If You Like...Maple Syrup

The end of January is the time of year when maple syrup farmers begin to tap maple trees to access the sugary sap inside. As the weather starts to warm up, the sap inside the trees flows out through the tap to the buckets waiting to collect it below. The sap is then distilled into delicious syrup we know and love. As much as 40 gallons of sap are distilled to make a single gallon of syrup! Break out the pancakes and check out these books about maple syrup during the sugaring season.

Almost Time
By Gary D. Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickney

Illustrated by G. Brian Karas

New York: Clarion Books, 2020. Picture Book.

Ethan can't wait until it's time for the weather to warm up so he and his dad can begin the process of harvesting and making their maple syrup. Having to wait for his loose tooth to fall out doesn't make the process any easier. Readers will relate to Ethan's eagerness as he learns that although being patient is difficult, the rewards are worth it.

Bear Goes Sugaring

By Maxwell Eaton III

New York: Holiday House, 2019. Informational.

Bear takes the reader through every step of the and old fashioned process to make their own maple syrup, from tapping the trees to distilling the sap. Bear's humorous companions of Squirrel and Dog make comments that will keep readers entertained.

Maple Syrup Season

By Ann Purmell

Illustrated by Jill Weber

New York: Holiday House, 2008. Picture Book.

Grandpa teaches the entire Brockwell family to contribute in the harvest of maple syrup on their family farm. Information at the end of the book explains terminology and includes more information about maple syrup.

Caillou at the Sugar Shack

By Carine Laforest

Illustrated by Mario Allard

Montreal, QC: Chouette, 2018. Picture Book.

Caillou and his family go visit a ranch, where their friend Jonas shows Caillou how sap is collected and teaches Caillou how to make a new treat, maple toffee.

A Winter Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom

By Angela Ferraro-Fanning

Illustrated by AnneliesDraws

Beverly, MA: Ivy Kids, 2022. Informational.

This collection has a number of nature-based crafts, activities, and projects to be done together with children. There is even a section on harvesting tree sap and a recipe for maple syrup candies!

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