Lemonade in Winter: A Book about Two Kids Counting Money

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. (Sept.)

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