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When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree
When Grandma gives you a lemon tree, definitely don’t make a face! Care for the tree, and you might be surprised at how new things, and new ideas, bloom.
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” In this imaginative take on that popular saying, a child is surprised (and disappointed) to receive a lemon tree from Grandma for her birthday. After all, she DID ask for a new gadget! But when she follows the narrator’s careful—and funny—instructions, she discovers that the tree might be exactly what she wanted after all. This clever story, complete with a recipe for lemonade, celebrates the pleasures of patience, hard work, nature, community . . . and putting down the electronic devices just for a while.
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” In this imaginative take on that popular saying, a child is surprised (and disappointed) to receive a lemon tree from Grandma for her birthday. After all, she DID ask for a new gadget! But when she follows the narrator’s careful—and funny—instructions, she discovers that the tree might be exactly what she wanted after all. This clever story, complete with a recipe for lemonade, celebrates the pleasures of patience, hard work, nature, community . . . and putting down the electronic devices just for a while.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2019
11 people are currently reading
792 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
April 25, 2019
A beginning book that was a whole lot of fun. This is for anyone who appreciates growing things. A girl is having her birthday and she has a list of what she wants. Robot is on that list and this excited my nephew. He can read that word now. Yes. Her grandma gave her a lemon tree. Some of the best parts of the book are seeing the pictures in her mind of what she wants to do to this lemon tree she didn’t ask for. She has a great imagination and I thought it was wonderful at all the ways you need to act excited even though you’re not.
A year goes by and the girl takes care of the tree and then the lemons come. They set up a lemonade stand and make some money. The girl can finally buy what she wants. I loved what she decides to pick out. It’s a great story.
The kids love a lemonade stand. Now, there aren’t a whole lot of people around, so they don’t make much money. They are lucky to have customers, but they love it anyway. This book excited them again and they wanted to sell lemonade soon. I loved the artwork in this story. It was fresh like lemonade. A great tale. The niece gave this 5 stars and the nephew gave this 4 stars. He couldn’t believe she didn’t buy a robot in the end.
A year goes by and the girl takes care of the tree and then the lemons come. They set up a lemonade stand and make some money. The girl can finally buy what she wants. I loved what she decides to pick out. It’s a great story.
The kids love a lemonade stand. Now, there aren’t a whole lot of people around, so they don’t make much money. They are lucky to have customers, but they love it anyway. This book excited them again and they wanted to sell lemonade soon. I loved the artwork in this story. It was fresh like lemonade. A great tale. The niece gave this 5 stars and the nephew gave this 4 stars. He couldn’t believe she didn’t buy a robot in the end.
March 10, 2019
Hard to believe this funny and beautiful book is by a debut author. It is absolutely hilarious and stunning. Gardeners small and large will go crazy for it, especially.
August 29, 2020
Super cute book! We read When Grandpa Gives you a Toolbox first and so I think I like that story better because the Grandpa in it reminded my kids very much of their Grandpa, but this one is still great. Cute story, great illustrations that tell their own story. My daughter loves looking for the snail that keeps trying to sneak its way to the tree.
March 8, 2019
In this clever and endearing take on the adage, “What do you do when life gives you lemons? Make lemonade!”, author Jamie Deenihan has crafted a funny story with a subtle and satisfying message. With a spunky, likable protagonist and a diverse supporting cast, this book can be read over and over without losing any of its appeal.
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April 2, 2021When a young girl gets a lemon tree for her birthday instead of the robot she asks for, she turns lemons into lemonade and starts a community garden in her neighborhood. Learn about what can come from having a little bit of ingenuity and patience when you read this with your little one. Enjoy this one now by checking out a copy on Mymcpl.org or searching for it on Overdrive! - Reviewed by Stephanie at MCPL Reading Rocket
March 22, 2019
This is so beautiful! I was captivated by the pictures and my heart melted reading the story to my students.
When gifted a lemon tree for her birthday, she isn’t thrilled. But as the lemon tree grows she gets and learns more than she could have ever imagined! .
This book has a wonderful message, it opened up conversation about what is important and how we value things. I had a great talk with my students about how the gifts we receive usually benefit the receiver, and how many can say they got something that helped many others, I have to admit the conversation made them think and many could not think of an example. That’s one of the reasons this book is so great, it made the kids think and evaluate the worth of the gifts they got recently. .
And did I mention the pictures?! The bright colored balloons grandma brings, so beautifully drawn on the end papers and throughout and the expressions and details held within the pages, amazing! .
Great job Jamie on your debut picture book! We can’t wait to see more!
Thank you Sterling Books for sending us this sweet book.
.
April 11, 2019
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Another fantastic book with a huge and effective message. In this day and age of technology, getting a lemon tree for a birthday gift from Grandma is quite unexpected. Why did Grandma do this? Well, the clever lady that she is wanted to teach her granddaughter what is really important in life. A huge success!
I absolutely loved the sweet illustrations and they perfectly complemented the funny and ideally written story. This is a book for many ages in the children’s genres since its message is bang on with the times. Fresh air, flowers, and simplicity never hurt anyone!
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Another fantastic book with a huge and effective message. In this day and age of technology, getting a lemon tree for a birthday gift from Grandma is quite unexpected. Why did Grandma do this? Well, the clever lady that she is wanted to teach her granddaughter what is really important in life. A huge success!
I absolutely loved the sweet illustrations and they perfectly complemented the funny and ideally written story. This is a book for many ages in the children’s genres since its message is bang on with the times. Fresh air, flowers, and simplicity never hurt anyone!
December 17, 2022
از اون دست کتابها که من عاشقشونم 😍 فضای خاکستری و سرد شهری، به فضای دلانگیز و رنگی رنگی تبدیل میشه. چجوری؟ با نهال لیمو!
این قصه به بچهها یاد میده هر هدیهای از طرف بزرگترها میتونه خوب باشه.
این قصه به بچهها یاد میده هر هدیهای از طرف بزرگترها میتونه خوب باشه.
April 3, 2019
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is When Grandma Gives You A Lemon Tree, written by Jamie L.B. Deenihan and illustrated by Lorraine Rocha, a delightful lesson in appreciating our gifts.
Despite providing a birthday wish list of high-tech toys, the unnamed girl who serves as narrator instead receives a lemon tree from Grandma. Speaking to the reader in second person, she advises that should they be disappointed in this way, it’s important to be polite and accept the unwanted gift with grace, and definitely not pout or whine or destroy the tree. Instead, she advises, go ahead and place it in a sunny spot, don’t overwater, and protect it from pests. The girl (and the reader) find that the more she cares for her tree – with help from her neighborhood friends – the more she grows attached to it. When summer brings a bounty of fresh lemons, she is ecstatic. Grandma helps her make and sell lemonade at a stand, earning her enough money to buy some of her expensive toys… but is that really what she wants after all?
Wonderful! A reminder that some of the best gifts aren’t just things, but experience. Watching the girl grow to love her “unwanted” lemon tree – she even names it “Lola” over the winter – is heartwarming, and the payoff (she uses her lemonade money to purchase plants and convert the empty lot next to her row house into a community garden) is fantastic. The story encourages learning, trying new things, hard work, a love of botany, and a sense of community, and Rocha’s charming characters and vibrant plants and environment are a celebration of all these. The length is perfect for bookworms of any age, and JJ loved it. Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
April 8, 2019
Such a great colorful book and I love the message of hard work and sharing that goes with it.
April 8, 2019
Very cute!
April 5, 2019
A sweet book about getting what we need instead of what we want. And the surprises we find when presented with something unexpected.
March 22, 2019
This awesome picture book helps young people learn a terrific message - how to graciously receive a gift that wasn't what you were expecting. When the young lady in the book receives a lemon tree for her birthday instead of phone, robot, or headphones that were on her list, she learns how patience and effort can be rewarding as well. The colorful, lush illustrations and the humorous narrative really help drive home the books awesome message.
April 18, 2019
A little girl had made a list of what she was hoping to get for birthday gifts. On the list were items like a phone, a computer and a drone. But her grandmother got her a lemon tree. In this twist on the adage that when given lemons you should make lemonade, the narrator of the book offers the girl some advice on how to handle her gift. The advice includes what face to make when given the gift and details on how to care for her lemon tree including cautioning her not to hurt it. As the girl follows the advice, she discovers a connection to her lemon tree even before it bears its first crop of lemons for her. As she literally makes and sells lemonade from her lemons, the girl now has to decide how to spend her cash. She returns to the original list, but adds a new number, one that the lemon tree has taught her all about.
The clever twist on the adage is well done, creating a scaffold for the entire story. While the narrative of the book focuses entirely on advice, the illustrations show how the girl chooses to follow it. The narrative is humorous and offers choices for the main character in how she can react to options in her life. Throughout, as is appropriate for a book based on making lemonade, the spin is to be more positive and never sour.
The illustrations are fresh and funny. The family is depicted as African-American and the story is set in an urban area. This gives the lemon tree a great canvas to offer change and the main character a great place to offer lemonade. The illustrations are funny and bright.
A great spin on an old saying, this book is a breath of positivity. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
The clever twist on the adage is well done, creating a scaffold for the entire story. While the narrative of the book focuses entirely on advice, the illustrations show how the girl chooses to follow it. The narrative is humorous and offers choices for the main character in how she can react to options in her life. Throughout, as is appropriate for a book based on making lemonade, the spin is to be more positive and never sour.
The illustrations are fresh and funny. The family is depicted as African-American and the story is set in an urban area. This gives the lemon tree a great canvas to offer change and the main character a great place to offer lemonade. The illustrations are funny and bright.
A great spin on an old saying, this book is a breath of positivity. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
March 12, 2019
A wonderful book for teaching kids to be polite if they get a gift they don't really like. But, it goes beyond this to become a delightful story about caring for and enjoying nature. As the lemon tree grows so does the little girl in her understanding of what makes a good gift.
March 7, 2019
"When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree" (by Jamie L.B. Deenihan, illustrated by Lorraine Rocha) is a clever and heartwarming story, and I can't recommend it enough! Here are 10 things I love about this book:
1. Grandma's sense of humor
2. Meyer and Lemon Streets (look carefully!)
3. Kitten wears a bandit mask
4. Awareness ribbons decorating the lemon tree
5. Kids of all backgrounds having a great time together
6. Expressive and imaginative illustrations from front to back
7. A lemonade recipe with check boxes
8. Perfect for reading aloud (WOO-HOO!)
9. A glorious neighborhood transformation
10. Fewer gadgets, more gardens!
1. Grandma's sense of humor
2. Meyer and Lemon Streets (look carefully!)
3. Kitten wears a bandit mask
4. Awareness ribbons decorating the lemon tree
5. Kids of all backgrounds having a great time together
6. Expressive and imaginative illustrations from front to back
7. A lemonade recipe with check boxes
8. Perfect for reading aloud (WOO-HOO!)
9. A glorious neighborhood transformation
10. Fewer gadgets, more gardens!
March 6, 2019
This book is a delight! The upbeat text speaks directly to the reader, and the gorgeous and colorful illustrations carry you from page to page. The story about patience & tending to and nurturing the things you care about is timeless and important. I'm gifting this book to all the kids in my life!
January 7, 2020
I like the message delivered in this cheerfully illustrated book: effort, focus, and patience to accomplish a goal. In the end, it was heartwarming when the little girl found the happiness and beauty in sharing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2019
Brilliant!
April 18, 2019
Why we chose this book:
We aren't super big on techy toys, so a book about a kid who finds more joy with a plant than a gadget sounded like a good fit. Sterling Publishing provided a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mom's Review (V)
Written as a humorous how-to guide, When Grandma Gives You A Lemon Tree shows how to accept a lemon tree present, care for it, and inspire the community to garden together. The narrator, who wants a robot dog, explains that you say,"Thank you," and do not toss the tree off a bridge. She explains that you need to water the tree and protect it from threats (she installs a "no snails" sign on the sidewalk). At the end, the little girl explains that you can sell lemonade to make money to buy what you really want. Deenihan's tone is light, humorous, and perfect for kids and adults alike. It is Rocha's illustrations, however, that make the book. What Deenihan holds back from the text, Rocha supplies in beautiful images, particularly on the final pages. The narrator never says what she really wants to buy. Instead, the reader sees an image of the little girl taking a wagon full of plants to the empty lot next to her apartment building. Next, we see a blossoming garden that everyone is playing in while their various gadgets lie forgotten on the sidewalk. And the endpapers reinforce the impact that a community garden can have - be sure to compare the front and back end papers!
A noticeable contrast is made between the little girl with the lemon tree and the neighbor children with their gadgets. The narrator almost glows with joy, while the minimally-happy neighbor children stare at their techy toys, oblivious to the world around them. They become increasingly interested in the narrator's lemon tree as the book progresses, appearing happier as they do. That said, the narration and illustrations are not heavy handed in their encouragement of engagement with one's environment. Rather, Deenihan's and Rocha's work is an enjoyable and noteworthy mix of message, beauty, and pure entertainment. Fans of On a Magical, Do-Nothing Day will find another treasure in When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree.
Son's Review (T)
(Age: 4)
Mom: What was your favorite part of the book?
Son: The end because she plants a bunch of plants.
Mom: How did everyone feel then? What do they stop using? Why?
Son: Happy... Their toys. Because the garden was more interesting.
Mom: Do you like gardens?
Son: Yes. I like the smell of plants, and in this picture everyone has a smile.
Mom: Is there anything special you want to plant?
Son: What I want to plant is a garden. A whole garden full of plants, even poison ivy.
Mom: Why?
Son: Because that's one kind of plant. But, I don't really want to plant it. That was just a joke!
Mom: Would you want to grow a lemon tree?
Son: Oh yes.
Mom: What does this book make you think about? Can you make a connection?
Son: The connection that I can make is that my grandma has a lemon tree.
Mom: Who is this a good book for?
Son: Everyone who likes planting.
Mom: And what is the most important thing to know?
Son: My favorite page is this one because it says the face you should make and the face you shouldn't make [when you receive a lemon tree]. I think that girl really likes plants like you do.
We aren't super big on techy toys, so a book about a kid who finds more joy with a plant than a gadget sounded like a good fit. Sterling Publishing provided a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mom's Review (V)
Written as a humorous how-to guide, When Grandma Gives You A Lemon Tree shows how to accept a lemon tree present, care for it, and inspire the community to garden together. The narrator, who wants a robot dog, explains that you say,"Thank you," and do not toss the tree off a bridge. She explains that you need to water the tree and protect it from threats (she installs a "no snails" sign on the sidewalk). At the end, the little girl explains that you can sell lemonade to make money to buy what you really want. Deenihan's tone is light, humorous, and perfect for kids and adults alike. It is Rocha's illustrations, however, that make the book. What Deenihan holds back from the text, Rocha supplies in beautiful images, particularly on the final pages. The narrator never says what she really wants to buy. Instead, the reader sees an image of the little girl taking a wagon full of plants to the empty lot next to her apartment building. Next, we see a blossoming garden that everyone is playing in while their various gadgets lie forgotten on the sidewalk. And the endpapers reinforce the impact that a community garden can have - be sure to compare the front and back end papers!
A noticeable contrast is made between the little girl with the lemon tree and the neighbor children with their gadgets. The narrator almost glows with joy, while the minimally-happy neighbor children stare at their techy toys, oblivious to the world around them. They become increasingly interested in the narrator's lemon tree as the book progresses, appearing happier as they do. That said, the narration and illustrations are not heavy handed in their encouragement of engagement with one's environment. Rather, Deenihan's and Rocha's work is an enjoyable and noteworthy mix of message, beauty, and pure entertainment. Fans of On a Magical, Do-Nothing Day will find another treasure in When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree.
Son's Review (T)
(Age: 4)
Mom: What was your favorite part of the book?
Son: The end because she plants a bunch of plants.
Mom: How did everyone feel then? What do they stop using? Why?
Son: Happy... Their toys. Because the garden was more interesting.
Mom: Do you like gardens?
Son: Yes. I like the smell of plants, and in this picture everyone has a smile.
Mom: Is there anything special you want to plant?
Son: What I want to plant is a garden. A whole garden full of plants, even poison ivy.
Mom: Why?
Son: Because that's one kind of plant. But, I don't really want to plant it. That was just a joke!
Mom: Would you want to grow a lemon tree?
Son: Oh yes.
Mom: What does this book make you think about? Can you make a connection?
Son: The connection that I can make is that my grandma has a lemon tree.
Mom: Who is this a good book for?
Son: Everyone who likes planting.
Mom: And what is the most important thing to know?
Son: My favorite page is this one because it says the face you should make and the face you shouldn't make [when you receive a lemon tree]. I think that girl really likes plants like you do.
July 24, 2021
Title: When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree
Author: Jamie L. B. Deenihan & Lorraine Rocha
Lexile: 490L
Pages: 26
Recommendations and Comments: This is a great example of one way to pass on values without being preachy. An extended take on the old saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade," it covers things like expectations vs. reality, generosity and gratitude, and the value of work -- all inside of a gently funny how-to. The main character's expressions when her extensive birthday wish list goes unfulfilled are genuine, and there are some silly "don'ts" for how to treat a disappointing present. But it also gets at the reality of how they can sometimes become the thing we didn't know we needed. A great read for any budding plant lovers in the family.
Reviewed by: Mr. Tom
Author: Jamie L. B. Deenihan & Lorraine Rocha
Lexile: 490L
Pages: 26
Recommendations and Comments: This is a great example of one way to pass on values without being preachy. An extended take on the old saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade," it covers things like expectations vs. reality, generosity and gratitude, and the value of work -- all inside of a gently funny how-to. The main character's expressions when her extensive birthday wish list goes unfulfilled are genuine, and there are some silly "don'ts" for how to treat a disappointing present. But it also gets at the reality of how they can sometimes become the thing we didn't know we needed. A great read for any budding plant lovers in the family.
Reviewed by: Mr. Tom
September 11, 2022
This book begins with a little girl and her birthday list. Then her grandma gives her a lemon tree, which was NOT on her list! She talked herself through how to react to an unwanted gift, taking the reader all the way to taking care of the tree. When the tree finally sprouts lemons, she makes lemonade and sells it from a homemade lemonade stand. With the money she receives from the stand, she can go to the store and pick out whatever she wants! What is she going to choose?
This book is really cute. The illustrations are very inclusive and detailed. It's an easy read that relates to the reader very well. It's hard to find happiness when you receive a gift you did not want, but it just shows the positive outcomes that can come from keeping an open mind.
Every classroom shelf should have this. It teaches the importance of selflessness and open minds. The little girl works through her disappointment to accept the gift with a grateful heart, and she ends up benefiting in the end. She thought she knew what she wanted, but she ended up being happy with what she had. I would love for my students to be able to read this book and learn the good lessons that it teaches.
This book is really cute. The illustrations are very inclusive and detailed. It's an easy read that relates to the reader very well. It's hard to find happiness when you receive a gift you did not want, but it just shows the positive outcomes that can come from keeping an open mind.
Every classroom shelf should have this. It teaches the importance of selflessness and open minds. The little girl works through her disappointment to accept the gift with a grateful heart, and she ends up benefiting in the end. She thought she knew what she wanted, but she ended up being happy with what she had. I would love for my students to be able to read this book and learn the good lessons that it teaches.
June 3, 2019
This book will (perhaps) help readers think about what a list of wishes says about the wisher, and, conversely, what a gift says about the giver. When the gift is unexpected, the book has some suggestions for the receiver of the gift. In the end, the reader will (perhaps) see that thoughtful (unexpected) gifts can change us.
July 10, 2019
When grandma gives you a lemon tree instead of anything on your birthday list (robot dog, drone, computer, phone, remote control car, or headphones), you should make lemonade! This was an uplifting story of a little girl who turned her disappointment into enjoyment. The colorful and appealing illustrations of a multiethnic neighborhood depict the fun of leaving behind electronics in favor of gardening.
March 26, 2022
Adorable and charming for all nature lovers!
Beautifully illustrated story on the importance of hard work, patience, and appreciating what nature provides—complete with a delicious Lemonade recipe!
Kudos to Dennihan and Rocha for a.) promoting the investment in nature; and b.) encouraging a young audience to have an entrepreneurial mindset.
Beautifully illustrated story on the importance of hard work, patience, and appreciating what nature provides—complete with a delicious Lemonade recipe!
Kudos to Dennihan and Rocha for a.) promoting the investment in nature; and b.) encouraging a young audience to have an entrepreneurial mindset.
December 12, 2019
A very cute book about turning a gift you didn't want into something you enjoy with your grandmother. I would highly recommend to read this book as a one-on-one with a lower elementary child.
February 3, 2020
You still get to making lemonade, but it is a longer process, and kind of nice to see. May help for inspiration on getting outdoors and detaching a bit from the gadgets.
February 19, 2021
Super cute. Kids love this one. It supported a great lesson on visual details in a story - and prompted excellent discussions about theme with 3rd-5th!
February 7, 2022
Super cute, will read for SHFRT or to kids in person
February 20, 2023
Everyone was tearing up at the end of this story. We loved it. We are ready to go read everything by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews