cover image VISITING AUNT SYLVIA'S: A Maine Adventure

VISITING AUNT SYLVIA'S: A Maine Adventure

Heather Austin, . . Down East, $15.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-89272-523-6

During each of the four seasons, a girl and her family visit Aunt Sylvia at her house "deep in the woods of Maine," on a hill Aunt Sylvia calls Paradise Knoll. The book opens in fall, when activities include chopping firewood, harvesting wild grapes, digging for tourmaline (a "precious stone"), baking an apple pie (leaving the peels for the animals and birds) and making a leaf mobile. Debut author/artist Austin is similarly specific for the other seasons, and readers will enjoy the details. On the other hand, they may be disappointed that the author doesn't explain how to duplicate the various nature-related crafts mentioned here. The watercolor illustrations of an idyllic countryside vary in their execution. At times, Austin fumbles with the foreshortening, and some compositions appear static. But strong affection for her characters and setting emanates from Austin's art and text, giving it appeal to kids who share her fondness for the beauty of Maine. Ages 4-8. (Dec.)