When Grandma Gives You A Lemon Tree Book Review

Book Review
When Grandma Gives You A Lemon Tree
Written by Jamie L. B. Deenihan
Illustrated by Lorraine Rocha
Published March 5, 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
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
(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.

I came downstairs to find T ensconced on the couch
with When Grandma Gives You A Lemon Tree. 
Such a cozy spot to do some writing!