THE SUGARING-OFF PARTY

In her reminiscences about a sugaring-off party for her grandson Paul, Grand-märe makes this yearly event come alive. Warmth and goodwill abound in the sugar shack where the family gathers to eat. She recalls the children's mischievous antics and the joyous dancing, but the highlight of the day is la tire, a sweet maple taffy snowsicle enjoyed by all. London (Like Butter on Pancakes, above) uses French and English expressions throughout Grand-märe's narration; evoked throughout is the cozy, but cold Canadian landscape under the Sugar Moon and the feeling of shared family experience. Simple, descriptive language makes the memory vivid even if Pelletier's colorful folk art did not also conjure this tradition gloriously and well. (Glossary) (Picture book. 4-8)