Almost Time by Gary D. Schmidt & Elizabeth Stickney illustrated by G. Brian Karas

I recently watched a video of Gary Schmidt on Read Aloud Revival, which piqued my curiosity about him as a person.  His late wife's pen name was Elizabeth Stickney.  

Ethan realizes it will soon be sugaring time when he eats his breakfast without maple syrup.  Impatiently he awaits the big day, watching for the signs his father mentions.  

A sweet story

I liked how it featured a father and son.  

Mr. Karas's illustrations also offer hints to the approaching sugaring time.

The beginning and the ending connect nicely (could use for mentor text ).

-Borrowed from the library.