We are pleased to be coordinating a Book Review Blitz for the early chapter book “Sweet T and the North Wind” by Cat Michaels, author of the You-Decide Tale “Finding Fuzzy” (blitz ends November 9, 2014).
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 10
Summary: 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.
My Review
Wonderful things are possible when you dream big and use your imagination.
"When the North Wind blows cold across Kelly Lake, and a rider circles five times and makes a dearest wish that is close to the heart, it unlocks magic. That is why I can come into your world and grant you a special gift of memories for one hour.”
With this words Cat Michaels introduce us to the story. Tara can't wait to use her new scooter! She has a winter birthday, so she's got to wait until the cold and snow go away before she can use it. The North Wind is blowing and there is magic in the air. So when Tara goes down to visit her scooter, magical things happen. She begins to remember things from the past back when her grandma was not suffering from dementia. Her grandma would call her her Sweet T after her favorite beverage.
This is a story about how kids can and should use their imagination. About how to using it to remember days gone by and by this to entertain themselves. The North Wind brings magic to 10 year old Tara's scooter and her scooter helps her to remember things she had thought she had forgotten. Specifically those things she remembers about her grandma., like how her grandma would call her her Sweet T after her favorite beverage, or the black, pitted olives … the ones Jenna loved to slip onto her small fingertips, pretending she was an olive monster, so the cousins could nibble those black treats from her hand.
Sweet T's grandma has an Alzheimer disease that causes her not to remember the people around her or to remember them incorrectly. She's in a special home where they take care of her illness. Sweet T's grandpa and parents are sad about this and so is she.
The book is a beautiful way to help children better understand what is Alzheimer disease . And even things are sad right now it use to be different before... there had been love laugh and warm relationships.
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
CAT MICHAELS is a writer, small-space gardener, choral singer, and digital dabbler who started writing stories in fourth grade and hasn’t stopped since.
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.
The Giveaway
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