Cooler Than Lemonade: A Story about Great Ideas and How They Happen

by Harshita Jerath, Chloe Burgett (Illustrator)

Overview

A vibrant, STEM-powered picture book that inspires creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurship in kids ages 4–8.

Eva is bursting with excitement to launch her lemonade stand. But when the boy across the street steals her thunder with freebies and clever tricks, she begins to doubt her ideas. Just as frustration sets in, a spark of inspiration—and a batch of homemade kulfi—helps Eva rediscover her confidence and creativity.

Cooler Than Lemonade delivers more than a feel-good summer story. It empowers young readers to problem-solve, adapt, and stay true to themselves when faced with setbacks. With a dynamic blend of entrepreneurial spirit, cultural pride, and growth mindset themes, this engaging story resonates with children, parents, and educators alike.

Praised by Kirkus Reviews as "an immersive read-aloud," and embraced by teachers for its message of problem-solving, oriented thinking, and perseverance, this book is a natural fit for summer reading lists, innovation units, and STEM classrooms. 

Includes a kid-friendly kulfi recipe to continue the fun beyond the final page.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781728254296
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	03/07/2023
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	9.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	AD470L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Harshita Jerath was born and raised in India, where she spent much of her childhood scribbling in her journal. She now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, and when she is not writing, you’ll find her at her local library conducting story-time sessions, or watching spectacular sunsets with her husband and two sons.

Chloe Burgett is a children's book illustrator living in Lincoln, Nebraska with her husband and their orange cat, Pencil. Her favorite books respectfully portray children as the competent, brave, and resourceful human beings they are.

Editorial Reviews

"This one should make for an immersive read-aloud that will have readers impressed by Eva’s perseverance and can-do spirit... Sure to encourage budding young business owners to follow the protagonist’s example" — Kirkus Reviews

"This story provides a positive characterization of a young girl who is motivated and determined, a truly positive female character. This book would prove to be a fun read for any aspiring young entrepreneur." — School Library Connection

"Eva is portrayed as a problem solver, meeting challenge after challenge by pondering, experimenting, and trying new possibilities. The whimsical illustrations highlight Eva’s thought processes, showing how her new ideas snap, sizzle, and sprout. The book is a visual treat (be sure to check out the endpapers), and the message about persevering is inspiring." — Booklist

"Cooler than Lemonade has become one of my newest favorite books... Kids of any age will enjoy this book because it is about using your mind and not giving up." — Kids' BookBuzz

From the Publisher

2022-11-29
An entrepreneurial young girl of South Asian descent draws inspiration from her cultural heritage.

It’s summer, so Eva decides to set up a lemonade stand. After all, her head is always “swirling with ideas.” But competition arrives in the form of her neighbor Jake. Resourceful Eva comes up with new ideas (special flavors, flyers to spread the word), but nothing seems to work—Jake is always one step ahead of her. Despondent, Eva gives up, but when her little sibling, Aru, asks her to make kulfi, a frozen, milk-based treat, she’s struck once more by inspiration…and, this time, moved by the collaborative spirit. The text makes heavy use of repetition (each idea “snaps,” “sizzles,” and “sprouts!”). The digital illustrations are engaging, especially the little details scattered around Eva’s household and neighborhood, and the layout is reader-friendly; this one should make for an immersive read-aloud that will have readers impressed by Eva’s perseverance and can-do spirit. A note from Jerath explains that kulfi is often sold by street vendors in India during the summer; an appended recipe lets intrepid readers try their own hand at whipping it up. Jake is light-skinned; the neighborhood is diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Sure to encourage budding young business owners to follow the protagonist’s example. (Picture book. 4-6)

Kirkus Reviews