Taffy Time

In a story about taking part and feeling needed, from the team behind the Murilla Gorilla books, a girl named Kate eagerly tags along when her older sister and father head out to make maple syrup on their farm. Despite the rural setting, the atmosphere is far from rustic: dominated by minty shades of pink and blue, the landscape of the farm is crisp and modern, while Kate and her family are drawn in a na%C3%AFf cartoon style with dot eyes and bean-shaped noses. The girls' father (who is gently exasperated by Kate's insistence on helping) explains the process of making syrup, but Kate spills a pail, drops her mitten in the bubbling sap, and gets lost when she wanders away from the sugar shack. After her relieved father finds her, he lets Kate take part in an activity that allows her abilities to shine%E2%80%94making maple taffy by pouring syrup onto a tabletop covered with snow and winding it around using a popsicle stick. A sweet-natured story that gives readers insight into family dynamics and a unique seasonal business. Ages 4%E2%80%938. (Apr.)