REVIEW
Sweet T and the North Wind
(Sweet T Tales Book 1)
(Sweet T Tales Book 1)
by Cat Michaels
Sweet T and the North Wind is recommended for children ages 5 to 10. It is the first book in Cat Michaels' Sweet T Tales. Also available: Finding Fuzzy (read my blog post).
Description
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.
Book Video
Excerpt
Tara, or Sweet T as Grandma calls her.
Praise for 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
Sweet T's bus creeps up the icy road to school.
My Review
By Lynda Dickson
The North Wind is blowing, making it the coldest morning Tara, known as Sweet T to her family, can remember. All she wants to do is ride the red scooter she got for her birthday last week. But when she goes down to the basement to "visit" it, Sweet T finds more than just a scooter; she finds a bit of magic.
This short chapter book tells a simple tale of the power of imagination. As Sweet T learns, "Wonderful things are possible when you dream big and use your imagination!" The watercolor illustrations by Irene A. Jahns add a lovely touch to the story. It is followed by a quiz to test your children's comprehension of the story, as well as a couple of discussion questions to help you start a conversation with them about aging or ill relatives.
Especially recommended for children with a grandparent suffering from dementia.
About the Author
Cat Michaels started writing stories in fourth grade and hasn’t stopped since. After earning an M.S. degree in special education from the University of Kansas, she spent two decades helping students from kindergarten to college reach their potential.
She also managed communication and resource development programs for an international high-tech company that included writing press releases and articles for trade journals. After recession and downsizings, she returned to her education roots, serving at a community college as a writing coach and learning specialist for students with Asperger’s syndrome and learning disabilities.
Cat spins tales of everyday life, with a twist of magic or twinge of mystery, that open young minds to new ways of thinking and looking at the world. Illustrations by watercolor artist Irene A. Jahns help bring that world to life. Cat and her family live in North Carolina where she designs playful gardens, dabbles in all things digital, and writes.
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