Lemonade in Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money

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.