Jessie Haas

I checked this out in honor of my younger self. She would have loved it, and felt the need to own it because there is *so* much wonderful information and so *many* terrific ideas. Adult me found herself spending too much time with it, too! There are two knots and a braid I am glad to learn. And Haas writes engagingly.

Sugaring by Jessie Haas, with illustrations by Jos. A Smith, is not only an engagingly narrated, informative account of the early spring sugaring process (maple syrup production) at a grandfather's sugarbush, it is also a loving tribute to the special relationship between Gramp and his granddaughter Nora. Jessie Haas' narrative is exquisite, slow, flowing and sweet, capturing both the loving relationship between Nora and her grandfather and the slow, sweet and rewarding process of maple show more syrup production. I love how the grandfather, although clearly in charge of the maple syrup production process, has enough confidence in his granddaughter's abilities to delegate some of the easier tasks to her (of course, Gramp does not allow Nora to put logs onto the fire, but she is allowed to watch the boiling syrup by herself when Gramp has to get more firewood). The calm love and respect that emanates from both Nora and her grandfather is as sweet and as fragrant as the maple syrup being produced; one mirrors the other.

As a horse enthusiast, I am really tickled by the fact that horses are used to haul the syrup, and that both Nora and her grandfather seem to view them as partners, and not just as a form of cheap, unpaid labour. Bonnie and Stella are given treats of maple syrup and maple candy (not good for their teeth, of course, but this is a special occasion) and both Nora and Gramp are always aware of and concerned for their welfare. I also like the fact that the author has Nora being slightly nipped in the hand by Bonnie when she tries to feed her the wrong way. Horses should always be fed with a flat hand, and I have seen far too many avoidable injuries caused when individuals unaware of this fact try to feed horses the wrong way and end up accidentally getting their fingers caught in horses' mouthes (horse teeth are strong and sharp). The second time Nora has a chance to feed the horses (maple sugar), she remembers her previous experience and holds her hand flat so that her fingers are well out of the way.

The illustrations by Jos. A. Smith are also quite spectacular. Like a series of exquisite, realistic paintings, they capture the essence of the sugaring process as well as the loving, respectful relationship between grandfather and granddaughter (and the horses as well, of course) both complementing the narrative and expanding on it. Highly recommended for children interested in maple syrup production, Sugaring is also a perfect book for grandparents to share with their grandchildren. show less

On rare occasions I buy a book I have not read, reviewed, or thoroughly researched. It happens a bit more often now, since I have a little more money to spend and a rapidly increasing list of other duties in addition to collection development *sigh*.

This book came up on my new releases list from BWI Titletales (best vendor ever btw) and knowing we needed more easy readers and liking the cover, I added it to the list. When it showed up and I skimmed it, I took it home for a more intimate show more discussion.

Bramble has gotten bored going around and around the ring giving riding lessons. Maggie is picking out a horse all of her own. Is Bramble the right horse for her? As the riding instructor, Mrs. Blenkinsop says "Bramble has her little ways." Bramble and Maggie meet, negotiate, and finally settle down to a happy ending in four chapters. The writing is at the higher end of easy readers, about Arnold Lobel level, but still maintains the simple vocabulary and short sentences needed by beginning readers. Within the confines of the easy reader, Jessie Haas produces a story that is funny, touching and has a gentle underlying message - there's a place for everyone.

Alison Friend's pop-eyed characters are a delightful accompaniment. She perfectly fulfils the requirements of an easy reader illustrator, giving clues to the reader and adding dimension to the simple story. The combination of text and art adds even more humor to the story and children will be delighted to read and watch the growing friendship between Bramble and Maggie.

Verdict: I can't wait to put this out on the shelves and watch the kids grab it. It's not so specifically "girl+horse" that boys won't pick it up and both children and parents will enjoy the humorous story. This lucky pick was definitely lucky and I can see it becoming a beloved classic!

ISBN: 0763649554; Published March 2012 by Candlewick; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library show less

Twins Fran and Kiera can't agree on anything - except that they want a horse, very badly. When their mail man father arrives home with a small black and white pony in the back seat of his car, they're thrilled. Except they have to share! With charts to divide chores - they fight over who gets to muck his stall first even with spaghetti straws to determine precedence. But something is not quite right with Jigsaw.... something even lots of love may not be able to correct. Can Fran and Kiera show more work out their differences for the sake of their pony?

Haas has written another lovely pony book. Although Jigsaw is perhaps a bit too accommodating to be believed - the backseat of the car?! - old ponies certainly do learn to put up with a lot. (I should know - among other things, I dressed my first pony up in a Thoroughbred blanket (reached the ground) tied it on with twine, and decorated him with flowers.) The woven wire fence the illustrator depicted didn't thrill me, either. But those minor details aside, this is a wonderful little easy reader book for new readers with a love of horses. And yes, I was sniffly when I finished it. show less