Sugar on Snow

by Nan Parson Rossiter

In this cozy picture book-about a modern-day family in New England collecting sap to make maple syrup- two young brothers take pride in finally being able to help with every step of the sugaring-off process. Nan Rossiter's beautiful illustrations are infused with the light of early spring, and there are woodland animals and birds to spot on every page. An afterword explores the legendary beginnings of sap gathering and broadens the usefulness of the book

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Godine Publisher & Black Sparrow Press · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometime in early March, the cry of "Sap's Rising" can be heard in rural New England. In this lovely picture book, a father, his two sons, and one dog rise (very early) to the occasion and set off at dawn to the sugar bush to begin the process. Everyone participates in the hard work - hauling the buckets of sap to the holding tank - and also the fun work - reducing forty gallons of sap to one gallon of syrup in a big evaporator in the steamy sugarhouse. And, of course, testing and tasting the syrup, continually.
Lovingly illustrated and infused with the lucid light of early spring, this book is a real charmer: a testimony to the spirit and the tradition of New England and a reminder of the very real values found on family farms.

[Shiloah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-told story on how maple syrup is made. I would follow it up with a longer chapter book like Miracles on Maple Hill. Another cute snow/maple book we read recently was Sugar Snow, a Laura Ingalls picture book.

[Clive · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book about 2 brothers helping out on their parents' maple orchard has struck a deep, DEEP chord with Clive.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sugar on snow by Nan Parson Rossiter
Listened to this book on tape so am not able to see the colorful pictures.
Story of two boys who are finally old enough to help the tree farm in Vermont and it's maple sugaring time.
We have witnessed the process ourselves and it's something you should experience.
Buckets are filled so the next day they might be able to start boiling.
They are going to go sugaring off and fill up with a hearty breakfast.
Love the legend at the end.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

[skcocnaH · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun way to learn about maple syrup production.

[Jen]

maple syrup making and 2 boys that can't wait to help!

[Billy Joe · Rating 1 out of 5]

I Really Like this book

[Tamara the Librarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Illustrations were decent. Storyline kind of plodding-- about 2 boys who take a more active role in making maple syrup on the family farm in VT.