Best Storybook for Teaching PSHE and Growth Mindset in Primary Schools: Lemons to Legends

HelloLittleGenius
Jul 22
3 min read

At Hello Little Genius, we believe every child is a story in motion—growing, stretching, stumbling, and rising again. That’s exactly what Lemons to Legends is all about: a vibrant, hope-filled book that teaches children how to transform life’s “sour” moments into powerful learning opportunities.

Whether it’s facing a fear, making a mistake, or dealing with disappointment, Lemons to Legends isn’t just a storybook—it’s a character-building tool wrapped in colour, creativity, and heart. And it fits beautifully into the PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) curriculum for children aged 5–12.

What’s the Big Idea?

The phrase “When life gives you lemons…” usually ends with “…make lemonade.”But what if we could go even further? What if those sour moments made LEGENDS?

In Lemons to Legends, children meet a group of relatable characters who each face real-world challenges: feeling left out, struggling to try again after failure, or facing the pressure to get things perfect.

The story encourages problem-solving, reflection, and growth and shows children that what they do with difficulty is what truly shapes them. It's in those moments of wobble, not perfection, that they begin to become legends.

A Perfect Fit for PSHE: Learning That Lasts

Here’s how Lemons to Legends directly supports PSHE learning outcomes across Key Stages 1 and 2:

Emotional Literacy

Children explore feelings like disappointment, frustration, and nervousness in a safe, story-based context. The book gives language to emotions and models how to recognise, express, and manage them.

Resilience and Problem-Solving

Each page celebrates a moment of “trying again.” This builds understanding around resilience, coping strategies, and developing the confidence to keep going when things feel tough.

Relationships and Self-Awareness

The story gently touch on dynamics like taking turns, listening to others, and recognising when something said or done might have caused harm. These themes support stronger, kinder relationships and self-reflection.

Decision Making and Taking Responsibility

The characters experience everyday decisions—some thoughtful, some rushed—and learn from what happens next. This mirrors PSHE learning around choices, consequences, empathy, and learning from experience.

✏️ What Makes This Book Unique?

Character-led storytelling rooted in real emotional experiences children face in school, at home, and in learning environments
STEAM-friendly settings that inspire curiosity—featuring problem-solving moments in spaces like the science zone, creative areas, and hands-on learning
Growth mindset language that empowers children to reflect and reframe mistakes
Guided reflection to support whole-class discussion, journaling, or group work
A diverse and inclusive cast representing a range of learning styles, personalities, and strengths

Why “Legend”?

In Lemons to Legends, the word legend is reimagined for children:

“A person who is remembered for doing something brave, kind, or amazing.”

This gives children permission to see everyday effort, kind choices, and resilience as legendary. It shifts the spotlight away from needing to be “the best” and toward choosing character, curiosity, and courage.

How Schools and Families Can Use It

Whether you're in the classroom, a small group, or gathered at home:

Read a story a week and let it spark group discussion

Pair it with emotion check-ins or role-play scenarios

Encourage children to write about a “lemon” moment they turned around

Use the themea as a gentle way into conversations around wellbeing

Invite learners to draw or share what makes someone a legend in their eyes

Final Thoughts: Growing Stronger, Together

In a world where children are navigating so many internal and external pressures—Lemons to Legends offers something simple yet powerful: the idea that growth happens through the wobble. That setbacks aren’t shameful—they’re stepping stones.

This book helps children:

Reframe mistakes as moments of learning
Grow confidence in their choices
See themselves and others as capable of change and courage

Because in the Hello Little Genius world, every child has the potential to turn lemons into legacy.

Ready to Raise a Legend?

You can grab your copy of Lemons to Legends through [insert link here], or contact us for school bundles, PSHE-aligned reflection sheets, or live readings.