When Grandma Gives You A Lemon Tree written by Jamie Deenihan and illustrated by Lorraine Rocha is a delightful picture book tale about a little birthday girl who hopes to get a gift from her Grandma selected from a long list including a drone, a computer, head phones and a remote control car. But Grandma gives her a lemon tree!
The narrator warns her against getting angry, throwing the tree away or even giving it away. So, during the winter months she keeps it warm, gives it water and waits. The illustrations here are charming as the reader sees the little girl becoming more and more involved with the lemon tree which she has now named Lola.
The real magic happens when in the summer months lemons appear on the tree! Grandma and granddaughter take the next step together and squeeze forth fresh lemon juice. Then, they add water and sugar and make lemonade. They also build a successful lemonade stand and neighborhood business. After a while, the little girl heads for the mall to buy what she “really wanted” for her birthday with the proceeds from selling lemonade. But she sees something far better---a plant sale!
She comes back with her wagon full of hollyhocks, hydrangea, sun flowers and beautiful green vines. The illustration of the transformation of the neighborhood itself is fantastic! What was once an empty block is now full of flowers, smiles, children playing, jumping rope and drawing pictures and happy adults looking down on the beautiful gardens from their windows.
When Grandma Gives You A Lemon Tree written by Jamie Deenihan and illustrated by Lorraine Rocha is a perfect book for children 3-7 years of age----especially around Grandparent’s Day! (Sterling Children’s Books, 2019).
Questions for When Grandma Gives You A Lemon Tree
1.Take a look at the end paper at the front of the book. What do you see? Can you spot anything broken? Can you see any flowers? Where is the little girl? Who is coming to see her? Now, turn to the end paper at the back of the book. Try to find the following: children playing with a red ball, a group of pink hollyhocks, a sleepy cat, a fire hydrant, a boy drawing pictures on the cement and a dog running. Where is Grandma? Which picture do you like best and why?
Have you ever received a gift that you did not ask for and did not want? Who gave it to you? Did you ever receive a gift that you did not ask for but LOVED? Write a thank you note to the person who gave it to you or, depending on your age, draw a picture of that loved gift.
Have you ever made lemonade? Ask your Grandma or your Mom to help you make lemonade following the recipe in this book or following one of their own recipes. When it is done and has lots of ice in it, take a big drink. Then tell your Mom or Grandma how it makes your mouth feel. Your description can be funny or serious.
