It Began with Lemonade - by Gideon Sterer (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A spunky young girl decides to sell lemonade on a hot summer day, venturing out all the way to the river's end where she finds some unexpected and fantastical clientele"--

Book Synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author Gideon Sterer is an imaginative, colorful tale of making (and selling!) lemonade from life's lemons is not too sour and not too sweet.

One scorching hot summer day, a spunky young girl decides to sell lemonade . . . only to find there are too many other young entrepreneurs on her street with the same idea. So she sets off with her lemonade stand and ends up at the river's edge, where she discovers a most unexpected, quirky, and very thirsty clientele.

Review Quotes

A PW Summer Reads Selection

★ "Sterer writes a make-lemonade story with a twist . . . The unexpected developments feel dreamy, too, as Cho's sprightly art, filled with invention and wit, give still more charm to a story about doing one's best with what one's given, and of transitioning from city to wilderness." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Children will rejoice at Sterer's blissful text, introducing customer after customer, while Cho's illustrations fill the pages . . . With pages to pore over, this essential purchase will leave readers thirsty, exhilarated, and full of plans of their own." --School Library Journal, starred review

"Bright cartoon illustrations are full of funny details, and the alliterative text begs to be read aloud . . . Encouragement for moguls-to-be and fun for everyone else." --Kirkus

"With pigtails bouncing and wide smile grinning (and then grimacing), our young entrepreneur brings a frantic energy to the scene, pushing and then chasing her homemade stand (topped with a bespectacled lemon with its own delightful expressions) through scenes vibrant with urban chaos and then pastoral sunniness." --BCCB

"The artwork moves from garish colors befitting a hot summer day to the darker tonesof a forest and riverside dreamscape, all overflowing with comic details . . . A delightful frame for a lesson on conquering challenges." --Booklist

"Cho's lively, sunny illustrations are the perfect match for Sterer's amusing text." --The Buffalo News

About the Author

Gideon Sterer grew up in Upstate New York, where his parents owned a little zoo. His previous books include The Midnight Fair, The Night Knights, and Not Your Nest. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Christmas Owl, illustrated Ramona Kaulitzki.

Lian Cho was born in Taiwan, raised in New Zealand, and currently lives in Brooklyn working as a children's book illustrator.