Maple Syrup from the Sugarhouse

A girl named Kelsey joins her father and other family and friends when the time is right to harvest sap and turn it into maple syrup. Knowlton gives Kelsey a chipper narrative voice, which is matched by the bright colors and friendly interactions in Mitter's illustrations. While informative, the descriptions of how syrup is produced lead to some dry moments in the book ("Daddy starts the pump to suction the tap through a filter into a large holding tank," notes Kelsey). But both the text and the art make clear how much work goes into producing maple syrup, how slow the process is, and how a community comes together to get the job done. A closing list of facts should intrigue readers who can't imagine eating their pancakes without a good glug of syrup. Ages 5-7. Author's agent: Victoria Selvaggio, Jennifer De Chiara Literary. (Nov.)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 3--Kelsey and her father head out to tap the sugar maple trees now that the days are warmer and the tree sap is rising. Family and friends arrive at the sugar bush camp to help. As they work, the steps for making maple syrup and processes such as evaporation are clearly explained through Kelsey's conversations with her father and the tasks they perform. The font is classic serif, large and bold for easy reading. Some of the text is alliterative and shaped for emphasis. The illustrations are appealing with bright, saturated colors framed by the natural whites and browns of a winter landscape. Faces and forms of people are deceptively simple lines, yet expressions are clear and well defined. The children and adults are a diverse bunch in ethnicity and age. Spreads add depth and perspective to the busy, labor-intensive system for making syrup from sap. There are end notes with facts about maple trees, maple syrup, and the maple syrup industry. These notes are not sourced, and there are no additional resources listed. This title is a fun, comprehensive look at the process of making maple syrup the old-fashioned way, written by a veteran author who is also an experienced maple sugar farmer. VERDICT This will be a popular addition to seasons or farming sections for younger students.--Gretchen Crowley, formerly at Alexandria City Public Libraries, VA

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Mitter's illustrations play up the camaraderie of working together . . . Readers with maples get ready: kids are sure to want to try their hands at boiling their own syrup.

A light narrative framework with just enough detail to satisfy the curiosity of most listeners, while an appended note offers more information on maple syrup. Simple, colorful, and attractive, Mitter's illustrations create a tone of contentment that makes this an attractive choice for reading aloud.

"Knowlton gives Kelsey a chipper narrative voice, which is matched by the bright colors and friendly interactions in Mitter's illustrations."—Publishers Weekly

"A fun, comprehensive look at the process of making maple syrup the old-fashioned way."—School Library Journal