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Four Seasons of Patrick
Nine-year-old Patrick responds to his father's plans to marry and have his new wife and her daughter move in with them by building a tree house, but in building the hideaway he learns some surprising things about the meaning of family.
- GenresRealistic FictionCanada
80 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Susan Hughes
149 books102 followersSusan Hughes is an award-winning writer of over 30 children's books. She is also a freelance editor and story coach. For more information about Susan's writing process and editing services, or to contact her, refer to her website, which is www.susanhughes.ca.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 9, 2013
Reviewed by my 11 year old son Ellis.
Four Seasons of Patrick is a story about a young boy called Patrick who gets really upset when his dad gets a girlfriend and she moves into their home with her daughter Claire.
I really liked this book. It was fun and really good to read. I connected with the main character Patrick because he is quite similar to me. Reading this made me feel a bit weird. It made me see that there is other people who struggle with their emotions like me and that was strange but good.
My favourite part of the book was when Patrick and Harry decide to make a tree house so when Patrick feels a bit annoyed by Claire he could go there and calm down. I thought that was a good idea.
I would recommend this book to some of my friends and kids my around my own age and people who feel a bit lonely or weird sometimes.
Four Seasons of Patrick is a story about a young boy called Patrick who gets really upset when his dad gets a girlfriend and she moves into their home with her daughter Claire.
I really liked this book. It was fun and really good to read. I connected with the main character Patrick because he is quite similar to me. Reading this made me feel a bit weird. It made me see that there is other people who struggle with their emotions like me and that was strange but good.
My favourite part of the book was when Patrick and Harry decide to make a tree house so when Patrick feels a bit annoyed by Claire he could go there and calm down. I thought that was a good idea.
I would recommend this book to some of my friends and kids my around my own age and people who feel a bit lonely or weird sometimes.
November 1, 2013
This age category isn't a favourite of mine, but the novel is a sensitive look at how one boy struggles with becoming part of a blended family, grief over the lost of his mother, and learns to consider the feelings of others as well as his own. Great for 7-9 year old age range.
November 26, 2013
About the Book:
It's the start of winter, and Patrick is beginning to feel crowded out of his own family. His father's friend, Linda, and her seven-year-old daughter, Claire, are coming for dinner again. By the time spring arrives, not only is Patrick's father planning to marry Linda, but she and Claire will be coming to live with them at the summer's end. That just won’t do. So Patrick comes up with a big idea. He'll build a tree house where he can stretch out his arms and breathe. But wait. Will his father allow it? Where will he find the perfect tree? Who will give him a hand with the construction? And, most importantly, will his own tree house really be the hideaway he hopes for, especially from the irritating Claire?
As the autumn season arrives, Patrick discovers some surprising answers to these questions – and learns a little about the meaning of family.
About the Author:
Susan Hughes has written over 25 children's books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her books include Off to Class, Case Closed?, Earth to Audrey, Virginia, The Island Horse, and the Wild Paws series. Susan is also an editor and manuscript evaluator. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.
My Review:
Patrick is a little boy still grieving the loss of his mother. He was finally getting use to the idea of it just being a family of three, him, his dad, and his brother Trevor. But soon he finds out something that more than upsets his existence, his dad is going to remarry. Poor Patrick starts to get a plan together as to avoid this whole notion of Linda and Claire "moving in on his family".
So Patrick and his best friend Harry decide to put Patrick's plan in action and build a tree house. This will be an escape for Patrick when his family is transformed so that he can get some alone time. Soon Patrick realizes that Claire is just as much a victim of circumstance as he is and his way of thinking starts to change.
This book is such a sweet little book about a little boy just trying to see where he fits into it all. The author has done a magnificent job creating a strong plot line and very valid characters.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me for free for my honest review from the author.
It's the start of winter, and Patrick is beginning to feel crowded out of his own family. His father's friend, Linda, and her seven-year-old daughter, Claire, are coming for dinner again. By the time spring arrives, not only is Patrick's father planning to marry Linda, but she and Claire will be coming to live with them at the summer's end. That just won’t do. So Patrick comes up with a big idea. He'll build a tree house where he can stretch out his arms and breathe. But wait. Will his father allow it? Where will he find the perfect tree? Who will give him a hand with the construction? And, most importantly, will his own tree house really be the hideaway he hopes for, especially from the irritating Claire?
As the autumn season arrives, Patrick discovers some surprising answers to these questions – and learns a little about the meaning of family.
About the Author:
Susan Hughes has written over 25 children's books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her books include Off to Class, Case Closed?, Earth to Audrey, Virginia, The Island Horse, and the Wild Paws series. Susan is also an editor and manuscript evaluator. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.
My Review:
Patrick is a little boy still grieving the loss of his mother. He was finally getting use to the idea of it just being a family of three, him, his dad, and his brother Trevor. But soon he finds out something that more than upsets his existence, his dad is going to remarry. Poor Patrick starts to get a plan together as to avoid this whole notion of Linda and Claire "moving in on his family".
So Patrick and his best friend Harry decide to put Patrick's plan in action and build a tree house. This will be an escape for Patrick when his family is transformed so that he can get some alone time. Soon Patrick realizes that Claire is just as much a victim of circumstance as he is and his way of thinking starts to change.
This book is such a sweet little book about a little boy just trying to see where he fits into it all. The author has done a magnificent job creating a strong plot line and very valid characters.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me for free for my honest review from the author.
November 2, 2013
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The review is also posted at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/
Let me start by saying that this is a children's book and I have far surpassed the target audience for this novel. With that in mind I can still see the merits of this read and the message behind the words.
This was a very easy read with only 74 pages. I would say it took me around 15-20 minutes to read as it is in large type.
Essentially to summarize this book it is about a young boy who must come to term with the fact that his family is growing after his father moves on to a new relationship after the death of his mother. It deals with his emotions and how he handles them when he learns that both the woman his dad wants to marry moves in to his house along with her daughter. It loosely touches on the guilt he has for not remembering certain things about his mother and the fact that he doesn't want to share his home or his family with anyone else.
This book has a good message about changing family dynamics, accepting change and moving on. The brilliant part of this book is that the audience will not really see that this is the underlying theme of the story. It is written with such innocence that the reader will be focused on the changing seasons and the building of the tree house. They will get the message nonetheless.
Let me start by saying that this is a children's book and I have far surpassed the target audience for this novel. With that in mind I can still see the merits of this read and the message behind the words.
This was a very easy read with only 74 pages. I would say it took me around 15-20 minutes to read as it is in large type.
Essentially to summarize this book it is about a young boy who must come to term with the fact that his family is growing after his father moves on to a new relationship after the death of his mother. It deals with his emotions and how he handles them when he learns that both the woman his dad wants to marry moves in to his house along with her daughter. It loosely touches on the guilt he has for not remembering certain things about his mother and the fact that he doesn't want to share his home or his family with anyone else.
This book has a good message about changing family dynamics, accepting change and moving on. The brilliant part of this book is that the audience will not really see that this is the underlying theme of the story. It is written with such innocence that the reader will be focused on the changing seasons and the building of the tree house. They will get the message nonetheless.
October 13, 2013
I'm really giving this a 3 1/2 but can't figure out how to 1/2 the stars!
The seasonal frame here works beautifully as Hughes offers a moving portrait of nine-year old Patrick who is, on the one hand, struggling to keep the memories of his mother alive while, at the same time, coping as best he can with a new soon-to-be stepmother and stepsister who seem to be invading his space and sense of family. Hughes is particularly adept at depicting the warm friendship between Patrick and his best friend Henry, especially in terms of their play together which in some ways culminates in the building of the treehouse which is central to the story, and also the emotional tension he feels with Clare, his seven-year old stepsister-to-be. While Patrick initially resents her as an intruder, he also gradually comes to understand how uncomfortable Clare herself is with these new relationships and is able to find a way to quietly welcome her into the family. An interview with Hughes following the story is sure to engage readers interested in the writing process.
The seasonal frame here works beautifully as Hughes offers a moving portrait of nine-year old Patrick who is, on the one hand, struggling to keep the memories of his mother alive while, at the same time, coping as best he can with a new soon-to-be stepmother and stepsister who seem to be invading his space and sense of family. Hughes is particularly adept at depicting the warm friendship between Patrick and his best friend Henry, especially in terms of their play together which in some ways culminates in the building of the treehouse which is central to the story, and also the emotional tension he feels with Clare, his seven-year old stepsister-to-be. While Patrick initially resents her as an intruder, he also gradually comes to understand how uncomfortable Clare herself is with these new relationships and is able to find a way to quietly welcome her into the family. An interview with Hughes following the story is sure to engage readers interested in the writing process.
December 2, 2013
Even without the important message behind it, this is such a cute story! It follows a year in Patrick's life and the characters are just as charming as can be. I had a blast reading it. It only took me a few moments, but for a 6-9 year old, this is about the right length.
Patrick is still dealing with the loss of his mom, and then his dad has to go and change the family dynamic again. That's a lot of change for a kid to deal with. Patrick shares with us his innermost thoughts on the subject but we also get to see him acting out. Basically, he's a normal kid that's dealing with a lot in the best way he knows how. Soon, Patrick learns to look past his own feelings and see that others are having a difficult transition as well.
Given the staggering amount of 'broken' families, this is really a great book for kids. It deals with the loss of a parent as well as learning to accept a new one. It covers most family paradigm changes. Kids will enjoy the frolicking and play and sympathize with Patrick.
January 18, 2014
The author Susan Hughes does a fantastic job capturing the feeling of being a kid. The book starts with the first snow of the season and 9 year old Patrick cannot wait to get out of the house to play in the snow with his best friend Harry.
Over the course of a year Patrick deals with changes in his family life including his dad announcing his intention to marry a woman named Linda who has a 7 year old daughter Claire. Before Linda and Claire move in with Patrick, his dad and older brother Trevor, Patrick finds Claire to be very annoying. The thought of Linda and Claire moving in upsets Patrick and he devises a plan to build a tree house to "escape" what he imagines will be an over-crowded house.
Patrick finds solice in the tree house with Harry and eventually realilzes having Linda and Claire in the house is not so bad. Patrick realizes Claire lost her home too and eventually warms up to Claire and makes room for her in his tree house.
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I received Four Seasons of Patrick for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Over the course of a year Patrick deals with changes in his family life including his dad announcing his intention to marry a woman named Linda who has a 7 year old daughter Claire. Before Linda and Claire move in with Patrick, his dad and older brother Trevor, Patrick finds Claire to be very annoying. The thought of Linda and Claire moving in upsets Patrick and he devises a plan to build a tree house to "escape" what he imagines will be an over-crowded house.
Patrick finds solice in the tree house with Harry and eventually realilzes having Linda and Claire in the house is not so bad. Patrick realizes Claire lost her home too and eventually warms up to Claire and makes room for her in his tree house.
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I received Four Seasons of Patrick for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2013
Using the seasons to mark the transformation of one young boys feelings toward his father's impending re-marriage works well here. Things are going well for Patrick during the winter where he shares some of his favorite "firsts" of the season with his best friend Harry. As the year passes and he learns of his father's decision to remarry, he starts to feel his world change and his once cozy home becomes too cramped even before Linda and Claire move in. In order to satisfy his desire for space, Patrick with Harry's help builds a tree house. Little does he know that the tree house not only offers the space he craves, but the healing that he needs.
This was a well-written book geared toward young children who are going through similar life changes. It is easy enough for a child to read to themselves, but would also be good read aloud in a family setting.
This was a well-written book geared toward young children who are going through similar life changes. It is easy enough for a child to read to themselves, but would also be good read aloud in a family setting.
Read
October 11, 2013GP would luv 2 win this for my oldest granddaughter
December 22, 2013
Blurb:
It's the start of winter, and Patrick is beginning to feel crowded out of his own family. His father's friend, Linda, and her seven-year-old daughter, Claire, are coming for dinner again. By the time spring arrives, not only is Patrick's father planning to marry Linda, but she and Claire will be coming to live with them at the summer's end. That just won’t do. So Patrick comes up with a big idea. He'll build a tree house where he can stretch out his arms and breathe. But wait. Will his father allow it? Where will he find the perfect tree? Who will give him a hand with the construction? And, most importantly, will his own tree house really be the hideaway he hopes for, especially from the irritating Claire?
As the autumn season arrives, Patrick discovers some surprising answers to these questions – and learns a little about the meaning of family.
My review:
The story starts off as Patrick is running out to play in the first day of snow with his best friend. He is not happy that his father's friend Linda is coming over because her 7 year old, Claire, is nothing but a pest to him. She seems to always get into his things and take precious time from his Dad and brother, Trevor.
Additionally, he does not like Linda because, although he cannot remember times when his mother wasn't sick, he does not want anyone to take her place. He needs room to breathe and have space of his own.
As the seasons change, Patrick finds out that his best friend is going to have a baby sister or brother soon and is all too happy to be a big brother. Patrick does not understand this at all.
His best friend agrees to help him build a treehouse on land that is a neighbors, right as his Father begins to make room for Claire.
Claire and Linda's arrival does not help his feelings on the whole matter and he runs to the treehouse for solace when he can, leaving Claire behind. She begins to change too as they move in with Patrick and his family.
As Winter comes around again, Patrick finds out that maybe he and Claire are not so different after all and that acceptance and love is the answer.
Will Patrick ever allow Claire in the treehouse? Will Patrick be able to have better relationship with his Father post Linda and Claire? Will the seasons change again in better understanding of others?
Ah, well, you know, then you must read the book to find out.
-----------
The Four Seasons of Patrick can be easily read within a couple of hours as it is a short novel.
This chapter book aimed at 6-10 year old's is just right for the child who is learning to cope with others being introduced into his/her lives. It is also perfect to help children to understand that they can have their feelings but to try to understand that others may just be having the same feelings. This book points out that talking to someone about how you feel is often better than being destructive or at best using anger to create something positive.
This book also included at the end a question guide that could be used for additional resources. The questions are poignant and of course refer back to the book itself which might be nice for homeschooling parents.
I give this book 4 stars.
~Naila Moon
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for my open and honest opinion. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own.
It's the start of winter, and Patrick is beginning to feel crowded out of his own family. His father's friend, Linda, and her seven-year-old daughter, Claire, are coming for dinner again. By the time spring arrives, not only is Patrick's father planning to marry Linda, but she and Claire will be coming to live with them at the summer's end. That just won’t do. So Patrick comes up with a big idea. He'll build a tree house where he can stretch out his arms and breathe. But wait. Will his father allow it? Where will he find the perfect tree? Who will give him a hand with the construction? And, most importantly, will his own tree house really be the hideaway he hopes for, especially from the irritating Claire?
As the autumn season arrives, Patrick discovers some surprising answers to these questions – and learns a little about the meaning of family.
My review:
The story starts off as Patrick is running out to play in the first day of snow with his best friend. He is not happy that his father's friend Linda is coming over because her 7 year old, Claire, is nothing but a pest to him. She seems to always get into his things and take precious time from his Dad and brother, Trevor.
Additionally, he does not like Linda because, although he cannot remember times when his mother wasn't sick, he does not want anyone to take her place. He needs room to breathe and have space of his own.
As the seasons change, Patrick finds out that his best friend is going to have a baby sister or brother soon and is all too happy to be a big brother. Patrick does not understand this at all.
His best friend agrees to help him build a treehouse on land that is a neighbors, right as his Father begins to make room for Claire.
Claire and Linda's arrival does not help his feelings on the whole matter and he runs to the treehouse for solace when he can, leaving Claire behind. She begins to change too as they move in with Patrick and his family.
As Winter comes around again, Patrick finds out that maybe he and Claire are not so different after all and that acceptance and love is the answer.
Will Patrick ever allow Claire in the treehouse? Will Patrick be able to have better relationship with his Father post Linda and Claire? Will the seasons change again in better understanding of others?
Ah, well, you know, then you must read the book to find out.
-----------
The Four Seasons of Patrick can be easily read within a couple of hours as it is a short novel.
This chapter book aimed at 6-10 year old's is just right for the child who is learning to cope with others being introduced into his/her lives. It is also perfect to help children to understand that they can have their feelings but to try to understand that others may just be having the same feelings. This book points out that talking to someone about how you feel is often better than being destructive or at best using anger to create something positive.
This book also included at the end a question guide that could be used for additional resources. The questions are poignant and of course refer back to the book itself which might be nice for homeschooling parents.
I give this book 4 stars.
~Naila Moon
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for my open and honest opinion. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own.
January 16, 2016
REVIEW
This is a short novel which is very easy to read in a half hour or less. The story is about a family that is going on with life after their mother dies. The father is moving forward with a new relationship. His young son has to come to terns with this. He has emotions he has to deal with especially after he finds out his father's new girlfriend, Linda and her daughter, Claire are moving into his house. He feels guilty that there are certain things he can't remember about his mother. He doesn't know and doesn't want to know how to handle the emotions he feels. He doesn't want to share his home with these strangers.The author has written into the story some valuable lessons that we all face at one time or another. Things change, people change and we all must learn how to accept that and go on with our lives. Patrick comes up with an idea that will give him some freedom from everything that is going on. He'll build a tree house. He wonders if his father will let him. Who is going to help him? Can he keep creepy little Claire away? Every bit of Patrick's life is based on the seasons. the coldness he felt when his father started the relationship with Linda started in the winter. the tree house started in the summer right before Linda was to move in. The seasons are like changes in our lives. The seasons change and so do our lives. We have to accept the seasons changing and so is true of changes in our lives. We must learn to accept them. The author wrote a wonderful little book that is interesting and includes several valuable lessons. I hope everyone picks up a copy and reads it with their children, grandchildren or just themselves. You dont' have to be a child to read it. It's for the young at heart also.
I would give this book 4 SEASONS.
I was given a complimentary copy of FOUR SEASONS OF PATRICK from the author, Susann Hughes for my personal view. I received no other compensation.
This is a short novel which is very easy to read in a half hour or less. The story is about a family that is going on with life after their mother dies. The father is moving forward with a new relationship. His young son has to come to terns with this. He has emotions he has to deal with especially after he finds out his father's new girlfriend, Linda and her daughter, Claire are moving into his house. He feels guilty that there are certain things he can't remember about his mother. He doesn't know and doesn't want to know how to handle the emotions he feels. He doesn't want to share his home with these strangers.The author has written into the story some valuable lessons that we all face at one time or another. Things change, people change and we all must learn how to accept that and go on with our lives. Patrick comes up with an idea that will give him some freedom from everything that is going on. He'll build a tree house. He wonders if his father will let him. Who is going to help him? Can he keep creepy little Claire away? Every bit of Patrick's life is based on the seasons. the coldness he felt when his father started the relationship with Linda started in the winter. the tree house started in the summer right before Linda was to move in. The seasons are like changes in our lives. The seasons change and so do our lives. We have to accept the seasons changing and so is true of changes in our lives. We must learn to accept them. The author wrote a wonderful little book that is interesting and includes several valuable lessons. I hope everyone picks up a copy and reads it with their children, grandchildren or just themselves. You dont' have to be a child to read it. It's for the young at heart also.
I would give this book 4 SEASONS.
I was given a complimentary copy of FOUR SEASONS OF PATRICK from the author, Susann Hughes for my personal view. I received no other compensation.
January 13, 2014
Being a part of a family is an important part of our lives. We learn to adapt and grow into it over time. The loss of a loved one, especially a parent, can take an even longer time to grow and adapt to the loss. But what happens to a child who has to once again adapt to change with an extended family?
Patrick had his Dad and big brother Trevor, would take walks together to find the star that was a fond memory of Mom. Patrick also had Harry, his best friend, they did everything together. Patrick's life was about to take a turn, when his Dad announced that he will marry his friend Linda and that she and her daughter Claire were going to move in. Patrick felt their wouldn't be any room for him. So he devised a plan and together he and Harry would build a tree house, a place to escape, a place with room to be.
As the seasons come and go, Patrick has not connected with Linda or Claire. It wasn't until Patrick noticed that Claire was feeling homesick for her other home and life. Patrick imagined that she probably didn't care for the changes that had taken place anymore than he did. Not only that, she was younger than he and perhaps didn't understand why her life was so tangled up. Could Patrick find it in his heart to stop thinking of only himself and become a friend to Claire and even a big brother?
Extended families are so common place that most of us don't think much about it. But that doesn't mean that they are any easier to accept or adapt to. Author Susan Hughes takes young readers on a journey through the eyes of Patrick as he deals with not only a new family but the loss of a parent. This interesting subject matter can potentially open up dialogue for any family experiencing a similar situation. Hughes touches on every emotion in a thought provoking manner in which readers will be able to relate to both sides of the situation. Parents and teachers can use this tool to discuss family, relationships, siblings, extended families, friendship, and more.
Patrick had his Dad and big brother Trevor, would take walks together to find the star that was a fond memory of Mom. Patrick also had Harry, his best friend, they did everything together. Patrick's life was about to take a turn, when his Dad announced that he will marry his friend Linda and that she and her daughter Claire were going to move in. Patrick felt their wouldn't be any room for him. So he devised a plan and together he and Harry would build a tree house, a place to escape, a place with room to be.
As the seasons come and go, Patrick has not connected with Linda or Claire. It wasn't until Patrick noticed that Claire was feeling homesick for her other home and life. Patrick imagined that she probably didn't care for the changes that had taken place anymore than he did. Not only that, she was younger than he and perhaps didn't understand why her life was so tangled up. Could Patrick find it in his heart to stop thinking of only himself and become a friend to Claire and even a big brother?
Extended families are so common place that most of us don't think much about it. But that doesn't mean that they are any easier to accept or adapt to. Author Susan Hughes takes young readers on a journey through the eyes of Patrick as he deals with not only a new family but the loss of a parent. This interesting subject matter can potentially open up dialogue for any family experiencing a similar situation. Hughes touches on every emotion in a thought provoking manner in which readers will be able to relate to both sides of the situation. Parents and teachers can use this tool to discuss family, relationships, siblings, extended families, friendship, and more.
December 27, 2013
This was a wonderful book with a wonderful message. As a teacher I see so many blended families. I hear kids tell me their feelings about such families. In this story we find Patrick, his older brother and their father living together after the death of their mother. Then dad starts dating a woman with a seven year old daughter. This doesn't go over well with Patrick. She gets into his things and kicks him. He sees her as a pest. When dad announces he is going to marry Linda and move her and her daughter Clare in with them Patrick decides to build a treehouse to give him space from this new family. He finds the perfect tree and sets about building it while his dad renovates the house for Clare. After Linda and Clare move in Patrick learns he is not the only one hurting about the situation. You really need to read the book to see how it turns out. I think anyone facing a situation like this needs to read this book to or with their children. It has a discussion guide in the back, but more than that I see it opening the doors of communication.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews