Maple Syrup Season Book

Pancake and waffle-loving readers will eat up this process picture book with a behind-the-scenes look at making a much-loved treat.

Sap's rising! It's officially maple syrup season at the Brockwell family farm. There will be a lot to do, from hammering spouts into the maple trees to gathering, pouring, and boiling the sap. But the whole family will help, and when all of the work is done, there will be a sweet and tasty treat.

Children's Literature

AGERANGE: Ages 4 to 8.

Maple syrup time is always a welcome time in the northern states and Canada, as a harbinger of spring. Join the Brockwell family as they enjoy trail blazing, making sweet syrup-on-the-snow, and putting their fresh syrup on to the table. Weber's illustrations are reminiscent of Grandma Moses' art and feel very New England-like in their composition. The wildlife appears friendly in nearly every outdoor scene (though we really should not let foxes get that close to us!) and makes for a nice chance to spy and name each species. Even bears, sleepy and smiling, seem tame in this land. The process of making maple syrup is indeed arduous and time-consuming, a fact not given much attention in this work, though the author should be applauded for showing each step of the process to readers and discussing details like differences among the various Grades of syrup. Helpful facts and a maple syrup glossary follow the text, providing interesting tidbits about maple syrup and even a legend of how it was discovered. While the focus is primarily on making maple syrup, this book also presents the concepts of team work, patience and cooperation. A sweet story that both informs and whets the appetite for pancakes. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young