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At the Window
At the Window is a children's book about peace, love and hope. It is a quiet, sensitive story that invites readers to consider the undeniable nature of love. Henry and his little sister, Emily, are orphans who live under the care of Ms. Agnes at St. Peter's Orphanage. One wintry night, Henry notices a bright, shining light tear through the sky-but he is the only one who notices. The following week, he sees the light again and Henry now begins to think this is more than a coincidence. The burning light sets a spark inside of Henry's own heart and he begins to search for answers. Patience and an open spirit ultimately lead him to the truth, where the warmth and light fully embraces him.
- GenresChildrens
34 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2013
200 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Forte
10 books12 followersJoseph Forte is a writer and elementary school teacher who believes the power of the written word is priceless. He was born and raised in Welland, Ontario, Canada and grew up playing competitive hockey. He is an avid fan of Canadian music and enjoys writing articles, poetry, and children's stories. When he sits down with a pen and paper in hand, his sole mission is to create a piece of work, "Where Words Come Alive."
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 2, 2013
Words, and thoughts, come alive
Canadian teacher and writer Joseph Forte believes the power of the written word is priceless. He loves Canadian music and enjoys writing articles, poetry, and children's stories. With the assistance of a former pupil Nicholas Muraco, who provides the illustrations for this very special book, Forte has succeed in creating a timeless story that is destined to become a favorite among children and adults alike.
Henry and Emily are orphans cared for by Ms. Agnes at St. Peter's Orphanage. It is winter and Henry is cold and can think only of hot cocoa and cookies. That evening Henry and Emily are enjoying their desired treat and while gazing through the window Henry sees a bright burning light in the star-studded night sky. Emily is too busy with her cookies to see it. Time passes and the next Wednesday, after rising, washing, dressing and having breakfast in the Orphanage they are off to a regular day. That afternoon Henry feels the cold and again longs for Ms Agnes' cocoa and cookies. After returning to the Orphanage and completing chores Henry asks for and receives his favored treats, wondering if this Wednesday night will be like last Wednesday's heavenly adventure. And sure enough, while enjoying their cocoa and cookies across the sky framed by the window Henry sees another burning light shooting across the sky. Henry is curious about the phenomenon by is reticent to ask Ms. Agnes or his teacher about the meaning of the burning light. He patiently waits a week for another Wednesday and anticipation overcomes him. On that day his English teacher Mr. Hendrix plays a song `Shine on Me' and Henry notes the line `Shine...I see your light again...and I need to feel it one more time.' Henry connects with the song and wonders if that `shining star' could explain what he has seen. But the next Wednesday Henry prepares his evening to see his shining star - but this time it doesn't appear: he goes to bed broken hearted. But during the night, despite the snow and the winter weather Henry notices a glow from the window and when he opens the shutters he sees a glowing presence that gives him a sense of home and he gently and warmly says, `I love you, Mom.'
Rarely has an author been able to capture not only an adventure tale that will captivate children's imaginations, but he has also provided a sensitive story about how orphans must feel without their parents, His message is tender and sweet and leaves the reader, no matter what age, with the joy of anticipation about unknown occurrences and the pleasures of discovery of things unexpected. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, November 13
Canadian teacher and writer Joseph Forte believes the power of the written word is priceless. He loves Canadian music and enjoys writing articles, poetry, and children's stories. With the assistance of a former pupil Nicholas Muraco, who provides the illustrations for this very special book, Forte has succeed in creating a timeless story that is destined to become a favorite among children and adults alike.
Henry and Emily are orphans cared for by Ms. Agnes at St. Peter's Orphanage. It is winter and Henry is cold and can think only of hot cocoa and cookies. That evening Henry and Emily are enjoying their desired treat and while gazing through the window Henry sees a bright burning light in the star-studded night sky. Emily is too busy with her cookies to see it. Time passes and the next Wednesday, after rising, washing, dressing and having breakfast in the Orphanage they are off to a regular day. That afternoon Henry feels the cold and again longs for Ms Agnes' cocoa and cookies. After returning to the Orphanage and completing chores Henry asks for and receives his favored treats, wondering if this Wednesday night will be like last Wednesday's heavenly adventure. And sure enough, while enjoying their cocoa and cookies across the sky framed by the window Henry sees another burning light shooting across the sky. Henry is curious about the phenomenon by is reticent to ask Ms. Agnes or his teacher about the meaning of the burning light. He patiently waits a week for another Wednesday and anticipation overcomes him. On that day his English teacher Mr. Hendrix plays a song `Shine on Me' and Henry notes the line `Shine...I see your light again...and I need to feel it one more time.' Henry connects with the song and wonders if that `shining star' could explain what he has seen. But the next Wednesday Henry prepares his evening to see his shining star - but this time it doesn't appear: he goes to bed broken hearted. But during the night, despite the snow and the winter weather Henry notices a glow from the window and when he opens the shutters he sees a glowing presence that gives him a sense of home and he gently and warmly says, `I love you, Mom.'
Rarely has an author been able to capture not only an adventure tale that will captivate children's imaginations, but he has also provided a sensitive story about how orphans must feel without their parents, His message is tender and sweet and leaves the reader, no matter what age, with the joy of anticipation about unknown occurrences and the pleasures of discovery of things unexpected. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, November 13
January 15, 2014
At the Window by Joseph Forte is a heartwarming story of the power of love.
The central character is an orphan named Henry, a sweet-natured boy who lives in an orphanage with his little sister, Emily. While Henry and Emily enjoy time together on Wednesday evening with their favourite evening snack, hot cocoa and lemon drop cookies, something amazing happens - Henry sees a streak across the starry night sky! This stirs something deep within him and he hopes to have the experience again. The following Wednesday, Henry awakens with a purpose and sets about his day in the hopes of seeing the streak across the night sky. He does! He knows that this is a sign just for him!
What Henry discovers over the course of the next week is that thing he has been longing for.....to feel like someone's child, to feel that love again. I won't spoil it for those yet to read At the Window, but you're heart will be warmed, your hope renewed and you will definitely have a sweet tear in your eye!
Joseph has captured the sweet innocence of a child who despite loss still has hope. His story-telling is such that it is easy for a young reader to understand and identify with Henry's curiosity and find hope in his journey, but also so that an older reader will feel that same hope while understanding the loss that this child feels by being an orphan. Henry's understanding at the end truly warmed my heart. As someone who lost my mother at a young age, I very much identified with Henry and his journey.
Joseph has put great heart and love into his book, and I cannot speak strongly enough about a recommendation for this book. This is a must read not only for the life lessons the book offers, but also for the warm feeling you will have at it's conclusion.
I am looking forward to Joseph's next book! He is destined to be one of our Great Canadian Authors!
The central character is an orphan named Henry, a sweet-natured boy who lives in an orphanage with his little sister, Emily. While Henry and Emily enjoy time together on Wednesday evening with their favourite evening snack, hot cocoa and lemon drop cookies, something amazing happens - Henry sees a streak across the starry night sky! This stirs something deep within him and he hopes to have the experience again. The following Wednesday, Henry awakens with a purpose and sets about his day in the hopes of seeing the streak across the night sky. He does! He knows that this is a sign just for him!
What Henry discovers over the course of the next week is that thing he has been longing for.....to feel like someone's child, to feel that love again. I won't spoil it for those yet to read At the Window, but you're heart will be warmed, your hope renewed and you will definitely have a sweet tear in your eye!
Joseph has captured the sweet innocence of a child who despite loss still has hope. His story-telling is such that it is easy for a young reader to understand and identify with Henry's curiosity and find hope in his journey, but also so that an older reader will feel that same hope while understanding the loss that this child feels by being an orphan. Henry's understanding at the end truly warmed my heart. As someone who lost my mother at a young age, I very much identified with Henry and his journey.
Joseph has put great heart and love into his book, and I cannot speak strongly enough about a recommendation for this book. This is a must read not only for the life lessons the book offers, but also for the warm feeling you will have at it's conclusion.
I am looking forward to Joseph's next book! He is destined to be one of our Great Canadian Authors!
December 31, 2013
This was a delightful book to read. It’s the kind of book that you’ll sit down and read together with your child over and over and over again. In the story, Henry, an orphan, sees a shooting star. The next week, he sees another and begins to wonder if it means something.
I’m not exactly sure what it was, but I was drawn into the book from the first page. Maybe it was a combination of all the elements. I really liked the way the book was laid out – I thought the font that was chosen was a nice one for children to read. I liked the use of the bold text on some of the key words. The pictures were simple, but engaging.
I liked how Mr. Forte used a normal event – lyrics from a song in a class – to bring special meaning to Henry. Henry believes it to mean that there is a special meaning to the shooting star that he has been seeing. Now he can’t wait for the next one.
I did not anticipate the ending of the story. I was both surprised and delighted with it. My children are grown, so I will have to wait to read this book with my grandchildren. Now I can’t wait to have some!
I would recommend this book to anyone with children. I gave this book a rating of 5 stars. I loved it!
Thank you to the author Joseph Forte who provided a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
I’m not exactly sure what it was, but I was drawn into the book from the first page. Maybe it was a combination of all the elements. I really liked the way the book was laid out – I thought the font that was chosen was a nice one for children to read. I liked the use of the bold text on some of the key words. The pictures were simple, but engaging.
I liked how Mr. Forte used a normal event – lyrics from a song in a class – to bring special meaning to Henry. Henry believes it to mean that there is a special meaning to the shooting star that he has been seeing. Now he can’t wait for the next one.
I did not anticipate the ending of the story. I was both surprised and delighted with it. My children are grown, so I will have to wait to read this book with my grandchildren. Now I can’t wait to have some!
I would recommend this book to anyone with children. I gave this book a rating of 5 stars. I loved it!
Thank you to the author Joseph Forte who provided a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
October 24, 2013
“Finding your light”
At the Window by Joseph Forte is one of the most beautiful children’s books I have read. And as a teacher with three children of my own, I have read a lot of children’s books. The story revolves around Henry and his younger sister Emily who are orphans. Henry sees a shooting star one night and can’t get it out of his mind. A series of events then take place that lead him to believe that seeing the star is part of a bigger picture. Joseph has created such a touching story about love and hope and finding your place in the world. I adore the line “At the window it felt like home" because sometimes in life, if we look hard enough, we can find home even when we are far away. 5 stars!
At the Window by Joseph Forte is one of the most beautiful children’s books I have read. And as a teacher with three children of my own, I have read a lot of children’s books. The story revolves around Henry and his younger sister Emily who are orphans. Henry sees a shooting star one night and can’t get it out of his mind. A series of events then take place that lead him to believe that seeing the star is part of a bigger picture. Joseph has created such a touching story about love and hope and finding your place in the world. I adore the line “At the window it felt like home" because sometimes in life, if we look hard enough, we can find home even when we are far away. 5 stars!
November 20, 2013
At the Window gives you warmth that you get when you have hope. For Henry it is all about finding that warmth and hope and it takes a while to realize what is creating that for him but he eventually finds out. The story is written as if it was being told by a young child and the illustrations match to suit the story.
I have a feeling it would connect easily with children from the visualizations to written words on each page. Also it would be a good story to tell your a class when there needs to be hope encouraged or if a child has a big change in their life, such as a lost of a love one, to be able to understand and find that hope.
I have a feeling it would connect easily with children from the visualizations to written words on each page. Also it would be a good story to tell your a class when there needs to be hope encouraged or if a child has a big change in their life, such as a lost of a love one, to be able to understand and find that hope.
December 4, 2013
this was one of THE BEST stories I have read that is designed for children Words cannot expressed how I felt. I felt hope crying and any other feelings a person can have. I want to especially thank Joseph for giving me the pleasure to read his works. Joseph this was brilliant any child or adult who has lost a parent should read this book. The art work was awesome as well. I know it was made for children but Joseph I lost my father and to this date I cry and pray that I make it in Heaven to be with him. Thank you so much I would recommend that EVERY PERSON should read this story especially if you have experienced a lost. It does not matter how old you are
December 19, 2013
The author was kind enough to send me this book so I could review it.
I read this story to my niece and we both adored the pictures throughout the book. It was an amazing opportunity to explain to her what orphans are, how we can help them, and for her to realize that not everyone has a mom and a dad. The story line was great and the ending gave me a warm fuzzy feeling. It is a story of hope, love, and finding your happy ending.
I would recommend this book to anyone needing a little hope in their lives. What a great story teller! I would read anything that this author put out.
I read this story to my niece and we both adored the pictures throughout the book. It was an amazing opportunity to explain to her what orphans are, how we can help them, and for her to realize that not everyone has a mom and a dad. The story line was great and the ending gave me a warm fuzzy feeling. It is a story of hope, love, and finding your happy ending.
I would recommend this book to anyone needing a little hope in their lives. What a great story teller! I would read anything that this author put out.
January 4, 2014
At the Window is a heartwarming tale about a little boy who discovers the magic of love by simply opening his heart.
One night Henry witnesses a shooting star and the light that begins to shine in him becomes evident to those around him. The special feeling Henry gets from the star warms his heart and brings him joy. He longs to uncover the secret of the star and allow it to shine within him always.
At the Window teaches readers about the power of love and the amazing things that can happen when we open our heart.
I recommend picking up a copy of At the Window.
One night Henry witnesses a shooting star and the light that begins to shine in him becomes evident to those around him. The special feeling Henry gets from the star warms his heart and brings him joy. He longs to uncover the secret of the star and allow it to shine within him always.
At the Window teaches readers about the power of love and the amazing things that can happen when we open our heart.
I recommend picking up a copy of At the Window.
October 26, 2013
At the Window introduces us to a little boy named Henry who finds fascination in a shooting star. Week after week he sits and waits, while looking out the playroom window to catch another glimpse of the star. By the end of the story, Henry finally finds what he’s been longing for, and leaves the reader with a sense of comfort and hope. At the Window is a beautiful, touching story that will surely capture your heart. I absolutely loved it.
December 7, 2013
Henry and his little sister emily are orphans. Everynight Henry asks the headmistress if his sister and himself can have a nice glass of hot cocoa and some lemondrop cookies. One night Henry sees something fly by the window, a bright light. What was that he wonders. And starts waiting every wednesday for the light.
I really enjoyed this book. Its a very heartwarming book. I give it 5 stars a def must read.
I really enjoyed this book. Its a very heartwarming book. I give it 5 stars a def must read.
November 26, 2013
At the Window was really enjoyed by myself and my son. I liked that this story opened up the conversation of why there are orphanages and orphans in our world as well as spirituality. Very much a heart-touching read that I would recommend to anyone wanting to read their child a story with a little more meaning to it than most.
December 9, 2013
Such a heartwarming story!! I won this book on a First Reads giveaway and will definitely be recommending it to my fellow educators. It is a book about an orphan who finds hope in an unexpected place and despite his odds. I truly enjoyed it. I read this book to my kids last night and will read to my students today at school!
December 4, 2013
At the Window is such a heart-warming story about two orphans, especially the older of the two, Henry. This book just shows that hope can be found in the most high and faraway places. I would highly recommend it to children and adults alike.
November 30, 2013
A touching story about finding hope in even the most distant things. Henry see a shooting star and cannot get it out of his head. With an amazing story, with compelling and kind characters this heartwarming story is great for kids and adults alike!
4 stars.
4 stars.
January 13, 2014
Heartwarming and enchanting. This book is filled with love and it shows on each page.
January 18, 2014
At The Window by Joseph Forte is a beautiful story of a young orphan who sees a shooting star and focuses all of his energy on recreating that moment so he can figure out the true meaning of the event.
The story begins by introducing Henry and giving the reader an idea of his life inside the orphanage. The day was cold and Henry looked forward to getting back to the orphanage where he could enjoy a hot cup of cocoa with melted marshmallows and delicious lemon-drop cookies with his little sister Emily. As the siblings anxiously wait for their snack, Henry sees a shooting star that takes him off-guard.
Forte writes, “‘Wow!’ Henry yelped. ‘Did you see that, Emily?’
'See what?' Emily replied.
'Didn't you see that burning light that raced through the sky?'”
Confused by what he saw yet knowing that there was a special meaning behind it, Henry begins to repeat his nightly routine in hope that the moment will happen again and ultimately give him the meaning behind it.
My favorite part is when the author writes, “Henry, meanwhile, began to wonder if something or someone was trying to send him a message. He began to try to piece together clues, but he drew nothing but blanks. As the day grew old, Henry decided he would draft up a plan for that night. It was simple: he’d complete his homework, finish his chores as expected, eat dinner with the other orphan children, and then politely ask Ms. Agnes for his favourite night-time snack. Once she delivered the hot cocoa and lemon-drop cookies, he would take his spot on the playroom couch, stare straight into the eyes of the night, and wait for that one moment when the shining star would shoot across the sky again. After all, it was Wednesday, and he was increasingly convinced that there was a pattern to these events.”
Children will learn from Forte’s book that there is a connection between everything on earth and this connection can present itself through ones faith, belief and love.
At The Window was truly heart-warming and I was left with a feeling of peace, happiness and a knowing that our true purpose can be defined by a single moment.
I highly recommend reading Joseph Forte’s book, At The Window and look forward to sharing it with my loved ones.
The story begins by introducing Henry and giving the reader an idea of his life inside the orphanage. The day was cold and Henry looked forward to getting back to the orphanage where he could enjoy a hot cup of cocoa with melted marshmallows and delicious lemon-drop cookies with his little sister Emily. As the siblings anxiously wait for their snack, Henry sees a shooting star that takes him off-guard.
Forte writes, “‘Wow!’ Henry yelped. ‘Did you see that, Emily?’
'See what?' Emily replied.
'Didn't you see that burning light that raced through the sky?'”
Confused by what he saw yet knowing that there was a special meaning behind it, Henry begins to repeat his nightly routine in hope that the moment will happen again and ultimately give him the meaning behind it.
My favorite part is when the author writes, “Henry, meanwhile, began to wonder if something or someone was trying to send him a message. He began to try to piece together clues, but he drew nothing but blanks. As the day grew old, Henry decided he would draft up a plan for that night. It was simple: he’d complete his homework, finish his chores as expected, eat dinner with the other orphan children, and then politely ask Ms. Agnes for his favourite night-time snack. Once she delivered the hot cocoa and lemon-drop cookies, he would take his spot on the playroom couch, stare straight into the eyes of the night, and wait for that one moment when the shining star would shoot across the sky again. After all, it was Wednesday, and he was increasingly convinced that there was a pattern to these events.”
Children will learn from Forte’s book that there is a connection between everything on earth and this connection can present itself through ones faith, belief and love.
At The Window was truly heart-warming and I was left with a feeling of peace, happiness and a knowing that our true purpose can be defined by a single moment.
I highly recommend reading Joseph Forte’s book, At The Window and look forward to sharing it with my loved ones.
April 9, 2014
My eight-year old daughter, and I really enjoyed this book!
It brought up a conversation that has never come up in our house before… “Mom, Where is their mommy & Daddy?”
As I read this heart warming story to my daughter, she would ask me where Henry, and his sister’s parents were. So I explained as best I can about an orphanage, and why there is children all across the world that have to live their. But this book showed my daughter that some kids may not have a mom and dad but they can still have someone who loves, and cares for them, like Henry and Emily did with Ms. Agnes.
In the Window is a beautiful written book that will warm your heart no matter what age you are.
It brought up a conversation that has never come up in our house before… “Mom, Where is their mommy & Daddy?”
As I read this heart warming story to my daughter, she would ask me where Henry, and his sister’s parents were. So I explained as best I can about an orphanage, and why there is children all across the world that have to live their. But this book showed my daughter that some kids may not have a mom and dad but they can still have someone who loves, and cares for them, like Henry and Emily did with Ms. Agnes.
In the Window is a beautiful written book that will warm your heart no matter what age you are.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews