About the Author
Sandra McTavish is a Canadian author whose middle-grade novel The Cricket War (co-authored with Thọ Phạm) has won several awards. She works in educational publishing as a Literacy Publisher where her passion is supporting students on their literacy journey. She and her husband, Doug, divide their time between Toronto and his family farm in Madoc, Ontario, where they have a few “pet” cows and barn cats.
“My passion is lighting a spark for reading and creating lifelong readers.”
— Sandra McTavish
Fun Facts about Sandra McTavish
1. Sandra is a P.K. (Preacher's Kid) and a good sport!
She grew up in manses in Loring, Richmond Hill, Bracebridge, and Kitchener, Ontario. In her dad’s churches, she and her brothers spent endless hours playing floor hockey and hide-and-go-seek.
2. Sandra started hockey lessons when she was 30 years old.
She instantly fell in love with hockey and has been playing ever since. Sandra is also a big Toronto Scepters fan and can be found at many home games.
3. Sandra and her husband Doug grow grapes on their farm
in Madoc, Ontario, and make their own wine—maybe one day they’ll even open a winery!
4. Sandra won her first poetry contest in Grade 1
with a rhyming poem about a kitty, and a little help from her teacher, Mrs. Vetterol. That moment sparked a lifelong love of words.
5. Sandra once scared off a black bear
in the woods by singing “I’m a Little Teapot” with full actions. Yes, it actually worked!