{"product_id":"almost-time-9780544785816","title":"Almost Time","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAlmost Time - A Father-Son Story About Patience and Seasons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA tender father-and-son story about the passage of time, the change of seasons, and the excitement of reaching a goal.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEager for maple syrup, Ethan can't wait till sugaring time rolls around. And he can't wait till his loose tooth falls out. But his father keeps telling him it's not time yet, and no matter how hard he tries, he can't make time pass more quickly. The closeness of father and son is evident throughout as they wait and then celebrate the end of waiting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect for Young Readers Ages 4-8\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis hardcover picture book combines a lyrical, brief text with beautifully composed illustrations by award-winning artist G. Brian Karas. The story captures the universal childhood experience of waiting for something special while teaching valuable lessons about patience and the natural rhythms of seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThemes and Learning Opportunities\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost Time offers multiple teaching moments for parents and educators. The book explores maple sugaring traditions, the anticipation of losing a first tooth, and the special bond between fathers and sons. It's an ideal read-aloud for bedtime or classroom settings, helping children understand that some things worth having are worth waiting for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Creative Team\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGary D. Schmidt\u003c\/strong\u003e is the best-selling author of Pay Attention, Carter Jones; Orbiting Jupiter; the Newbery Honor and Printz Honor book \u003cem\u003eLizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy\u003c\/em\u003e; and the Newbery Honor Book \u003cem\u003eThe Wednesday Wars\u003c\/em\u003e. He is a professor of English at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Stickney\u003c\/strong\u003e is the pseudonym of Anne Stickney Schmidt, the late wife of writer Gary D. Schmidt. The author of poems, essays, and picture books, she spent her childhood winters in Maine and waited eagerly for sugaring time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eG. Brian Karas\u003c\/strong\u003e is the award-winning author and illustrator of many acclaimed picture books. His evocative illustrations bring this touching story to life. He lives in upstate New York.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBook Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis Clarion Books publication features a hardcover binding, making it durable for repeated readings. The combination of Schmidt's storytelling expertise and Karas's artistic vision creates a memorable experience that resonates with both children and adults.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Clarion Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50680644796690,"sku":"9780544785816","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_5db4bd5e-1546-4a28-9e7f-24dc85279f71.jpg?v=1734923668","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/almost-time-9780544785816","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}