiji. It was easy to see God in the story even if it was short. It taught we should love our enemies & pray for me.
July 3, 2014
This one is my favorite so far of the Imagination Station books. Patrick and Beth find themselves in Fiji meeting the missionary James Calvert who was one of the only missionaries willing to witness to the cannibal's in the area. Best one in the series.
August 1, 2014
Patrick and Beth, eight year old cousins, go for an adventure in the Imagination Station and end up on a ship near Cannibal Island. They meet missionary James Calvert. Kids will learn how he evangelized Fiji Island and how we need to love and pray for our enemies. Great book for elementary kids!
August 31, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I will admit I don't know much about missions work that has been done on Fiji so this adventure was interesting to read about. It was a great example of giving to others and praying for our enemies (example when they prayed for Toki).
July 9, 2013
An another exciting historical story in which Patrick and Beth join a missionary to Fiji as he and the ships crew interact with the cannibals.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews