Sugar Shack

Peapod Farm #3

by Lucy Knisley

Like the seasons, everything changes with time, and for one city-kid turned country girl, she's ready to settle in for the winter...too bad there is always work to be done! Don't miss out on the final volume of New York Times bestselling author Lucy Knisley's Peapod Farm series!

Winter has come to Peapod Farm and Jen couldn't be more excited to spend time with her step-sisters. Jen has been so focused on trying to figure out how she fits into her new family that she hasn't realized she's found her place until Reese calls her 'sister'. 

Unfortunately, this puts a rift between Jen and Andy. Andy has been and will always be Reese's ACTUAL sister, Jen is just the STEP sister. Just when Jen thought she had everything figured out she's suddenly not so sure...Jen still has a lot to learn about living life outside the city!

Maybe between Peapod Farm's first snow and learning how to tap a tree for sugar, Jen and Andy both will have a chance to truly understand what it means to be family.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, Family, Comics, Food

240 pages, Hardcover

First published August 5, 2025

About the author

Beginning with an love for Archie comics and Calvin and Hobbes, Lucy Knisley (pronounced "nigh-zlee") has always thought of cartooning as the only profession she is suited for. A New York City kid raised by a family of foodies, Lucy is a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago currently pursuing an MFA at the Center for Cartoon Studies. While completing her BFA at the School of the Art Institute, she was comics editor for the award-winning student publication F News Magazine.

Lucy currently resides in New York City where she makes comics. She likes books, sewing, bicycles, food you can eat with a spoon, manatees, nice pens, costumes, baking and Oscar Wilde. She occasionally has been known to wear amazing hats.

She can be reached via e-mail at lucylou@gmail.com.

(copied from http://www.lucyknisley.com/about on 12/31/08)

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book in the Peapod Farm series that is just a bit too mild and meandering, but I still give it a thumbs up because it's Lucy Knisley.

There's a through line about sisterhood, but mostly the chapters are just wintertime vignettes as Jen McInnes and/or members of her blended family do farm chores, join 4-H, play in the snow, tap trees for maple syrup, attend a school dance, visit a petting zoo, celebrate holidays and a bat mitzvah, and do some other random everyday stuff.

It's sort of an updated version of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books set in the 1990s in rural New York.

[Elyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably my favorite in the Peapod Farm series. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s/Random House Graphic for providing me with an early copy!

I rated it 4.5 stars on the storygraph!

This final volume follows Jen and her family through a winter on the farm. She joins the 4-H club, hauls wood, and grows closer with her sisters. And they even make their own maple syrup.

This one felt so cozy to me. Taking place in winter and having the warmth shine through all the cold was a spot on way to end the series. It addressed the one fault I had with the first book, Walter, letting the reader know Jen was okay and learning to accept that Walter was part of her life but not accept how he treated her. His character also improved throughout the three books so he wasn’t as horrible. The heart of this story was with the three sisters. They helped each other, supported one another, and just shared so much love. As a reader, I could also see Jen’s appreciation for farming and the hard work that goes into where our food comes from. The maple syrup side of the story was very cute.

I especially loved the wintery color palette used in the comics. The art was cute, as always. The journal entries and small fourth wall break were perfect. I think the pacing and flow of the story worked well. Overall, a solid read.

Honestly, this series just got better and better. I think it’s a perfect read for kids going through big transitions. And this last volume was so heartfelt and sweet and I’m glad I got to read it early.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this series so much. It was so sweet and poignant. As someone who had a lot of part-time siblings, there was a lot here that reflected how I felt as a kid. I hope all the kids reading it now enjoy it too!

I took one star off for this book having a weaker through line in my opinion.

[Brianna Kinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This children’s graphic novel brings light to topics that kids probably don’t know much about, such as: navigating separated/divorced parents, the process of farm to table, and the many ups and downs of life.

This book serves as an excellent example of the trials and tribulations of life.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third, and unfortunately final book of the Peapod Farm series by Lucy Knisley is just as delightful as the previous two books. In fact, in this one we get to see Jen learning to tolerate her jerk of a stepfather. In the notes in the back, she says the step father makes a good villain, but also a good character because he is nuanced. And that many kids have to deal with parents like this, and it is important to learn to stand up when you can.


The story this time is about winter on Peapod farm, and harvesting maple syrup. It is also the story of how to be both a city kid and a farm kid. Jen learns that for some she is one and for others the other.


It is a delightful graphic novel, based loosely on the author’s life. She says she used parts of herself in the three sisters. This is in the section where she gives advice to young authors and artists. She says to draw from observation, just as Jen does in the story. You don't have to have a huge magnum opus as your first novel. She said her first comic was just a few pages long.


Great as always. Sorry that this will be the last of the series, but knowing the author, she probably has a lot of other fun stuff planned, down the road.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 5th of August 2025.

[Diana Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the continuing story of Jen on the Pea Pod Farm. Main theme seemed to be around "what do you want to do when you grow up" (and at the end we had some great pages by author / illustrator Lucy on how much the story reflected her real adolescence). It's a cozy graphic novel, not much conflict- but just enough heart to make me care about these characters.

[D.T. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was cozy, but it had the thinnest semblance of a plot. I really wanted and thought this book would lean into Andy’s othering of Jen in sisterhood. It’s more slice of life than anything, and maybe could have been some bonus comics rather than a full story.

The artwork still works well, and I enjoyed reading the author's notes at the end.

[Merossy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pea Pod Farm series was such a great trio of middle grade graphic novels, and I would recommend them to fans of the similar series like the Babysitters Club, Click, Smile or Emmie & Friends. Like the Smile series, this one is loosely based on the author Lucy Knisley's life, and we get to see her explanations and real photos at the end of Sugar Shack, which I loved.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the portrayal of complicated sibling dynamics, and also appreciate the afterword where she talks about how her real life experiences show up in this graphic novel. Basically, anything Lucy Knisley writes and draws is simply gold.

[Amee]

This was so cozy. I loved the full page illustrations before each chapter. They were so beautiful and well done. I wish it wasn't the last in the series. Hopefully Knisley plans on writing more middle grade or even young adult graphic novels.

[Mitchell Friedman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little lame. The stakes are just too low. Pleasant enough. And the art is fine. And I'm always happy to see a new book by the author. But I want at least a little bit more. And I get doing memoirs eventually stops. But doing almost memoirs isn't really better.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great volume to end the series and bring together not only family but community. Plus, we learned a lot about maple syrup in the making.

[kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorbs

[alicebme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh gosh, now I wanna read her books all over again.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This graphic novel is a adorable book and I did enjoy it very much. I think kids would really like reading about the differences between city life and country life.

[Octopodey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cards on the table, I'm a long-term Lucy Knisley fan. The 8-year-old and I have been reading the Peapod Farm series since the first one, and this entry does not disappoint. I love seeing more of Jen and her experiences, and can't wait to get the book to share it with my kiddo. They're just such well-told books for kids and grown-ups alike, with good stories and good artwork. I'm glad we get another one.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, as I received an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Adria Goetz]

My favorite of the series, so cozy :)

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGally for the Advanced Reader Copy of this one:

This was such a well crafted, beautiful story. And so many amazing messages: fitting into a new place, new family, different dynamics between types of people ("townies" vs "city kids" and more), and I loved the inclusion and diversity.

The illustrations were also fantastic. I especially loved Jen's drawings between chapters as well as the subtle expressions on the adults faces reacting to the kids' comments and conversations.
This is absolutely a book that kids + grown-ups can enjoy together.

While my 7yos aren't the age demographic, they loved the story as well. It's definitely geared more towards middle school, but totally appropriate for younger kids.

My only complaint is that the ending didn't really feel like an ending. I'm wondering if that's because it's being set up as a series? I hope so regardless. I'd love to read about these loveable characters again.


ETA: Ok so I didn't realize this was the 3rd in the series! And some reviews state that it's the last - hopefully not so.

[MoonlightCupOfCocoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Graphic for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

*Deep Breath* I. Loved. This. So. Much. So so much. Every single page was just wonderful. I found myself pausing to relish every detail, every line and every colour. For the few hours I spent reading this book, I felt transported to a simpler life and almost felt as if I was part of that family.

The story tackles topics such as found family, adapting to a new family, discovering one's identity and those of their loved ones alongside introducing the reader to cute tidbits about life on the farm, how maple syrup is made and sustainable farming.

The characters are so well-done, yes, including Walter. The pacing was so well done. The humor was wonderful. It honestly felt like being wrapped up in a cozy blanket, handed hot chocolate and just allowed to sit under a tree for a while.

I really need to go back and read the other books (I assume they exist since the characters refer to past events). I need to also buy a physical copy for my library because I think it needs to be a part of my winter reading list every year.

You can also find me on: Instagram

[Cadee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I like this book because it shows that good can come out of the unexpected. In divorce you can find your best friends, and in the sap from the maple trees can bring family and friends together." -Cadee, age 12

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 4 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

After Jen's experience in moving to Peapod Farm with her mother and step father in Stepping Stones, and continuing to make peace with her situation in Apple Crush, she is back in a fairly good place. Somewhat pushy stepsister Andy is busy preparing for her bat mitzvah, and Jen has learned to give her her own way in situations where Jen doesn't particularly care. Young Reese's exuberance is easier to tolerate, and Jen is starting to feel like an older sister. Even Walter has calmed down a bit, and thinks before he speaks. Since Andy has to go to town on the weekends to prepare for her bat mitzvah, Jen's mother suggests that she attend the local 4H group, where she find some people that she likes, and others, like a boy who unnecessarily talks a lot about "culling" rabbits after a petting zoo fundraiser, who are harder to take. The family has decided to tap the maple trees on their property and host a small festival with the maple syrup they make. We follow the family through the winter, with some epic snow days, one of which almost ends disastrously, and Andy's bat mitzvah celebration. By the time the syrup is made, Jen has a few more friends, and feels more a part of her family. Ms. Knisley has extensive notes and sketches at the end of the book, explaining how her own life story parallels but isn't exactly like Jen's.
Strengths: Like all of Knisley's work, there is something utterly compelling about Jen's story, and it was a relief that it was also primarily a pleasant story. It was fascinating to read her note about readers' reactions to Walter, and her decision to include him; I had also felt that it was valuable to see flawed characters and learn how to deal with them without changing them. I loved that the girls had a lot of chores. The wintery setting, complete with sugaring off in a tiny cabin and mugs of warm maple juice... this just speaks to me in the same way that the 1970s family room in Holm's Sunny books does. It doesn't hurt that the first two books really helped one of my students who was struggling with a difficult stepfather. Look at that cover! This is a cozy book about how family makes us feel loved and wanted even when the people in it are messy and difficult.
Weaknesses: I wanted to know more about how the farm was staying in business. It's a somewhat unusual setting, and while young readers won't really care about the economic value of maple syrup, I was really curious, especially after reading in the afterword that Knisley's mother and step father divorced when she was in her teens and she left the farm.
What I really think: Now I want to go back and read Sorenson's 1957 Miracles on Maple Hill again, complete with Joe and Beth Krush illustrations. There are a lot of similarities, tapping maple trees, and another cozy house. I'll definitely purchase this for my school library, since the first two books have been very popular.

[Anne Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I closed Sugar Shack with a smile on my face and a lump in my throat—the kind of feeling you get after finishing a story that knew just how to hold your heart gently, even while nudging it into hard places.

This final volume in Lucy Knisley's Peapod Farm series is everything I hoped it would be: funny, honest, warm, and quietly profound. It follows Jen and her growing family through a winter on the farm, complete with all the seasonal rhythms—chopping wood, feeding animals, collecting sap, and learning the slow magic of turning it into maple syrup. And in between all that, it gives us something even richer: the quiet blooming of emotional growth.

Jen is a city kid learning to live in the rural world, and one of the most resonant parts of Sugar Shack is how it captures the awkwardness and duality of feeling like you don't fully belong in either place. Knisley doesn’t shy away from complexity here—whether it’s in place, identity, or family. And speaking of family, the nuanced portrayal of Walter (Jen’s difficult stepfather) was especially powerful. Knisley acknowledges the reality many kids face: adults who are in your life not by choice, who aren’t always kind, and who don’t always change—but who are part of the story all the same.

Walter's arc across the series has been handled with subtlety and realism. He’s still flawed, but here, he’s also more layered—less of a caricature, more of a person. Jen doesn’t forgive him so much as she learns how to navigate around him, stand up for herself, and find strength in the people who *do* show up for her.

At the center of this book is a deep and beautiful bond between sisters. The way Jen, her mom, and her stepsisters find small ways to support each other—without it ever feeling forced or idealized—is part of what makes the story so touching. I loved how their shared experiences created a kind of chosen family warmth. It’s not perfect, but it’s real.

And of course, I have to mention the art. The winter palette—icy blues, soft pinks, muted browns—set the perfect cozy tone. The expressive characters, the sketchbook-style journal entries, the tiny observational details (like the way snow looks when it piles on barn roofs, or how you tap a tree for sap)—they all made me feel like I was there. There’s something incredibly transportive about Knisley’s style; it doesn’t just tell the story, it *immerses* you in it.

What struck me most is how Sugar Shack balances heartwarming family moments with bigger, messier themes: belonging, autonomy, resilience. It doesn’t need drama to be powerful. Its emotional weight comes from lived experience, quiet courage, and the way small kindnesses can change the shape of a hard day.

This series deserves to be on every middle-grade (and adult!) shelf. I wish there were more books coming, but if this is the end, it's the kind of end that feels like a soft, lingering hug. One you won’t forget.

[Sakura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book in this series, ‘Stepping Stones’, was SO strong, I loved it! But fast forward to ‘Apple’ Crush’, which left a bad taste in my mouth. After that, I didn’t know how I’d feel about the last book, and sadly…
I can say the series didn’t live up to my expectations.

This book is set in the winter, so it does have an overall cozy vibe, but that’s not really enough to make me enjoy an entire book. The main reason being… Not much happened in this book…? And what did, I mostly didn’t really care for.

Like Jen joining the farm kids group wasn’t entertaining, and the girls celebrating Hanukkah AND Christmas bothered me. I don’t know why it’s so often depicted that people don’t care about celebrating Hanukkah in books without including Christmas. They act like Hanukkah isn’t celebrated for religious reasons at all, which isn’t true. I do know that many celebrate Christmas without thinking of the religion, but still.

I didn’t like the whole bunny side plot thing, it was just so icky! ( I’m glad Fred was saved, but still! ) I mean, sure, yeah, there are people who raise animals for meat, but I didn’t feel like it was a needed plot for the book, and just hurt it even more. And the kid who lived on the farm was just awful to Reese. The whole maple thing was okay, but not interesting enough to write a whole book about. I think the problem with this series is, the author ran out of the bulk of her content after writing the first one, and just tried to keep milking it after that.

One thing I did enjoy was the way Andy acted about Reese. Being a big sister is a huge, huge responsibility, especially if you love your sibling deeply … so I liked that.

But overall, it was just a book, and you know… I’d maybe prefer the series to have ended from book one. I guess that seems a little unfair, as I’m rounding this book’s rating up from 2.5 stars to 3. But it just… was… not the strongest. I wish I could like this book more, because I don’t love writing negative reviews… but I’ve gotta be honest.

(This book contains talk of rabbits and other animals being killed for food ( the rabbit the children are shown interacting with doesn’t get killed, as they take it as a pet,) , mild romance, the gay men from the previous book are shown again, seen celebrating holidays together, and there are holidays shown in this book as well. There is also very mild language. I would give this book an age rating of 10+)

[寿理 宮本 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuity "error"?: "I keep trying to get them to come into the house, but Mom says they're both barn cats." Yet there's a cat on the kitchen shelf on the cover? I mean, I guess "keep" trying meaning she's been successful a few times, but not regularly enough for them to be even sometimes-indoor cats.

I like this, but a little less than the other Peapod Farm titles, mostly because this one has less of an overarching "story" to it, vs. they're making maple syrup for the first time. Like, Stepping Stones is about dealing with the upheaval of divorce AND moving to a completely new environment (city to country) AND new step-family, while Apple Crush is about being the only non-romantic one in a friend group.

Sugar Shack is mostly random events in their life, with the titular Sugar Shack being the name of where they boil the sap into maple syrup. There are a few dramatic events, of course, like almost getting buried by a snow plow(!!!), and Andy's bet mitzvah,* and the whole thing with Fred the girl bunny, but they hardly define the book like with the first two titles.

I still like it, and it's a great read, but it feels a bit "I need to make another book" than a true continuation of the same narrative. (Also weird, "God" has broken into two panels and is seen drawing Jen, and there's no narrative explanation for this.) Still recommended for fans of the series to date, and more or less readable on its own, even though it's more fun when reading the series in sequence.

*The ceremony isn't actually named in the book, and I'm assuming based on a book Andy is reading—"B'nai Mitzvah and YOU"—and a gender-neutral term from the link. I mean, most people would assume bat mitzvah, but I don't want to assume.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I’ll admit it—I’m officially obsessed with Peapod Farm. There’s something so cozy and real about Jen’s journey that makes me want to grab a hot chocolate, wrap myself in a blanket, and move to the countryside immediately. This latest installment brings winter to the farm, and with it, a whole new layer of emotions, snowflakes, and sister drama.

Jen is finally starting to feel like she belongs. After months of trying to figure out her place in her new blended family, Reese calls her “sister”—and it’s the sweetest moment ever. I literally teared up. But of course, nothing is ever that simple. Andy, Reese’s actual sister, isn’t exactly thrilled. And honestly? I get it. Jen’s not trying to replace anyone, but feelings are messy, especially when you’re still figuring out who you are and where you fit.

What I love most about this book is how real Jen feels. She’s not perfect—she’s awkward, she overthinks, she tries too hard sometimes—but that’s what makes her so relatable. I remember feeling the same way when I joined a new friend group and wasn’t sure if I was really part of it or just tagging along. Jen’s story reminded me that sometimes, belonging sneaks up on you when you’re not even looking.

The winter setting adds such a magical vibe. From the first snowfall to learning how to tap trees for sugar (who knew that was a thing?!), Peapod Farm feels like a place where healing happens. The quiet moments between Jen and Andy are some of the best in the book—awkward, honest, and slowly building toward something that feels like real sisterhood.

This story isn’t just about snowstorms and syrup—it’s about learning that family isn’t always about blood. It’s about showing up, listening, and letting people in. Jen still has a lot to learn about country life (same here, girl), but she’s growing in ways that made me cheer her on every step of the way.

If you’re looking for a heartfelt, snowy read that’ll make you laugh, cry, and maybe call your own sister just to say hi—this one’s for you.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have an incredible fondness for this middle grade graphic novel series. Lucy Knisley has created a wonderful retreat in her semi-autobiographical Peapod Farm series. This third installment is a perfect winter read. As Jen is holed up with her blended family, she plays in the snow with her two step siblings. They tap trees for maple syrup, warm themselves by the fire with chopped wood, and tend to the animals. While you don't need to read the previous two books to enjoy this one, it certainly makes the experience sweeter knowing the backstory and side characters. I love the illustrations and coloring- so readable and such a fresh treat for the eyes. My favorite part was the little extras like the notebook pages between chapters, the recipes, the brief breaking of the fourth wall, and the author end notes. My only criticism is the story felt a bit fragmented at times and needed a bit more cohesion. For example, I enjoyed the inclusion of Andy's faith though it seemed injected into the story rather than cohesively woven into the plot. I also wanted a little more from the conclusion, especially given that this book may (sadly!) be the end of Jen's story. Nonetheless, I loved this read and would recommend it. I was very grateful to receive an advance digital copy for review from NetGalley. 4.5 stars.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love Knisley and her Peapod Farms series. I love the art, and I also love the story and the emotion behind it.

While reading Sugar Shack I was transported, at moments, back to my own childhood. When people are frustrating and things are confusing. Small slights feel enormous and heartbreaking.

There is also one part towards the end of the book where Jen has a conversation with her mother, asking her what she wanted to be when she grew up. Her mother responds that she doesn't remember - that it felt so important, when she was young, to know what she was going to do as an adult, but then life happened and led her to things she might not have imagined for herself but loved anyway.

That sentiment - and the ability to read this book as an adult, remembering what it was like to be a child, but also remembering through the lens of the adult you became - really stood out to me, and made me think about my own journey to this point. Life often takes you in many unexpected directions that you can't anticipate, and that are sometimes magical and lovely - but as a child there's no way of understanding what that could look like, and the unknown feels especially scary.

Anyway - I really enjoyed this.

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jen and Andy's story continues, and while their mixed family continues to learn how to live with each other, Jen learns more about food and agriculture, Andy gets ready for her bat mitzvah, and the season comes and goes, with all the seasonal changes that brings.

I really like the way this book (and the rest of the series) focuses on where food comes from and what it means to be a citizen of the planet earth. There isn't a strong focus on sustainability or anything, but this book reminds us that food doesn't magically appear in a grocery store: it has to be grown and harvested, and that can be both hard work and unpleasant. There's a subtle sub-plot of family conflict throughout this book, between Jen's relationship to her often inconsiderate step-father to her feelings of being left out when her step-sisters are part of something Jen can't do. I enjoyed the little vignettes, but there generally wasn't a strong plot. I think that's okay, but it was a little slow compared to book 1.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Erlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC review*

Sugar Shack beautifully captures the challenges and joys of navigating a blended family while adjusting to a new environment. I particularly appreciate how this book authentically reflects the experiences of many children, allowing them to see themselves in the characters and their relatable struggles.

The inclusion of scenes where Andy applies math in everyday situations is a valuable addition, making learning more tangible and engaging. I also applaud the incorporation of fun facts about farming, which will undoubtedly pique students' interest and introduce them to new concepts. The inclusion of recipes encourages hands-on learning and provides a delightful way to connect with the story at home.

The colorful and vibrant illustrations are a visual delight, further enhancing the reading experience. Moreover, the book thoughtfully represents both Christian and Jewish faiths, fostering inclusivity and broadening perspectives.

I wholeheartedly recommend Sugar Shack and eagerly anticipate adding it to my school library upon its publication.

[K.C. Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong finish to a lovely series! I wish we'd gotten to see a bit more Ollie, but it felt like everyone's story reached a natural end point, even though there's more that could be said here. I'm glad that I ended up reading this series all in one go, because it's easier to see the full scope of Jen's development, and everyone else's alongside her. The sisters' relationship really blossomed here. Like every other reader, I find Walter annoying, but I teared up here in one of his panels.

This is very much the end of a series, and will not make sense if read on its own. I'm an entire adult and I loved this--it's middle grade without being condescending or oversimplifying the relationships. Knisley's note at the end about Walter (the stepdad character) exemplifies this. I mostly appreciate that this series got me out of my own head for a few hours, which is an achievement all on its own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of "Sugar Shack." If you're looking for some low-stakes, slice of life MG farm adventures, I very much recommend this series.