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.)