This is an amazing book about two seasons, autumn and winter. Mrs. D has done a beautiful job describing what happens in autumn and winter in a beautiful poetic, metaphorical way that children will understand. The imagery that she uses to describe the wind and how he effects all of the fallen leaves and things that are still barely living as autumn sets in is beautiful. Mrs. D's descriptions are written with enough detail so that teachers and parents will be able to take time to discuss what is happening in the story with the children who are listening to the story being read to them. What a wonderful way to introduce these two seasons to the children.
As always, Mrs. D's stories have beautiful, bright illustrations that will keep the children interested as they illustrate very well everything that is being described. This, I personally have to say, is one of the most beautiful qualities of all of Mrs. D's books. I can still remember loving to read the stories where the illustrations were bright and beautiful.
There are so many good things to say here. Mrs. D does not just tell the story about the seasons in a boring, factual way. She integrates this story with a plot of a garden struggling to stay alive against the angry wind. In the second story, she includes a kitten who is watching all of the action of the wind from the window as winter is approaching. This will completely keep the children captivated.
I highly recommend this beautiful story that can be read by a teacher or parent to children or that can be read by young readers themselves. Easily, I give this story five stars!

I was fortunate to receive a copy of ‘That Is How Things Are’ direct from the Author, Mrs D for review.
The book contains two stories, ‘The Autumn Wind’ and ‘The Kitten and the Sparrow’ which the author has married wonderfully together.
‘The Autumn Wind’ creates havoc in the garden with his powerful breath, unleashing anger on the trembling trees and frightened leaves. A mesmerising story unfolds as the realities of autumn’s arrival are explored enabling plenty of interaction with young readers and listeners who can join in throughout the tale.
‘The Kitten and the Sparrow’ is a cleverly crafted tale from the young Kitten’s perspective on how the arrival of autumn is affecting not just the garden but also his friend the Sparrow. Again, a superb way of teaching young readers and listeners about the changes this season brings about and it’s knock on effects.
Alongside these two tales are the most stunning illustrations which perfectly capture the stories within. Mrs D’s books are a joy to read, over and over again. I just love they way the stories educate and deliver through a captivating and thoroughly enjoyable way that are certain to keep young readers and listeners engrossed.

This book consists of two short stories that focus on the advent of autumn and winter. At the outset of the first story, “The Autumn Wind,” the wind is lying in a hammock about to awaken for a new season of work. He smiles at the beautiful garden which is enjoying the final days of summer. As the wind starts to howl, the flowers and trees shiver and shake in their battle to maintain a fragile existence against the inevitable change of seasons.

The second story, “The Kitten and the Sparrow,” is seen through the eyes of a kitten. This kitten is watching from inside a window as his friend, the sparrow, feels the sharp, biting signs of winter approaching. Soon there will be no food or protection from the harsh weather that approaches. The language is almost lyrical as we follow the personified characters play their roles. The colorful illustrations portray the emotions and mood as the seasons unfold.

Children witness both the beauty and power of nature told in a compelling narrative. Recommended as a read aloud, a bedtime story or beginning chapter book to be read by a child independently. Perfect book choice for a cool, crisp Fall day.

I received an advance review copy from the author and voluntarily decided to review with my honest opinions for no compensation