2024 Reading Challenge

2024 Reading Challenge
Jill Elizabeth has read 1 book toward her goal of 285 books.
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2023 Reading Challenge

2023 Reading Challenge
Jill Elizabeth has read 5 books toward her goal of 265 books.
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Book Review: The Lemonade Stand Cookbook by Kathy Strahs – PLUS Bonus Recipes, How-Tos and Author Q&A

The Review
As a general rule, I do not review cookbooks (it is explicitly stated so on my review policy ). I don’t know how to evaluate a set of recipes/instructions if I haven’t tried them – how am I supposed to know if they are tasty or manageable or work the way they are supposed to if I don’t actually do/make/try them, after all? But I agreed to take a look at this one because I liked the concept – my step-daughter used to talk about having a lemonade stand all the time when she was younger, so I was intrigued to see what a book about lemonade stands would offer. I’m so glad I agreed to this one – it’s darling cute, full of colorful and enticing illustrations, tempting recipes, and a slew of very cute (and actually manageable looking) crafts to go along with them…

First off, let me be clear: I really like the idea of a lemonade stand. I like that it gets kids excited about making and selling something of their very own (or at least mostly their own). I like the way it harkens back to my own childhood and to movie-, television-, and book-versions of childhood. And I like that it fosters in kids a sense of ownership and responsibility – two qualities that I think are in a rather depressing free-fall in this era in which instant-gratification couch-time has replaced outdoor play-time for many kids (and adults). So I was a fan of the concept even before I saw the book.
Then, after reading the promotional materials that have been used to generate buzz about it – and after actually reading the book itself – I became even more so. The book emphasizes exactly those things that I would have and that I mentioned – and more. This isn’t just a fun cooking/craft book – it’s meant to reinforce educational math and science concepts, the importance of creativity, and the concept of activity. And it does it in a fun and engaging way that draws the eye – and the attention – in before you know it. Scattered throughout are “stand stories” – tales from kids who have actually run lemonade stands and tried the food/activities described inside. It’s a very cute addition and really made the book pop for me.

My own daughter is only 4 – we aren’t quite to the lemonade stand age yet, but she LOVES to eat and help me cook and is an absolute fanatic for anything crafty or arty, so we are definitely having fun with this one. And even if you are not cooking with (or for) a little(r) one, the recipes are appealing in their simplicity – and that simplicity refers to the steps to make them, not to the flavors involved. There are some great mixtures here (fruit combinations, nuts and seeds, vegetable medleys, cheese creations), and they would be just as appropriate for brunch or grab-and-go breakfast/snacks as they would for a child’s stand or party.

The Recipes and How-Tos
The book is a great find. But you don’t need to take my word for it. You can see for yourself! Visit The Lemonade Stand Cookbook online, to find sample recipes, tips on setting up your own stand, and examples of the illustrations, photographs, and supplemental materials that so beautifully populate the book’s pages…

Q&A with Kathy Strahs
What inspired you to write The Lemonade Stand Cookbook?
I was inspired by observing how much fun (and learning) my two kids – ages 7 and 9 – experienced at their lemonade stands with friends from our cul-de-sac. It was more than just kids selling lemonade. They were collaborating, strategizing, preparing drinks and food, shouting to attract customers. Most importantly, they were having a blast. As a cookbook author, a parent, and an entrepreneur I wanted to help kids everywhere have experiences like this.

What research went into the recipes and crafts featured in The Lemonade Stand Cookbook?
I wanted to make sure all of the recipes and crafts in the book would be both fun and easy for kids to make for a lemonade stand and appealing for adults to buy them. My first layer of research was through real-life experience – our family held lemonade stands! I also interviewed lots of my friends’ kids about their lemonade stands (their quotes appear throughout the book). After brainstorming lots of ideas and developing a set of recipes and craft instructions, I sent them to my recipe testing pool comprised of about 40 families. Their immensely valuable feedback helped me to refine what ended up going into the book.

How important was it for you to create activities and recipes not only for kids but for adults too?
I created the recipes and crafts with kids foremost in mind, but I did also consider their appeal to adults as they’re the ones who are most likely to patronize a lemonade stand. The drinks and food are easy enough for kids to execute, and they’ll also find favor among adults’ taste buds. Lemonade stands are fun for all ages!

The Lemonade Stand Cookbook features more than recipes and crafts. You share lessons on advertising, economics, helping others, staying safe, etc. What made you decide to share more than just cooking lessons with kids?
That’s the mom and MBA side of me coming through. I wanted this book to be the ultimate handbook for kids looking to have a successful lemonade stand. Of course, the lemonade and other items for sale are key to success, but it’s also important to know about setup, pricing, safety and other issues. Fun is also a must, so I made sure to include lots of inspiration for having a good time too.

My review copy was provided by PR by the Book. For more information about the book, please visit Burnt Cheese Press. You can find more

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