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, Food, Family, Comics

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 [email protected].

(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 · 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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Rachel Leaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still cannot stand Walter (or more precisely, I cannot stand the people around him to just let him continue being a jerk to Jen), but he definitely did get a tiny redemption arc. Jen’s mom FINALLY tells him to stop teasing her… literally once. He tells Jen “if you put more effort into your appearance like this every day, maybe the boys would start liking you (wtfffff, dude…),” and Jen’s mom puts her hand over his mouth and says “Shhhhh. No.” So there’s that, I guess. Hurray bare minimum.
And another moment later where he doesn’t make Jen go back out in the cold to get more firewood, even though she was the one who forgot that morning… but also, she was recovering from basically saving Reese out in the snow so like… idk, maybe not that significant that he didn’t force her back outside?

There’s way more to these books, and they’re genuinely delightful, but literally I can never get past how bad Walter is to talk about anything else 😂

[Mai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Sugar Shack by Lucy Knisley.

I had read the two previous books in the Peapod Farm series, Stepping Stones and Apple Crush prior to receiving this ARC. This is the third installment within that series. I loved this series and hope this is not the end! Once again, Knisley delivers a cozy story, continuing to build on the growth of Jen and her step-sisters. Knisley's art was wonderfully bright and expressive. Although this book was written for a younger audience, I felt this book was still a great read as an adult. It allowed me to think back on my childhood and re-examine my life and career choices. My only thing about this book was I wish it continued on a little longer. I definitely recommend picking up the Peapod Farm series and enjoying it with a hot cup of tea!

[Mihiret · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the third volume of Lucy Knisley's delightful middle-grade graphic novel series, it's winter now at Peapod Farm, and Jen is hauling wood. And hauling wood. And hauling wood. (Winter doesn't mean less chores when you're a farm kid.) She's also playing in the snow, saving a rabbit, trying to figure out who she wants to be when she grows up (a question everyone else seems to have a definite answer for), and continuing to negotiate the complexity of her blended family. I love Jen as a narrator--she's a keen observer who's learning to give other people space, but doesn't have an abundance of answers. I would have loved her just as much when I was the age the book is aimed at.

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for my free earc in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last volume of the Peapod Farm series from Lucy Knisley, and it's also probably my favorite. She's done such great work with these characters, making them all just as charming, curious, and annoying as actual tweens and allowing their relationships to develop in ways that feel really authentic. The part at the end where Jen meets the new kittens made me tear up. I especially loved Knisley's author's note at the end of the book, where she goes into detail about some of her creative process. I highly recommend this series, especially to readers looking for sweet, cozy vibes and a peek into what it might look like to live on a small farm. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for the digital ARC.

[Zaidee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long time reader of Lucy Knisley’s journal comics, it’s been really fun to follow along with her books for younger audiences. In the third installment of the Peapod Farm series, Jen continues to navigate being a step-sister alongside thoughts about growing up. This series borrows a lot from Knisley’s own experiences, and this is apparent in the honesty that she uses to portray family dynamics, both the good moments and the tough ones. One detail I really enjoyed this time around was illustrations of the kid’s ideas about what they would be like as adults. The drawing style for these segments brought to mind Calvin and Hobbes, as did Andy calculating sledding trajectories. The colors in this book are bright and engaging, and Jen’s sketchbook illustrations between chapters add another layer of immersion. Excited to have this one added to the library’s collection!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Peapod farm series. Winter has set in there’s snow, firewood to collect, and farm chores to do. If you’ve read the other two books in this series, there is nothing new but a deeper appreciation of Lucy and her family. I like the points where you can see the real artist’s real hands as they draw the panel that you’re seeing and how it’s incorporated into the story. I also like how the author answers questions about the end about characters that are considered not nice, or what it was like having sisters, etc. In a way it feels like an ending to the series but also not an ending, so we’ll see where the author goes from here. I will say, I like her young readers graphic novels better than her adult stuff so I hope she continues to write for this group.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Publisher through NetGalley.
It's a joy to return to Peapod Farm to see how the three girls are doing. Readers see what it's like in the winter and get to experience the cold weather chores that keep a farm running. Jen, Andy and Reese continue to figure out their relationships and grow as sisters. I appreciate the realistic way their interactions are portrayed. There are moments of great tenderness and a moment of serious danger in the snow. The food focus in this book is maple syrup. Readers see the entire process from setting the taps in the trees to boiling down the syrup to serving it fresh over pancakes. I hope we see more storie as they continue to grow up on the farm.

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blended family of Peapod Farm is getting along very well, and keeping busy with wintry farm chores. (Yep- even in the winter, there's work to be done.) Jen gives 4-H a try, and is upset to learn what becomes of the adorable bunnies one family is raising. Her little sister is even more distraught, though this leads to a happy ending for at least one of the rabbits. Both Christmas and Hannukah are celebrated, and love and good cheer abound. And, shouldn't every book end with the characters enjoying pancakes with maple syrup?

I just adored this volume, and I hope there are many more to come.

Lucy Knisley can do no wrong!

Thanks to Random House Children's and NetGalley for sharing.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It would be best to read the previous two titles in this, the Peapod Farm series, in order to appreciate the emotions and dynamics of the characters in this one [3.5 for me!]. As Jen and Andy continue to struggle a bit with their relationship as sisters as part of a new family, they experience some conflicts, including one about clothing, crushes, responsibility, and their place in the world. The personal drama is interwoven with small but important moments such as maple sugaring, Andy's study of the Torah for her coming of age ceremony, farm tasks, building a snow cave, cutting a Christmas tree, and lighting a menorah. Knisley always somehow manages to blend humor and somber moments perfectly.

[Cherlynn | cherreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huge fan of the series and delighted to get a third installment!!

This was a wholesome and heartfelt graphic novel that gives a fun glimpse into farm life. It's kinda slice-of-life, so not much happens and the storyline isn't too exciting. Not that it's a bad thing because it made for such a relaxing read. Though I feel like the book only scratches the surface of its themes, such as loneliness and feeling left out.

Reese is sooo cute and I love her! But I was surprised by the author's notes saying that Walter is meant to be portrayed as mean, because I didn't get the impression while reading the book at all, so seems like the storytelling is lacking?

Nevertheless, I enjoyed following Jen's life and can't wait for more of her adventures.

Thank you to Random House Children's for the Netgalley ARC.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third and final installment of the Peapod Farms series is set during the winter and early spring following Jen’s move from the city to the country. This volume focuses more on her relationships with her new stepsisters, Reese and Andy as well as Jen’s experience with fitting in with her classmates. The girls all experience the first snow on the farm as well as learn how to tap maple trees for sugar.

This whole series was a joy to read, and should be read in order: first with Stepping Stones and then Apple Crush. The series as a whole wraps up really well with Sugar Shack. Readers will enjoy this coming-of-age story, cozy farm vibes, and relatable characters.