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.

Review:

I received a free ecopy of this book for an honest review.

Sweet T and the North Wind is a short, cute book about a 10 year old girl, Tara, whose scooter becomes magical when the North Wind blows across Kelly Lake. It teaches her how to use her imagination and her afternoon becomes a memorable one rather than a boring one.

This book uses Tara and the scooter to explain how to use your imagination. It also has a few multiple choice questions at the end as well as questions just to make children think. It’s a good tool for parents and teachers to help children to use their imaginations which is important in this digital age. 

 

About the Author:

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.