he asked.
Dad shook his head. "Not
until the days are warmer."
That afternoon, Ethan took
his sled to the Big Hill. It
was a sunny day, so he left
his hat and his scarf and his
mittens at home.
But the day wasn't warm."
Our days aren't either, but they are surely warmer than is usual for the last day of January! That got me to thinking about this book by one of my favorite writers, Gary D. Schmidt. It is also unlike his other books I have read. Except for one, they have all been novels.
Mr. Schmidt sets this book at a time of year when Ethan and his father no longer have maple syrup to put on their pancakes. Applesauce as a replacement lets Ethan know that sugaring time is upon them - the wait begins. The timing has to be exactly right. Ethan can tell when he is goes sledding that, although it is a fine day for such entertainment, it is not warm enough for the sap to run.
One week later, there is butter for their corn bread - no syrup! His father answers his many questions as patiently as possible. Weeks pass, the time is endless. How long will it take for his loose tooth to fall out, he asks. His father has an unexpected answer:
"About as long as it takes the sap to start running," Dad said."
Arrgh! Waiting for his tooth and the sap is made longer by cold days and long nights. That tooth finally does fall out - and just in time! One week later, after a lot of hard work, the bottles are filled and the two can enjoy the warm, syrupy goodness of another Sunday pancake breakfast.
Brian Karas uses textured images and soft colors to complement the text. I found his series of panelled images just right for showing listeners a simplified process for making maple syrup. All of the important information is presented as father and son work together to process this very special treat.
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