Sugaring Time: 32 Books to Explore the Wonder of Making Maple Syrup
Have you ever wondered how maple sap is turned into delicious maple syrup?
Every spring, my family trudges through the woods collecting buckets of sweet sap to boil down into syrup. The wet spring snow, like the ice in your favorite slushy, still lays thick on the ground. There’s nothing quite like listening to the drip-drip of sap into metal pails as the sun warms the trees.
Whether you’re planning a trip to a sugarbush, tapping trees in your own backyard, or just curious about how it’s done, these children’s books invite your family to experience the magic and science of maple syrup.
Below, you’ll find my curated list of 32 titles – grouped by nonfiction, picture books, Native American stories, favorite characters, chapter books, and how-to guides – so you can bring a taste of sugaring season right to your bookshelf.
1. Maple Syrup Nonfiction Books
These books often include a table of contents, glossary, index, and engaging photos to help kids see the process step by step.
From Maple Trees to Maple Syrup by Kristin Thoennes Keller (2005)
Large text, clear color photographs, and fun facts guide kids through the entire syrup-making process, showing both bucket and hose methods for collecting sap. Includes a sweet recipe for Sugar-on-Snow plus a helpful glossary.
From Maple Tree to Syrup by Melanie Mitchell (2013)
An easy-to-follow nonfiction book that shows how sap is collected using buckets. Includes a link for extra downloadable resources (though note that it may be outdated).
How Is It Made? Syrup by R.J. Bailey (2017)
Simple text and photos explain how sap becomes syrup, plus extra “Did you know?” fun facts. Directions for making Syrup Snow Candy and a resource link for even more syrup facts make this a fun pick.
How Is Maple Syrup Made? by Grace Hansen (2019)
Shows how sap can be collected through pipes as well as buckets, offering a peek at modern tubing methods. Includes a code to access videos, games, and crafts online — making it a top choice for interactive learning.
How to Tap a Maple by Stephanie Mulligan, illustrated by Connie Rand (2021)
Rhyming text and beautiful illustrations follow Luke and Layla as they learn how to tap trees with Grandpa. Features a handy Sugar Slang glossary and a page about different maple tree species.
Maple Syrup: Harvest to Home by Lynn M. Stone (2002)
This book captures classic syrup-making with photos of horses hauling sap through the snow. Focuses on boiling the sap into syrup, highlighting traditional methods.
Sugaring Season: Making Maple Syrup by Diane Burns, photographs by Cheryl Walsh Bellville (1990)
Packed with detailed information, this book focuses on a modern commercial operation using tubing and pumps but also touches on traditional methods. A great pick for kids ready for a more in-depth look.
Sugaring Time by Kathryn Lasky, photographs by Christopher G. Knight (1983)
This Newbery Honor book blends storytelling with black-and-white photographs of the Lacey family’s sugaring adventure on their Vermont farm. Follow them and their Belgian horses as they trek through snow and carry out every step of the sugaring season.
The Maple Syrup Book by Marilyn Linton, illustrated by Lesley Fairfield (1983)
More advanced than other children’s books on this list, this classic includes black-and-white illustrations and explores Native legends, how Indigenous peoples and pioneers made syrup, and modern large-scale production with tubing. Includes recipes and fun activities to try.
The Story of Syrup: It Starts with a Maple Tree by Melanie Mitchell (2022)
A very simple introduction with minimal text (3–6 words per page) and bright photos showing buckets, taps, and how sap is boiled and bottled. Best for young readers — note there’s no table of contents.Turning Sap into Maple Syrup by Amy Hayes (2016) (Bookworms Step-by-Step Transformations)
An easy nonfiction pick with basic text and photos showing a commercial syrup operation step-by-step.
2. Maple Syrup Picture Books
Beautifully illustrated stories that weave maple sugaring into family adventures and seasonal traditions.
Almost Time by Gary D. Schmidt & Elizabeth Stickney, Illustrated by G. Brian Karas (2020)
When the maple syrup runs out, Ethan can’t wait for sugaring season to arrive. Readers follow his eager wait through cozy illustrations that show the whole process—from tapping buckets to boiling sap to finally pouring syrup on pancakes once more.
At Grandpa’s Sugar Bush by Margaret Carney, Illustrated by Janet Wilson (1997)
This warmly illustrated story gently guides readers through the maple syrup process—from tapping the trees to collecting and boiling the sap. A sweet celebration of family tradition and nature’s gifts.
Maple Syrup from the Sugarhouse by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton, Pictures by Kathryn Mitter (2017)
Kelsey and her dad head out to tap the maple trees, soon joined by friends and family who help gather sap and tend the fire. Together, they see the syrup through from start to finish. A page of maple syrup facts at the end adds extra learning.
Maple Syrup Season by Ann Purmell, Illustrated by Jill Weber (2008)
Join the Brockwell family at Grandpa’s sugar bush and discover how maple syrup really gets made! This story explains how weather affects sap flow, what sheeting and a hydrometer are, and how syrup is graded throughout the season. It also includes a fun Maple Syrup Lore section and a handy glossary. A top pick for kids and parents alike!
Sugarbush Spring by Marsha Wilson Chall, Illustrated by Jim Daly (2000)
In this beautifully illustrated story, a young girl narrates her family’s annual maple sugaring tradition alongside several generations. With exquisite, Rockwell-style paintings full of cozy details — from a horse-drawn sleigh to an old-fashioned kitchen stove — you’ll feel transported to a timeless sugaring season. One of my absolute favorites on this list!
Bear Goes Sugaring by Maxwell Eaton III (2019)
This playful, information-packed book follows Bear as he shows kids exactly why sap runs and how it’s turned into sweet maple syrup. The comic book–style illustrations make the facts fun and engaging, and the back pages include a map of maple sugar territory plus illustrations of different evaporators and antique spouts. A definite favorite!
Sugaring by Jessie Haas, Pictures by Jos. A. Smith (1996)
In this gentle story, Nora helps her grandpa collect sap and make maple syrup — but she’s especially worried that the hardworking horses deserve a sweet treat too! Beautiful illustrations and clear details about the sugaring process (including sheeting) make this book both heartwarming and educational. A top choice!
Sugar on Snow by Nan Parson Rossiter (2002)
Seth and Ethan are brimming with excitement to help their parents make maple syrup on their farm. This cozy story comes with an Afterword that shares a Native American legend about how maple syrup was first discovered, explains how early colonists tapped trees, and describes how the process has evolved. A family favorite!
Sugar White Snow and Evergreens: A Winter Wonderland of Color by Felicia Sanzari, Illustrated by Susan Swan (2014)
This sweet rhyming story brings winter to life through colors and maple syrup fun. With vibrant illustrations and simple text, it’s perfect for early learners and young listeners who are just discovering the magic of sugaring time.
The Sugaring-Off Party by Jonathan London, Paintings by Giles Pelletier (1995)
On the eve of his first maple sugaring party, Paul listens as his grandmother fondly recalls her own first sugaring-off as a young girl in Canada. Sprinkled with French phrases, this story weaves family memories and cultural tradition into the magic of sugaring season.
The Sweetest Season by Elissa Kerr, Illustrations by Zoe Saunders (2019)
Told in cheerful rhyming text, this book follows the maple sugaring process from finding trees to a bustling sugar shack. A helpful Frequently Asked Questions section at the end offers extra fun facts for curious kids.
Taffy Time by Jennifer Lloyd, Illustrated by Jacqui Lee (2015)
At Sugar Hill Farm, Audrey and her dad are headed to the sugar shack for some sweet fun—until her younger sister, Kate, insists on tagging along to help too. This charming story captures the excitement of sugaring season through the eyes of two young sisters.
3. Native American Maple Syrup Stories
These stories honor the traditions and legends of how maple syrup was first discovered and made, connecting kids to deeper cultural roots.
Gluskonba and the Maple Trees: Kloskoba ta Senomozia by Joseph, James, and Jesse Bruchac, illustrated by Amy Hook-Therrien (2024)
Written by a professional storyteller and his sons, members of the Abenaki Nation, this tale shares a traditional legend: when the people neglected their village and one another, the creator took away the easy gift of sweet syrup through a twig. Now they must gather and boil sap—working together for a common goal. Includes the story in both English and the Abenaki language.
Ininatig’s Gift of Sugar: Traditional Native Sugarmaking by Laura Waterman Wittstock, photographs by Dale Kakkak (1993) Favorite
This book begins with a traditional Anishinabe story of how maple syrup was discovered. Readers then meet Porky, a tribal elder who hosts his own sugarbush camp each year, teaching children how to make maple syrup, candy, and sugar. Vivid color photographs show every step—including collecting sap in plastic bags and the muk kuks (birch bark containers) Porky used as a child. A word list at the back adds extra learning.
Maple Moon by Connie Brummel Crook, illustrated by Scott Cameron (1997)
In this gentle legend, Rides the Wind discovers the sweetness of maple sap by watching a squirrel. When his mother uses the sap to cook deer meat, the whole tribe wants to learn his secret. A historical note at the end explains Native American stories of how maple syrup was discovered and why the sap run is called the “Maple Moon.”
Rabbit and Otter Go Sugarbushing by Liz Granholm, illustrated by Anna Granholm (2021)
Written in both English and Ojibwemowin, this sweet bilingual tale follows Rabbit and Otter as they run out of syrup and decide to tap maple trees themselves—learning important lessons along the way. A lovely introduction to sugarbushing and Ojibwe language for young readers.
4. Maple Syrup Books With Favorite Characters
Familiar faces like Buster, Caillou, Curious George, and the Little House family help kids learn about maple syrup through beloved characters.
Buster’s Sugartime by Marc Brown (2006)
Arthur’s best friend Buster heads to Vermont and learns how maple syrup is made, step by step. This book includes a fun list of new words, facts about Vermont, and Buster’s letters sprinkled throughout the story, adding real photos and extra syrupy tidbits.
Caillou at the Sugar Shack adapted by Canine Laforest, illustrations by Mario Allard (2018)
In this sweet adaptation from the animated series, Caillou and his family visit a friend’s sugar shack during sugaring season. Kids will learn the basics of tapping trees, boiling sap, and even making maple toffee on snow.
Curious George Makes Maple Sugar adapted by C.A. Krones (2013)
Based on the TV series teleplay by Chuck Tately, this story follows Curious George as he learns how to identify maple trees by their bark, runs out of syrup, and teams up with Mr. Renkins and Allie to make more. True to George’s style, there’s plenty of mischief along the way!
My First Little House Books: Sugar Snow adapted from The Little House Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, illustrated by Doris Ettlinger (1998)
In this classic adaptation, Pa tells the girls how Grandpa made wooden buckets to collect maple sap through the winter. Rich illustrations show Grandpa drilling trees, hanging wooden taps and buckets, and boiling sap in a big iron kettle over an open fire. A timeless glimpse into early sugaring traditions.
5. Maple Syrup Chapter Books
Longer reads that weave sugaring time into family stories and even cozy mysteries for grown-ups.
Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen (1956, renewed 1984)
Winner of the Newbery Medal, this classic novel weaves the magic of maple sugaring into a heartfelt family story. A beautiful read for older kids or a family read-aloud during syrup season.
A Doomful of Sugar by Catherine Bruns (Maple Syrup Mysteries, Book 1)
For older teens or adults, this cozy mystery is set against the backdrop of a family-run maple syrup farm — complete with recipes! A fun pick if you’d like a little whodunit with your syrup season.
6. Maple Syrup How-To Books
Practical books for families who want to try making syrup themselves — from tapping trees to boiling sap and even selling your sweet creations.
How to Make Maple Syrup: Everything You Need to Know About Making Nature’s Sweetest Treat by Lucas Lee (2024)
A recent, straightforward guide covering the basics of tapping, collecting, and boiling sap — plus tasty recipes to try at home. A practical pick if you want to start your own backyard sugaring adventure.
How to Make Maple Syrup: From Gathering Sap to Marketing Your Own Syrup by Alison and Steven Anderson (2014)
This how-to book goes deeper, covering traditional and modern tapping methods, step-by-step boiling instructions, and tips for turning your hobby into a small business.
Wrap-Up: Let the Sweetness Begin
Whether you’re tapping trees in your own backyard or just savoring warm syrup over a stack of pancakes, these books bring the magic of sugaring season to life. They’re a sweet mix of science, storytelling, and tradition – perfect for curious kids and cozy read-alouds. I hope this list helps you gather a few titles to enjoy with your family.
So pour yourself a mug of hot cocoa, pick a book or two from this list, and dream of the sap flowing and the sugar shack fire crackling.
Try a recipe from Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producers Association.
👉 Ready to keep the adventure going? Try pairing a few of these books with a syrup-making craft, a taste test of different syrup grades, or a visit to a local sugar shack. And if you’re starting your own syrup adventure — welcome to the sweetest hobby around!
