Cocoa Magic

In a cozy 1920s chocolate shop, the special ingredients in each perfect treat are empathy, generosity, and thoughtful acts of kindness. Eight-year-old Daniel cherishes the hour he spends every morning helping his Great-Uncle Lewis in his chocolate shop. They mix, temper, pour, and mold. Its magic, my boy, Uncle Lewis says. And Daniel agrees. When a new girl named Sarah joins his class, Daniel sees how lonely she is and begins sneaking chocolates into her desk. Seeing Sarah light up after each treat is wonderfulbut then Daniel starts noticing other classmates with troubles. Soon he is hiding more and more chocolates until the exciting day when everyone in class receives one, even the teacher! The best part is, no one knows its him. But then, when Daniel is the one feeling sad and alone, who will know to comfort him? In Cocoa Magic, Gabrielle Grimards rich and nostalgic illustrations transport readers to a cozy 1920s chocolate shop and a stiff brick schoolhouse that somehow learns to be warm as well. In her text and her closing authors note, clinical social worker Sandra Bradley celebrates the wonders that happen when someone meets another persons need to be seen and understoodeven through the smallest act of kindness. Chocolates bring togethernessand magicto a 1920s Prince Edward Island school Bradley crafts a story laced with empathy and kindness. Grimards soft, mixed-media illustrations evoke a sense of coziness Endpapers mimic a box of chocolatesa delicious touchSweet as sugar.Kirkus Reviews