? "Set in maple sugaring country, this tale by Schmidt (Pay Attention, Carter Jones) and Stickney (the pen name of Schmidt's late wife) examines the difficulty of waiting for exciting things when they unfold at the natural world's pace."--Publishers Weekly, STARRED review "A gentle tale that is as sweet and delicious as maple syrup."--Kirkus "Karas' distinctive mixed-media illustrations with muted hues and delicate lines expressively show the tenderness between father and child, emphasizing the perceived slowness of time passing and the difficulty of waiting." --Booklist "In addition to promoting the value of patience, Schmidt's story will also be valuable for early study of changing seasons and teaching where food comes from." --School Library Journal "Waiting for spring can wear on one's patience, but readers may find comfort sharing the burden with Ethan...until the warm and satisfying conclusion."--Horn Book "There's a gentle, spare folksiness to the storytelling... [kids will] relate to the eternity that is waiting for something wonderful and the joy of a good weekend breakfast."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books --