When the North Wind Howls: Winter Tales from Around the World: #RWYK Certified Great Read–Book Review
Congratulations to Sara Swan Miller!
When the North Wind Howls: Winter Tales from Around the World is our latest Certified Great Read!
LET’S HAVE A LOOK AT THE BOOK BLURB
Wait, places in the Southern Hemisphere like Australia and New Zealand experience winter? They sure do!
Winter is a season for storytelling and eating. While children listen to exciting legends, myths, and stories about the origins of winter, they enjoy steaming mugs of hot beverages and delicious snacks in their cozy homes. Some stories are set internationally in Norway, Greece, Italy, and Russia, some are set in the United States like New York, Alaska, and Maine. No matter the location, these winter tales will make your hair stand on end, make you smile, or fill you with delight.
A wonderful book for the family to read together aloud as the wind howls outside the window.
About the author
Sara Swan Miller, the author of more than 80 books for children, is known for her stories about animals that give readers a peek into the minds and zany imaginations of dogs, cats, and other critters. Her wonderfully playful spirit captures the language of children and her insight gives authenticity to her writings. Sara was a gifted Montessori teacher, dedicated environmental educator, and beloved mother. Her books, Three Stories You Can Read to Your Cat and Three Stories You Can Read to Your Dog, encourage children to put down their phones and read more. Sara passed away in 2020 but the legacy of her stories will delight families for years to come.
Book Review:
”When the North Wind Howls: Winter Tales from Around the World” is a captivating anthology by the late Sara Swan Miller, posthumously published in June 2024 by her husband to honor her legacy. This collection brings together an array of winter-themed stories from diverse cultures, offering readers a global journey through the chilly tales that have warmed hearts for generations.
The book is thoughtfully organized into sections that mirror the progression of winter: “Early Winter: The First Chill Breaths,” “Deep Midwinter: The Fierce Freezing Blasts,” and “Late Winter: The Last Cold Gasps.” Each section features stories from various regions, immersing readers in the unique winter narratives of each culture. For instance, the Norwegian tale “The Beginning of the World” delves into Norse mythology, while “Jack Frost” from Russia personifies the icy season. Stories from the Southern Hemisphere, such as Australia’s “Where the Frost Comes From” and New Zealand’s “Maui Makes the Days Longer,” provide a refreshing perspective on winter’s reach across the globe.
Miller’s engaging storytelling is complemented by the inclusion of traditional comfort foods associated with each tale. Readers can almost taste the Norwegian “spinatsuppe” or the Russian cabbage borscht as they delve into each story, adding a sensory richness that enhances the reading experience.
The introduction, “Winter Wondering,” sets a reflective tone, pondering humanity’s age-old fascination with winter’s mysteries and the stories spun to make sense of its harsh beauty. Miller eloquently captures the essence of winter as a time for gathering, storytelling, and savoring warm comforts amidst the cold.
This anthology is not only a tribute to Sara Swan Miller’s talent and passion but also serves as a bridge connecting readers to the rich tapestry of global folklore. It’s an ideal book for families to read aloud together, fostering a sense of warmth and togetherness as the north wind howls outside.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, “When the North Wind Howls” is a beautifully curated collection that celebrates the universal tradition of winter storytelling. Miller’s legacy endures through these tales, inviting readers of all ages to explore the enchanting and diverse narratives that define winter across cultures.
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