This fun and fascinating biography of a Taiwanese ice pop entrepreneur—the author's beloved grandfather—is a terrific read-aloud about inventiveness and the treats of summer.
Charlotte Cheng's grandfather always had a bag of coins rustling in his pocket. That bag carried with it "a story of joyful jingles, sultry summers, and fresh frozen fruit which began in 1965 in the lush valleys and mountains of an island called Taiwan."
This story of Agong's Icy Fruit company, from first inspired idea through experimentation to countrywide success, is a lyrical, lively, and richly illustrated read that's part biography, part family tribute, and part celebration of summer. Gather round for Icy Fruit!
Vivian Mineker is the illustrator of over a dozen picture books for children including The Road Not Taken and All Cats Welcome. She has been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Times of India, and Toons Mag. Find Vivian online at www.vivianmineker.com or on Instagram @vivian.mineker and on Twitter @vivianmineker.
View titles by Vivian Mineker
"Cheng's affectionate narrative flows naturally, marked by alliterative, elegant language. Mineker’s warmly textured illustrations rely on soft lines and bold colors. A delectably loving tribute to a pioneering entrepreneur." —Kirkus
"Strains of written music float through Mineker’s bright scenes of sweaty Taiwanese slurping happily on jewel-colored ice pops as well as through final views of Agong’s memorial service. Cheng's reminiscence may well inspire young readers of any cultural background to be mindful of like foods, habits, or traditions that bind their families and communities together. ”—Booklist
"This heartwarming tale, part biography and part family tribute, beautifully showcases persistence, creativity, and the enduring legacy of a family’s delicious contribution. The richly illustrated artwork, created digitally with meticulous research into Taiwan’s culture and landscapes, truly brings the story to life. With bright, popping colors and thoughtful details, the visuals convey dynamic cityscapes, the lush valleys, and the vibrant fruits, perfectly capturing the profound emotions and shared joy the treats bring to people of all ages. The illustrations make the inventive narrative highly engaging and visually appealing for young readers, while the repetitive, alliterative elements from the jingle “Delicious, Delicious Icy Fruit” add to its appeal. This book is a great informational text that makes amazing use of alliteration and is perfect for read-alouds and makerspace activities. ”—School Library Journal
This fun and fascinating biography of a Taiwanese ice pop entrepreneur—the author's beloved grandfather—is a terrific read-aloud about inventiveness and the treats of summer.
Charlotte Cheng's grandfather always had a bag of coins rustling in his pocket. That bag carried with it "a story of joyful jingles, sultry summers, and fresh frozen fruit which began in 1965 in the lush valleys and mountains of an island called Taiwan."
This story of Agong's Icy Fruit company, from first inspired idea through experimentation to countrywide success, is a lyrical, lively, and richly illustrated read that's part biography, part family tribute, and part celebration of summer. Gather round for Icy Fruit!
Vivian Mineker is the illustrator of over a dozen picture books for children including The Road Not Taken and All Cats Welcome. She has been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Times of India, and Toons Mag. Find Vivian online at www.vivianmineker.com or on Instagram @vivian.mineker and on Twitter @vivianmineker.
View titles by Vivian Mineker
Praise
"Cheng's affectionate narrative flows naturally, marked by alliterative, elegant language. Mineker’s warmly textured illustrations rely on soft lines and bold colors. A delectably loving tribute to a pioneering entrepreneur." —Kirkus
"Strains of written music float through Mineker’s bright scenes of sweaty Taiwanese slurping happily on jewel-colored ice pops as well as through final views of Agong’s memorial service. Cheng's reminiscence may well inspire young readers of any cultural background to be mindful of like foods, habits, or traditions that bind their families and communities together. ”—Booklist
"This heartwarming tale, part biography and part family tribute, beautifully showcases persistence, creativity, and the enduring legacy of a family’s delicious contribution. The richly illustrated artwork, created digitally with meticulous research into Taiwan’s culture and landscapes, truly brings the story to life. With bright, popping colors and thoughtful details, the visuals convey dynamic cityscapes, the lush valleys, and the vibrant fruits, perfectly capturing the profound emotions and shared joy the treats bring to people of all ages. The illustrations make the inventive narrative highly engaging and visually appealing for young readers, while the repetitive, alliterative elements from the jingle “Delicious, Delicious Icy Fruit” add to its appeal. This book is a great informational text that makes amazing use of alliteration and is perfect for read-alouds and makerspace activities. ”—School Library Journal
