An Orchard Novel: Ice Cream Summer
#1 in An Orchard Novel Series
What’s inside...
Four friends live and work together on a New England apple orchard in this first novel of a brand-new series about the bonds of friendship. Welcome to the Orchard! Every summer the Garrison Family Apple Orchard opens its ice cream stand and lets two kids run the show. Now it's best friends Lizzie and Sarah's turn. Then new kids Olive and Peter join their ice cream team. Sarah had big plans and she's not too happy about sharing the stand or her best friend. But a disaster at the grand opening results in a mysteriously empty cash register, these four kids have to become good friends and expert detectives before this Ice Cream Summer turns into the Worst Summer Ever.
Discussion points
What did you think about how the characters shared their summer experiences? Can you relate to any of their stories?
How does the setting in the book, an ice cream shop during summer, add to the story? Can you imagine what it smells like or sounds like?
What lessons do you think the main character learned by the end of the summer?
Which character would you like to be friends with and why?
If you could create your own ice cream flavor like the characters, what would it be and what would you name it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use descriptive language from the book to make discussions vivid and engaging. For example, talk about the textures and tastes of different ice creams.
Connect the themes of the book to your child’s personal experiences, such as their own summer adventures or favorite ice cream flavors.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them to consider what different characters might have done in various situations.
Motivate your child to use their imagination by asking them to think up their own additional chapter to the story.
Discuss the importance of friendship and sharing, as portrayed in the book, and relate it to your child’s interactions with their friends.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family and community
Explanation: In 'An Orchard Novel: Ice Cream Summer', the protagonist navigates the challenges and adventures of summer with the support of family and friends, emphasizing collaboration and mutual support.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and rely on their own family and community, understanding the value of working together and supporting each other in daily activities.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and personal growth
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters take on tasks that require commitment and hard work, highlighting the rewards of responsibility and self-improvement.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to undertake their own responsibilities, whether in their chores, schoolwork, or in interpersonal relationships, fostering a sense of achievement and maturity.
Example Lesson: Creative problem-solving
Explanation: The characters often encounter problems that they solve through creative and collaborative thinking, demonstrating the effectiveness of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children can apply creative thinking to overcome obstacles they face in school or in social settings, promoting innovative thinking and resilience.
Example Lesson: The joy of learning
Explanation: The book encourages exploring new information and skills, particularly around the science and history of ice cream, making learning a fun and integral part of the story.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore learning in all forms, whether academic or hobby-related, instilling a lifelong love of knowledge and discovery.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters show empathy toward each other's struggles and differences, which helps in resolving conflicts and fostering friendships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of empathy in their everyday interactions and aids in developing strong, supportive relationships with peers.