Lemonade in Winter

Starred review from July 30, 2012
Pauline and her little brother, John-John, are convinced that a stand selling “Lemonade and limeade—and also lemon-limeade!” will go over big, even in the middle of a bitter winter. Mom and Dad think not. But their sheer chutzpah and salesmanship (“Lemon lemon LIME, lemon LEMONADE!/ All that it will cost ya? Fifty cents a cup!”) eventually earn the duo... well, maybe not a profit, but enough for two Popsicles. The book’s clinical subtitle is a major understatement: Jenkins (Toys Come Home) and Karas (Neville) have created a book that’s richly rewarding in many ways. Yes, there are some lightly proffered money-counting lessons, but this is also a beautifully restrained tribute to trust and tenderness shared by siblings; an entrepreneurship how-to that celebrates the thrill of the marketplace without shying away from its cold realities; and a parable about persistence. Moreover, it’s visually gorgeous: Karas employs an impressive repertoire of textures and a broad palette of grays and browns to convey both the icy chill and cozy interiors of winter. In real money terms, this one’s an amazing bargain. Ages 3–7.

August 1, 2012
Why would anyone sell cold drinks on a blustery, winter day? No one will be on the streets! Don't you hear the wind? Two young entrepreneurs, Pauline and John-John, ignore the naysayers (their parents) and set up a lemonade stand smack dab on the snowy sidewalk. The lemonade, limeade--and lemon-limeade--are ready. But there are no customers to be seen. Pauline and John-John aren't discouraged. Instead, they improvise by singing a catchy jingle, turning cartwheels to attract attention, decorating their stand and, finally, having a half-price sale. Nothing can dampen these two plucky kids' spirits, and they do manage a few sales in the end. And the best thing about a lemonade stand, regardless of the weather? There is math slipped in! Under the guise of teaching her younger brother, Pauline teaches readers as well about counting quarters while shopping for supplies and figuring out profits. For visual learners, Karas includes helpful cues within the snowcapped scenes such as lined-up individual quarters under each purchase, plus a large sign at the end to break down each sale. Pauline and John-John don't quite strike it rich, but their experience is priceless. Also included: Pauline's secret ways to remember each coin. A tale of ingenuity, youthful determination and marvelous math. (Math picture book. 4-7)

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Starred review from August 1, 2012

PreS-Gr 2-On a cold winter day as a mean wind blows and icicles hang from windowsills, Pauline and her younger brother, John-John, decide to have a lemonade stand. Gathering all their quarters (Pauline's favorite coins), they buy their supplies and make lemonade, limeade, and lemon-limeade. On their mostly empty street with the snow falling, they attract a few customers-Harvey walking his three dogs, Mrs. Gordon and her twins, Heather and Aidan strolling arm in arm, and five manicurists in puffy coats. Despite their advertising, entertainment, decorations, and sales, the children make only four dollars, which is less than the cost of their supplies but enough for two Popsicles. Karas's illustrations, rendered with brush and walnut ink in sepia tones, capture the half-light of an overcast winter day as the children, bundled in warm clothes, tend their stand and count their earnings. A last page, called "Pauline Explains Money to John-John," shows both fronts and backs of different coins and explains their worth. This quirky tale is a boon for young entrepreneurs, who will enjoy looking at the humorous details in the pictures as much as working out the math after each sale. Abounding with teaching possibilities, it's a solid selection for most libraries.-Mary Jean Smith, formerly at Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2012
Preschool-G Despite snow on the ground, icicles on window sills, and discouraging words from their parents, Pauline and her little brother, John-John, decide to open a lemonade stand. After purchasing supplies with their carefully counted quarters, they set up shop on the sidewalk outside their apartment building. A few customers come by, but when the children add up expenses and sales, they've actually lost money. Still, there's enough left for two Popsicles, so all ends well. The appended page Pauline Explains Money to John-John is an illustrated, conversational guide for young kids intrigued by coins and their values. Written in short sentences, the simple story creates two believably childlike protagonists. The pencil-and-ink illustrations amplify their high spirits and determination in scenes created with muted colors and intriguing, sometimes amusing details. The kids' repeated sales chant, Lemon lemon LIME, / lemon LIMEADE, offers listeners a chance to chime in during read-aloud sessions. A fresh take on the lemonade-stand idea and a good fit for homes and classrooms where children are learning to count coins.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2013
In this engaging story and math lesson, two siblings try to capture the summer magic of a lemonade stand on a frigid, snowy day. Pauline and John-John search for quarters, shop for groceries, and entice customers. Karas's pencil-and-ink drawings reflect the feeling and color of winter; the brightness of the limeade and lemonade contrast with the otherwise muted surroundings.

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

September 1, 2012
Karas's pencil and ink drawings perfectly reflect the feeling and color of winter without any of the gloom as two siblings try to capture the summer magic of a lemonade stand on a frigid, snowy day. The brightness of the limeade and lemonade contrast with the otherwise muted surroundings while Pauline and John-John search for quarters, shop for groceries, and entice customers. The children repeat an infectious chorus of "Lemon lemon LIME, lemon LIMEADE! Lemon lemon LIME, lemon LEMONADE!" becoming more and more enthusiastic about their endeavor. Soon enough, however, "all that it will cost ya" falls from fifty cents to twenty-five because the duo learns a bit about supply and demand when faced with a (mostly) empty street. The text works on two levels: it's an engaging story and a math lesson, with big sister Pauline teaching her brother about counting and money; the illustrations help enable readers to visualize the various groups of coins. And the children's decision to use their earnings to buy popsicles followed by hot chocolate by the fire is a warm and comic way to end their adventure. rebecca kirshenbaum

(Copyright 2012 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

December 1, 2013
PreS-Gr 2-Snow is falling, but Pauline has plans. She wants to open a lemonade stand! Her parents point out the problems of selling lemonade, limeade, and lemon-limeade during winter, but Pauline is undeterred. Instead, she recruits her little brother John John. They gather quarters from any source, buy the ingredients at the corner store, and set up their business. It's a slow, but not fruitless undertaking. Gradually a few quarters come in. Then Pauline starts her marketing program-advertising, entertainment, decorations, and a sale. Soon the pitchers are empty, kind neighbors are smiling, and the coins are counted. The children lost money, which Pauline finds discouraging. However, there's just enough cash to buy a treat for both of them, and they had a splendid day. Emily Jenkins's bouncy, fun story (Random, 2012) features the gentle textured illustrations by G. Brian Karas that have been animated and burst from the screen with fun. There's even a section where Pauline explains money to John John that can be viewed separately if desired. There are a lot of math applications here that teachers will appreciate, but the story stands on its own as well. An enjoyable production with a multitude of potential uses.-"Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA"

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.