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

One scorching summer day, Eva comes up with a great idea: a lemonade stand! But when she sees that Jake across the street has his own stand and he’s giving away free cookies, Eva knows she needs another idea to keep people lining up. Eureka—new flavors. 

Except Jake has ideas too. Bigger and better ones, and more customers! Soon Eva is out of ideas, and she thinks, out of business. But when she takes a moment to be creative again and makes a batch of delicious kulfi ice cream, she discovers fresh inspiration—and a new way to succeed. 

Eva is an inspiring main character who is always willing to “fix problems, to try new solutions, and to make new things.” The story shows how Eva often “stews” about an idea before putting her thoughts into action. However, her solutions require trial and error. For example, when Eva wants to add strawberries to lemonade, she “experiments, she tests, and she adjusts” based on her friends’ and family’s input. The story shows Eva’s thought process, which culminates in a new idea that snaps, sizzles, and spouts. Young readers will be inspired by Eva’s can-do attitude, which allows her to meet each new challenge.  

Eva’s story comes to life in bright colors, cute illustrations, and fun fonts. Keywords are printed in oversized font, making them jump off the page. Young readers will love examining the full-page illustrations because of the unique elements. For example, one illustration shows Eva watching in shock as her competitor, wearing a crown and holding a cookie, is carried on a surfboard. In another illustration, a boy dressed as a lemon holds a megaphone and a “free cookies!” sign. The illustrations add humor to the conflict. Many of the illustrations depict Eva’s little brother, reinforcing the idea that Eva is a good role model.  

Even though Cooler Than Lemonade is a picture book, the story is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for the child to read it for the first time independently. Each page has one to nine short sentences. However, younger readers may need help understanding some of the words. The end pages also include a brief description of kulfi and a kid-friendly kulfi recipe. 

Cooler Than Lemonade is a fun story that will leave readers feeling empowered to come up with their own ideas. The engaging story has a positive protagonist who demonstrates how to solve problems, adapt, and maintain a growth mindset. The story’s conclusion is perfect not only because it shows Eva’s cultural pride but also because it reveals her willingness to become her neighbor’s business partner rather than his competitor.  

The story’s positive message, determined protagonist, and emphasis on STEM thinking—particularly Eva’s habit of experimenting, testing, and adjusting her ideas—make Cooler Than Lemonade a must-read book. For more encouraging stories that focus on STEM education, read Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished, Cece Loves Science and Adventure, and Ada Twist, Scientist.  

Sexual Content  

• None 

Violence  

• None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None 

Language  

• None 

Supernatural 

• None 

Spiritual Content  

• None