Icy Fruit: How My Grandfather Spread the Joy of Ice Pops Across Taiwan

PreS-Gr 3–This lively and lyrical story celebrates the ingenuity of one grandfather, Agong, who transformed an empty freezer into a source of widespread joy across Taiwan. Facing a changing business, Agong, in 1965, conceives the idea of refreshing frozen treats for hot and humid summers. His journey takes him to farmers for juicy dragon’s eye, crunchy star fruit, sweet guava, and spiky pineapple. Through clever experimentation, using clear plastic bags instead of sticks, he created “scrumptious fruit pops” that gleamed like jewels. To ensure his food carts were heard amidst the city’s bustle, he commissioned a joyful jingle that helped spread the treats and their catchy tune across the island by bike carts, radios, and televisions. 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.