The Sweetest of Lemons
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2026

The Sweetest of Lemons

Written by Daniel Nayeri · Illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell

On a hot desert drive, a boy hears a tale of giants and an enchanted lemon.

48 pages· AD710L· AR ~4.6
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Bookroo's summary

A young boy rides across the desert to visit his grandfather at an oasis of fragrant gardens. There he hears a story of a princess, three brothers, a dangerous giant and one perfect, enchanted lemon. Based on the author's own memories of visiting his grandfather, this story-within-a-story celebrates family and the gift of storytelling.

From the publisher

Printz Medalist and Newbery Honor winner Daniel Nayeri crafts this beautiful paean to storytelling and the bonds of family. Based on powerful memories of Nayeri visiting his grandfather, this story-within-a-story brings a young boy in a hot car ride across the desert. The destination is an oasis, where gardens perfume the air, and tales are lovingly told. Here is the gate to a magical world full of princesses, valiant brothers, dangerous giants, and one perfect, enchanted lemon. Will any of the brothers be able to foil the giant, retrieve the lemon, and free the princess? In the warm embrace of Nayeri's storytelling, readers will lean into the enchantment until the story's end. Rahele Jhompeur Bell creates the two gorgeous visual strands of the tale-one inspired by the frames and jewel-like colors of Persian miniatures, the other a tender, richly textured rendering of a contemporary family. Together, the author and artist cast a delicious spell that, like the singular lemon at the heart of the story, is so sweet it can cure sadness itself.

At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
48
Reading age
4–8
Audience
Picture
Lexile
AD710L
AR book level
~4.6
The author

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The illustrator

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Your next read

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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
F&P level
~Q
Publication
Published
June 2, 2026
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9781646145041

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