About the Book
Title: Sweet T and the North Wind | Author: Cat Michaels | Illustrator: Irene Jahns | Publication Date: October 28, 2013 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 36 | Recommended Ages: 5 to 10Summary: Last time a powerful North Wind blew across the lakes, strange things happened. And the winter when Tara turns ten years old, the North Wind blows sharp and the lakes freeze solid by Thanksgiving. Old-timers from the village warn everyone to take care. Tara, or Sweet T as Grandma calls her, is tired of being cooped up indoors on this coldest winter day, and she tries to make the best of the situation. But when Tara makes a wish that is dearest to her heart, T’s ordinary afternoon leads to an hour of magic that takes her on a journey of discovery and a ride she’ll never forget. This gentle story of a family across the generations weaves enough magic and whimsy to interest children. It also subtly raises the real-life issue of aging. “Sweet T” entertains while opening the door for children to discuss, in an age-appropriate way, the illness of a beloved family member.
The Buzz About the Book
“This children’s book is lovely to read and the artwork is gorgeous. I’m looking forward to more books from this author.” ~ 5 Star Review, Shirley, Amazon
“Sweet T and the North Wind by Cat
Michaels is an adventurous story with whimsy and magic that enchant. The
author tickles the creative and imaginative thoughts of young readers.
The illustrations are beautiful and bright, and they both enhance the
story and breathe life into the characters and the scenes.” ~ Mamta Madhavan, Readers’ Favorite>
“This is a wonderful story! Writing and
illustrations are very nice! I bought two copies, one for myself and one
for my class. I’m working with 5th graders and we’re practicing writing
our own stories and I’ll be using this book to encourage them to keep
writing.” ~ 5 Star Review, Pati, Amazon
About the Author: Cat Michaels
She spins tales of everyday life, with a twist of magic or mayhem,
that open young minds to new ways of looking at the world. With more
than two decades helping students from kindergarten to college overcome
the challenges of learning disabilities and Asperger’s syndrome, Cat’s
books encourage students to use their imagination and problem-solving
skills as they enjoy reading.Watercolor artist Irene A. Jahns illustrates Cat’s Sweet T Tales. This series of chapter books for early readers follows the adventures of three sisters. Book 1, Sweet T and the North Wind, is available in print and will debut as an e-book in winter 2014. Book 2, Finding Fuzzy, a You-Decide Tale of a Lost Friend, where children write or draw the story’s ending, earned second place honors in the Purple Dragonfly Book Award.
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About the Illustrator: Irene Jahns
IRENE JAHNS grew up in a family of artists and formalized her skills with a degree in art and M.S. in human learning and human development, University of North Carolina-Charlotte. She has been a working/exhibiting artist as well as an art educator for many years. Irene was an organizational development instructor as a management consultant in the business world for twelve years before returning to art instruction as the head of graphic design for a community college.
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***My Personal Review***
Well that was unexpected :) But in a VERY good way. Tara or Sweet T as her grandmother with Alzheimers calls her, wants so badly to ride her scooter but it is so cold and she can't ride outside in the cold weather. So she rides around the basement for a while until she starts to get itchy to go outside and suddenly she starts to hear someone talking to her telling her not to do that. She thinks it is her sister teasing her, but it turns out that the scooter is talking to her, and the scooter has magical powers from the North Wind that will allow her to use her memories and experiences to PRETEND that she is outside. Since her grandma went into a nursing home it has been hard on all of them, so Tara goes back to times before that were good and everyone was happy. Her journey through memories and thoughts are very descriptive and when young children read this they will learn to use their imagination in ways they didn't know they could. And also learn that imagination can take them to places they never dreamed! The illustrations in the book are simply amazing - they are watercolor but they are made to look like they have ran a little bit, like our memories fade if we don't use them :) At the end of the book there are brain teasers and questions about the book for kids to answer. I really loved this book, can't wait to read the others :)
***I received a complimentary ebook in exchange for an honest review***
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Thanks for discovering Sweet T and her North Wind magic. I 'm delighted you loved T's story and appreciate your insights into its gentle message for kids about the power of love and imagination. You nailed it!
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome :) I was thinking about the watercolors and I also realized that the way they are fading can also relate to the grandmothers Alzheimers and how things fade from her memory over time. I really loved the book, so thank you for allowing me to review it!
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