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The Sweetest of Lemons
Printz Medalist and Newbery Honor winner Daniel Nayeri crafts this beautiful paean to storytelling and the bonds of family.
Based on powerful memories of Nayeri visiting his grandfather, this story-within-a-story brings a young boy in a hot car ride across the desert. The destination is an oasis, where gardens perfume the air, and tales are lovingly told. Here is the gate to a magical world full of princesses, valiant brothers, dangerous giants, and one perfect, enchanted lemon. Will any of the brothers be able to foil the giant, retrieve the lemon, and free the princess? In the warm embrace of Nayeri’s storytelling, readers will lean into the enchantment until the story’s end.
Rahele Jhompeur Bell creates the two gorgeous visual strands of the tale–one inspired by the frames and jewel-like colors of Persian miniatures, the other a tender, richly textured rendering of a contemporary family.
Together, the author and artist cast a delicious spell that, like the singular lemon at the heart of the story, is so sweet it can cure sadness itself.
Based on powerful memories of Nayeri visiting his grandfather, this story-within-a-story brings a young boy in a hot car ride across the desert. The destination is an oasis, where gardens perfume the air, and tales are lovingly told. Here is the gate to a magical world full of princesses, valiant brothers, dangerous giants, and one perfect, enchanted lemon. Will any of the brothers be able to foil the giant, retrieve the lemon, and free the princess? In the warm embrace of Nayeri’s storytelling, readers will lean into the enchantment until the story’s end.
Rahele Jhompeur Bell creates the two gorgeous visual strands of the tale–one inspired by the frames and jewel-like colors of Persian miniatures, the other a tender, richly textured rendering of a contemporary family.
Together, the author and artist cast a delicious spell that, like the singular lemon at the heart of the story, is so sweet it can cure sadness itself.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published June 2, 2026
About the author
Daniel Nayeri
36 books1,078 followersDaniel Nayeri is a writer and editor in New York City. He wrote and produced The Cult of Sincerity, the first feature film to be world-premiered by YouTube. He has had all kinds of jobs around books, including book repairman, literary agent, used bookstore clerk, children's librarian, Official Story-Time Reader Leader, editor, copy-editor, and even carpenter (making bookshelves). He's also a professional pastry chef. He loves Street Fighter 2, hates the word "foodie," and is an award-winning stuntman.
Daniel and his sister/co-writer Dina were both born in Iran and spent many young adult years in Europe. There they learned several languages between them and tried Frosted Flakes for the first time.
Daniel and his sister/co-writer Dina were both born in Iran and spent many young adult years in Europe. There they learned several languages between them and tried Frosted Flakes for the first time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 17, 2026
Can Daniel Nayeri just tell all the stories all the time? They are always fun and thoughtful.
Can’t wait to read the physical copy thanks to the illustrator’s note at the end.
“This sounds made up! Of course it’s made up. Now don’t interrupt. We are in the Underworld, for goodness sake.” 😂😂
Can’t wait to read the physical copy thanks to the illustrator’s note at the end.
“This sounds made up! Of course it’s made up. Now don’t interrupt. We are in the Underworld, for goodness sake.” 😂😂
July 18, 2026
A glorious, invented folk tale. Decadent illustration setting a familiar, yet wholly original tale of goats, giants, princesses and fruit.
June 13, 2026
Beautiful and colorful story about a boy who remembers roadtrips where he used to listen go a man tell fantastical stories. He gets told the story of a lemon grove.
The illustrations five lots of life to the story.
The illustrations five lots of life to the story.
July 21, 2026
Persian folktale. Beautiful illustrations.
September 16, 2026
Daniel Nayeri has one of the most unique voices and writing style in kid lit today. Diving into this story-in-a-story you know, with Nayeri as the storyteller (particularly stories from his childhood) that it's going to be fun.
The young narrator remembers the joyful anticipation of the weekend visits to see his grandfather (from whom he first was entertained by an experienced storytelling). As a young boy he is wilted by the sun in the long drive across a hot desert in a steaming hot car. Along the way, however, they stop and visit with a young childless couple, Abbas and Saba, who, in their enthusiasm for children, have built a ferris wheel out of scrap metal and car parts. After riding the ferris wheel the young boy begs Abbas, a famous storyteller, to tell him a story.
“Once there was, and once there wasn’t.... And once upon a time,”...thus begins the story of three brothers living with their mother in their lemon orchard. Their mother worries for their future since the family's wealth relies on the single lemon ~~ the sweetest of lemons ~~ to be sold at a high price each year. But for several years, the lemon has been stolen just prior to its ripeness. Each of the 3 brothers tries to stay awake to catch the thief. Finally, the youngest discovers a giant's hand reaching out from a cloud and stealing the lemon and he follows the giant down a well into a magical underworld. There a princess (of course) needs rescuing and the lad also much retrieve the lemon. Adventure ensues.
Bell's art is layered, boldly colorful, and patterned, alternating subtly when the story moves to the storyteller's tale. To separate the storyteller's story, the artist frames the narration in a colorful multi-lined frieze, the colors matching the hues ~~ sand-tones and bright bold colors of the three brothers and the underworld setting.
Author and illustrator's in the back matter give both context to the book as well as a detailed explanation for aspiring artists of the illustrator's choices and palette.
The young narrator remembers the joyful anticipation of the weekend visits to see his grandfather (from whom he first was entertained by an experienced storytelling). As a young boy he is wilted by the sun in the long drive across a hot desert in a steaming hot car. Along the way, however, they stop and visit with a young childless couple, Abbas and Saba, who, in their enthusiasm for children, have built a ferris wheel out of scrap metal and car parts. After riding the ferris wheel the young boy begs Abbas, a famous storyteller, to tell him a story.
“Once there was, and once there wasn’t.... And once upon a time,”...thus begins the story of three brothers living with their mother in their lemon orchard. Their mother worries for their future since the family's wealth relies on the single lemon ~~ the sweetest of lemons ~~ to be sold at a high price each year. But for several years, the lemon has been stolen just prior to its ripeness. Each of the 3 brothers tries to stay awake to catch the thief. Finally, the youngest discovers a giant's hand reaching out from a cloud and stealing the lemon and he follows the giant down a well into a magical underworld. There a princess (of course) needs rescuing and the lad also much retrieve the lemon. Adventure ensues.
Bell's art is layered, boldly colorful, and patterned, alternating subtly when the story moves to the storyteller's tale. To separate the storyteller's story, the artist frames the narration in a colorful multi-lined frieze, the colors matching the hues ~~ sand-tones and bright bold colors of the three brothers and the underworld setting.
Author and illustrator's in the back matter give both context to the book as well as a detailed explanation for aspiring artists of the illustrator's choices and palette.
June 4, 2026
(Ugh - why can't we give 4.5 stars?)
To many, one of the best parts of childhood is getting to visit family - in the city, in the mountains, at the lake, or in the desert. The long, often boring, car ride is the biggest barrier to fun. This young boy cannot wait to visit his grandfather; however, a quick stop along the way provides for an escape into a magical world. Can hearing a story about a desperate attempt to save a magical lemon and battling the power of love help the young boy forget the interruption in his road trip?
A story within a story, The Sweetest of Lemons needs multiple reads to truly understand the impact of the words. On the surface, it is a story of a young boy heading out to visit his grandfather and what happens when he stumbles across a family friend who just happens to be a fabulous storyteller. But looking deeper, the reader begins to understand the intricate connections the young boy learns about and develops, both in his real world and the magical world with which he is presented. The illustrations even have meaning - two different styles for the two different worlds being built in the story, matched with colors which complement each other and the story being told. This is a book to share with children of all ages, as it will hit differently each time it is read.
To many, one of the best parts of childhood is getting to visit family - in the city, in the mountains, at the lake, or in the desert. The long, often boring, car ride is the biggest barrier to fun. This young boy cannot wait to visit his grandfather; however, a quick stop along the way provides for an escape into a magical world. Can hearing a story about a desperate attempt to save a magical lemon and battling the power of love help the young boy forget the interruption in his road trip?
A story within a story, The Sweetest of Lemons needs multiple reads to truly understand the impact of the words. On the surface, it is a story of a young boy heading out to visit his grandfather and what happens when he stumbles across a family friend who just happens to be a fabulous storyteller. But looking deeper, the reader begins to understand the intricate connections the young boy learns about and develops, both in his real world and the magical world with which he is presented. The illustrations even have meaning - two different styles for the two different worlds being built in the story, matched with colors which complement each other and the story being told. This is a book to share with children of all ages, as it will hit differently each time it is read.
June 3, 2026
Author: @danielnayeri
Illustrator: @rahele_studio
Publisher: @levinequerido
Published: June 2, 2026
Audience: children ages 3-9
Genre: Persian fairytale, picture book
Thank you Daniel Nayeri and Rahele Jhompeur Bell with Hear Our Voices Tours for bringing attention to the art of storytelling. This is a delightful tale spun into two stories. Following a family trip to visit the grandfather and stopping to relax, refresh and hear a fairytale from their hosts.
Immediately I thought of the James and the Giant who stole the golden egg for riches. Here we have a reversed Iranian story with the Giant stealing a prized lemon that brings happiness. We are thrust into an underworld with a magical sheep, trapped princess and a desperate young man on the quest to find the missing lemon that keeps being stollen each year.
Children in my classes will definitely enjoy a read a loud and I know there are many lessons to be learned. This is a multicultural experience with Persian heritage, immigration and family storytelling. The gouache and collage art is also captivating. Many details that readers can enjoy and have picture study with. A story thot I will cherish sharing with students yearly.
Illustrator: @rahele_studio
Publisher: @levinequerido
Published: June 2, 2026
Audience: children ages 3-9
Genre: Persian fairytale, picture book
Thank you Daniel Nayeri and Rahele Jhompeur Bell with Hear Our Voices Tours for bringing attention to the art of storytelling. This is a delightful tale spun into two stories. Following a family trip to visit the grandfather and stopping to relax, refresh and hear a fairytale from their hosts.
Immediately I thought of the James and the Giant who stole the golden egg for riches. Here we have a reversed Iranian story with the Giant stealing a prized lemon that brings happiness. We are thrust into an underworld with a magical sheep, trapped princess and a desperate young man on the quest to find the missing lemon that keeps being stollen each year.
Children in my classes will definitely enjoy a read a loud and I know there are many lessons to be learned. This is a multicultural experience with Persian heritage, immigration and family storytelling. The gouache and collage art is also captivating. Many details that readers can enjoy and have picture study with. A story thot I will cherish sharing with students yearly.
June 5, 2026
Thank you Levine Querido @hearourvoicestours #HearOurVoices #HOV #TheSweetestLemons for my free eARC. These opinions are my own:
This is a gorgeous story, both in its words and in it's vivid art. It reminds me of paper cutouts, and is as layered and transporting as the stories it illustrates. I found myself wanting to frame several pages and hang them on my wall. I love that the story falls back on a mash-up of famous storytelling beginnings, and ends on the universal feeling of being safe with one's loved ones, knowing one's destination. It taps into the power of storytelling to make sense of our world and circumstances; it binds us--to place, to people, to a time, and together as human beings. We all love it and rely on it for shallow and deep purposes. And this story honors the past of the author, the illustrator, and the beautiful country of Iran and it's rich history and civilization.
This is a gorgeous story, both in its words and in it's vivid art. It reminds me of paper cutouts, and is as layered and transporting as the stories it illustrates. I found myself wanting to frame several pages and hang them on my wall. I love that the story falls back on a mash-up of famous storytelling beginnings, and ends on the universal feeling of being safe with one's loved ones, knowing one's destination. It taps into the power of storytelling to make sense of our world and circumstances; it binds us--to place, to people, to a time, and together as human beings. We all love it and rely on it for shallow and deep purposes. And this story honors the past of the author, the illustrator, and the beautiful country of Iran and it's rich history and civilization.
July 11, 2026
A boy can’t wait to visit his grandfather. As his parents pack the car and set off for the farm, they stop to visit a family friend, where they are treated to an unforgettable tale.
A beautiful story celebrating storytelling, the joys of childhood, and Iranian heritage, The Sweetest of Lemons is, at its heart, both a modern folktale and a slice-of-life vignette about a boy making memories along the way. The illustrations, created with gouache and collage, are a lovely blend of color and craftsmanship, creating a visually compelling narrative.
This story is a natural fit for the classroom, offering numerous connections and entry points for discussion and research. Though the text has the timeless feel of a traditional tale, it never feels dated. Instead, it demonstrates how folklore can be woven seamlessly into a contemporary setting.
A highly recommended purchase for library collections.
A beautiful story celebrating storytelling, the joys of childhood, and Iranian heritage, The Sweetest of Lemons is, at its heart, both a modern folktale and a slice-of-life vignette about a boy making memories along the way. The illustrations, created with gouache and collage, are a lovely blend of color and craftsmanship, creating a visually compelling narrative.
This story is a natural fit for the classroom, offering numerous connections and entry points for discussion and research. Though the text has the timeless feel of a traditional tale, it never feels dated. Instead, it demonstrates how folklore can be woven seamlessly into a contemporary setting.
A highly recommended purchase for library collections.
May 21, 2026
The Sweetest of Lemons is an enchanting and magical tale of a princess, brothers, a giant and a very special sweet lemon. The story within a story is lovingly told to our young protagonist by his grandfather. It’s a lyrical and beautiful audiobook with excellent narration. I now must order the book to be able to enjoy what I am sure are exceptional illustrations. Daniel Nayeri once again brings us a wonderful story set in his homeland of Iran. I’m sure children and the adults in their lives will thoroughly enjoy this newest book in the author’s collection.
Thanks to Netgalley and RB Media for the ALC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Thanks to Netgalley and RB Media for the ALC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Loved!
This Persian tale told by a grandfather to his grandson took me to another world! A world filled with magic, giants, princesses, and the richness of the Persian culture!
I especially loved that we ended with questions. The story gave adventure and intrigue and still left room to imagine what could have happened next. I love this promotion of creativity of young readers everywhere, and that they are able to begin with this story and then let their imagination run wild with what could happen next!
The audiobook version was great to listen to and I can’t wait for release day to purchase the physical book and enjoy the art along with the story!
This Persian tale told by a grandfather to his grandson took me to another world! A world filled with magic, giants, princesses, and the richness of the Persian culture!
I especially loved that we ended with questions. The story gave adventure and intrigue and still left room to imagine what could have happened next. I love this promotion of creativity of young readers everywhere, and that they are able to begin with this story and then let their imagination run wild with what could happen next!
The audiobook version was great to listen to and I can’t wait for release day to purchase the physical book and enjoy the art along with the story!
June 27, 2026
There is something timeless about stories being passed down through generations, and The Sweetest of Lemons beautifully captures that feeling. Through a story within a story, we follow a young boy as his grandfather narrates a magical Persian folktale filled with princes, giants, and one enchanted lemon.
It was short, whimsical, and just thrilling enough to keep me hooked, though the open ending left me wanting a little more. Surprisingly, the author's note ended up adding more depth to the experience, offering a lovely perspective on the inspiration behind the story.
My only wish? That the actual folktale had been longer than the note itself. I simply wasn't ready for it to end.
It was short, whimsical, and just thrilling enough to keep me hooked, though the open ending left me wanting a little more. Surprisingly, the author's note ended up adding more depth to the experience, offering a lovely perspective on the inspiration behind the story.
My only wish? That the actual folktale had been longer than the note itself. I simply wasn't ready for it to end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This felt like a warm hug from childhood. Short but lovely, this story within a story is told by a grandfather to his grandson. I love that we were left curious and wanting to know more! That's exactly how my grandma used to be with her stories as well 🥰
I also loved the author's note and the artist's note, and the way they talked about their Iranian and Persian influence respectively. I read this in audiobook format, and listening to the artist's note made me long for the physical copy so I could see the art for myself ❤️
I also loved the author's note and the artist's note, and the way they talked about their Iranian and Persian influence respectively. I read this in audiobook format, and listening to the artist's note made me long for the physical copy so I could see the art for myself ❤️
June 25, 2026
It’s a simple story of adventure that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life. The inner story addresses poverty and classism. The story framing the sweet lemon tale is of parents who work hard and more when they visit the infertile couple sharing tall tales and sweet lemons. The Sweetest Lemons is a quiet escape where your young reader might ask as many questions as the young listener in this tale.😆
“Thank you, Levine Querido, for providing this book for review consideration via Hear Our Voices Tours. All opinions are my own.”
“Thank you, Levine Querido, for providing this book for review consideration via Hear Our Voices Tours. All opinions are my own.”
July 25, 2026
I always enjoy Nayeri's writing, and this had his signature wandering, conversational feel to it. The illustrations are animated and richly-colored (the artist explains the colors were chosen to honor historic Persian art, and their natural-dye hues went well with the folkloric feel of the story); but I feel like they would have been more successful in a larger-format book.
Quibbles: the layout of the page where the young man and the princess jump on the sheep is confusingly laid-out: it's not clearly signaled whether to read the panels and text boxes across the gutter or not.
Quibbles: the layout of the page where the young man and the princess jump on the sheep is confusingly laid-out: it's not clearly signaled whether to read the panels and text boxes across the gutter or not.
August 28, 2026
This story within a story really begins with the second tale about the three brothers, their mother, the giant, and the lemon tree. Unfortunately, the boy never arrives at his beloved grandfather’s house before the story ends, so his tale remains untold. Expressive illustrations are full of color and action, and the patterns of color reflect Iranian influences. Extensive notes by the author and the artist explain some of the Iranian references and storytelling conventions, including the “Iranian ending.”
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Excellent narration! This sweet book is great for children and adults alike. Reminiscent of Aesop's Fables, this engaging story is chockfull of action and descriptive language that keep readers focused and thinking from the beginning through the illustrator's note. I can't wait to get a physical copy to see the illustrations throughout the book!
Thank you to RBMedia and NetGalley for this ALC!
Thank you to RBMedia and NetGalley for this ALC!
July 4, 2026
An ode to culture, storytelling, and family, this picture book is a story within a story fairytale featuring a magical transportive lemon which is always stolen from the family's tree (the only lemon that blooms each year). Each of the brothers wasn't able to protect it from being plucked each year but the youngest brother pursued the giant who plucked it and went on a magical adventure to get it back.
The colors themselves and illustration are a beautiful tribute to culture.
The colors themselves and illustration are a beautiful tribute to culture.
August 19, 2026
Mixed feelings about this one, but ultimately I didn't like it. The story is just okay--nothing amazing, nothing terrible--and the art is lovely and vibrant and clear to understand (though sometimes not fully matching the page's text). However, as a whole the framing narrative is under-utilized and pointless, the internal fairytale is interesting but I think fails to commit to the absurdity, and honestly the illustrator's note at the end just made me annoyed.
July 9, 2026
Hadn’t really checked author before reading and as I read thought, “this feels like Nayeri.” Love when that happens!!!!
I love me a fairy tale too and seeing similarities and differences from other countries is such great lessons with students. Don’t know that I see this as an award winner though….
I love me a fairy tale too and seeing similarities and differences from other countries is such great lessons with students. Don’t know that I see this as an award winner though….
June 10, 2026
The only note I have is in the author's note it sounds like we had 14th Century translations of works written in the 19th Century. Other than that, I loved everything about this book from the story to the art. It reminded me of my dad's parking lot fables.
June 14, 2026
(Disclaimer: I received the ALC from the publisher, but this has in no way influenced my review. My thoughts are entirely unbiased and honest.)
Kudos to the audiobook team for the narration and production of this book. Short and comforting but I know, this story is more suited in a printed form.
Kudos to the audiobook team for the narration and production of this book. Short and comforting but I know, this story is more suited in a printed form.
July 7, 2026
Such a beautiful picture book! It reminded me of how, as a kid, going on a road trip always felt like setting out an adventure. This theme is peripheral to the actual story--a vivid and sensory insight into Persian culture, but it's what I will remember most!
August 3, 2026
3.5 stars. Lovely story as told by Abba who sits halfway to the main characters grandpa’s farm. It’s an ode to storytelling with Once upon a time…a princess, a giant, shepherds and the sweetest of lemons.
I would want it my library, but I would probably be in the minority.
I would want it my library, but I would probably be in the minority.
August 7, 2026
The illustrations were so stunning! After reading the book, I went back and studied the colors, textures, and Persian art forms in the illustrations. The story is a wonderful fairy tale. This book really astounded me.
August 13, 2026
Nayeri consistently impresses me with his work. His new picture book is charming, and frames an Iranian fairy tale in Princess Bride style, complete with interruptions: “This sounds made up” “Of course it’s made up. Now don’t interrupt.” Illustrations are lush and timeless.
May 31, 2026
Beautiful short book , felt like listening to a folktale told to the children. Beautiful narration, a story connected to the roots
June 22, 2026
A great story. Bit too much violence for me to read it to my public school kids.
June 23, 2026
Nayeri is one of those "can do no wrong" authors for me. This is his first children's book (to my knowledge). I loved the illustrations, and the story seemed deceptively thought-provoking.
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June 28, 2026Daniel Nayeri is one of my favorite modern children's authors. This does not disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews