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The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop #1
The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop
Welcome to the most magical house in London.
Oz and Lily's family have inherited it, together with the mysterious shop downstairs. Long ago, its famous chocolate-makers were clever sorcerers. Now evil villains are hunting the secret of their greatest recipe. The terrifying power of this magic chocolate could destroy the world.
The children are swept into a thrilling battle, helped by an invisible cat, a talking rat and the ghost of an elephant.
Oz and Lily's family have inherited it, together with the mysterious shop downstairs. Long ago, its famous chocolate-makers were clever sorcerers. Now evil villains are hunting the secret of their greatest recipe. The terrifying power of this magic chocolate could destroy the world.
The children are swept into a thrilling battle, helped by an invisible cat, a talking rat and the ghost of an elephant.
290 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2012
90 people are currently reading
1507 people want to read
About the author
Kate Saunders
77 books447 followersKate Saunders (born 1960) was an English author, actress, and journalist. The daughter of the early public relations advocate Basil Saunders and his journalist wife Betty (née Smith), Saunders has worked for newspapers and magazines in the UK, including The Sunday Times, Sunday Express, Daily Telegraph, She, and Cosmopolitan.
She has also been a regular contributor to radio and television, with appearances on the Radio 4 programs Woman's Hour, Start the Week, and Kaleidoscope. She was, with Sandi Toksvig, a guest on the first episode of the long-running news quiz program Have I Got News For You.
Saunders has also written multiple books for children and for adults.
She has also been a regular contributor to radio and television, with appearances on the Radio 4 programs Woman's Hour, Start the Week, and Kaleidoscope. She was, with Sandi Toksvig, a guest on the first episode of the long-running news quiz program Have I Got News For You.
Saunders has also written multiple books for children and for adults.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
June 30, 2015
Brilliant! But you better get the audio version because you absolutely must listen to Jayne Entwistle do all of the character voices in different British (and even one American) accent. You can't talk about chocolate or immortality or snobbish roses or anything in this book, really, unless you have her voice in your head. And you certainly can't say, "Demerara" or "Isidore Spoffard" without an appropriately thick accent. My kids and I totally loved it!
December 8, 2016
cute, cozy,magical adventure with talking animals. i loved demerara the cat & would definitely want her as my pet.
April 3, 2013
The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop is cute and whimsical, but also has a bit of a dark side.
It seems to me there's not a lot of murder in middle grade. If there is, then I'm totally missing it or forgetting it so it surprised me. And not exactly in the best way. I mean, sure, things end up pretty well, but I just kept thinking about how this character killed in cold blood. It was a little unsettling.
I enjoyed the characters, but it felt like I didn't really get past the surface with most of them. So, while enjoyed them, I feel like I didn't really get to know them and couldn't care about what happened to them all too much. Plus, I know she's eleven, but Lily's constant need to cry started to get to me.
I liked the story overall, but I'd been hoping for more magic chocolate. Most of the use of magic chocolate happened in the past, so it's just stories about magic chocolate instead of first-hand experience. The stories are imaginative and entertaining, yes, I just hoped it would have a bigger part in the present.
The adventures Oz and Lily get to go on are pretty great. There's everything from scuba-diving to cave dwelling to helicopter rides. Not to mention the romp around town with a giant cat.
The Nutshell: Despite the fact that my review makes it seem I didn't like The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop it was a cute, quick read. I didn't get as attached to the characters as I'd like, but the talking animals, and awesome adventures made it worth the read.
Near Miss
It seems to me there's not a lot of murder in middle grade. If there is, then I'm totally missing it or forgetting it so it surprised me. And not exactly in the best way. I mean, sure, things end up pretty well, but I just kept thinking about how this character killed in cold blood. It was a little unsettling.
I enjoyed the characters, but it felt like I didn't really get past the surface with most of them. So, while enjoyed them, I feel like I didn't really get to know them and couldn't care about what happened to them all too much. Plus, I know she's eleven, but Lily's constant need to cry started to get to me.
I liked the story overall, but I'd been hoping for more magic chocolate. Most of the use of magic chocolate happened in the past, so it's just stories about magic chocolate instead of first-hand experience. The stories are imaginative and entertaining, yes, I just hoped it would have a bigger part in the present.
The adventures Oz and Lily get to go on are pretty great. There's everything from scuba-diving to cave dwelling to helicopter rides. Not to mention the romp around town with a giant cat.
The Nutshell: Despite the fact that my review makes it seem I didn't like The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop it was a cute, quick read. I didn't get as attached to the characters as I'd like, but the talking animals, and awesome adventures made it worth the read.
Near Miss
March 14, 2013
The title is so promising, but I was disappointed overall. If you'd like to spend time with an immortal talking cat, an immortal talking rat, the ghost of a famous elephant, three magical eleven-year-olds (who had no clue they were magical until chapter two or three), and a frustrated evil genius, then this is the perfect book for you. It's insane really, which may be just what a fantasy lover is looking for. It's set in London. It's set in an old chocolate shop. It features a SECRET AGENCY dealing specifically with all things magic: ghosts, goblins, etc. The premise to this wild book starts off simply: a family inherits a house on Skittle street. The family decides to move there instead of selling. Only the two children (twins) see and hear the two magical residents of the house: a cat and rat. They learn of their family's past. There were magical triplets who ran a chocolate shop together. One turned evil and murdered his two brothers. The bad guy--the murderer--is immortal, he's still got evil plans that need to be stopped. And, of course, these two are the ONLY ones able to do it!
I like my fantasy to be a little tamer, and a lot saner! It was too much for me. But it might be just right for other readers.
I like my fantasy to be a little tamer, and a lot saner! It was too much for me. But it might be just right for other readers.
April 7, 2013
I loved this book, but I have to warn you. The title might make you think this a sweet story about a candy shop. Not so. It's got murder (yea, I know a tad disconcerting for an elementary age level book but there are no violent details) magic, international intrigue, a rather lovable villain, talking animals (including an immortal, invisible body glitter wearing cat) and dyslexia. Saunders magically weaves it all together to make an engaging, easy read.
A villain is redeemed, a young girl discovers hidden courage and the knowledge that she is more than her dyslexia and of course the world is saved - all by 11 year old children. What child wouldn't love this book? It would be an excellent choice for a classroom read aloud.
I checked this book out from the public library because I thought it might be a good title for my Mock Newbery club in the fall. Though the writing is certainly good enough for the Newbery (IMHO), it isn't eligible since Saunders is not an American author. However, I know my students will love this book and I've already ordered two copies for the library.
A villain is redeemed, a young girl discovers hidden courage and the knowledge that she is more than her dyslexia and of course the world is saved - all by 11 year old children. What child wouldn't love this book? It would be an excellent choice for a classroom read aloud.
I checked this book out from the public library because I thought it might be a good title for my Mock Newbery club in the fall. Though the writing is certainly good enough for the Newbery (IMHO), it isn't eligible since Saunders is not an American author. However, I know my students will love this book and I've already ordered two copies for the library.
February 13, 2023
I love the title of this book, it's so fun and just draws you in. The story was cute, following twin eleven year-olds as they discover the family house they moved in comes with a lot more than they bargained for.
The talking animals were funny, though the cat could be annoying at times. I liked seeing the kids explore a new world and make several friends along the way. The ending was a little sad, but not unexpected and done in a nice way. If there's a sequel, I'll be looking into it.
The talking animals were funny, though the cat could be annoying at times. I liked seeing the kids explore a new world and make several friends along the way. The ending was a little sad, but not unexpected and done in a nice way. If there's a sequel, I'll be looking into it.
February 26, 2014
I listened to this book in its Audiobook format - what a wonderful find. I had heard nothing about the book or Saunders prior, so I was completely surprised by the direction the story went in. Unlike many books, you have no idea where the story is going because it is truly an original plot with quirky and delightful characters. I have since recommended this to others, and I'll definitely be reading/listening to Lily, Oz, and Kayden's adventures again. Be warned though, there are older themes such as violence (murder, though nothing gory) and alcoholism, so those with younger readers might want to skim through it first.
June 14, 2015
I like the book, because I like the genre fiction (adventure stories). When you first look at the book you think it is just about some strange story about oddly named chocolate. It is really about kids who are finding out amazing things. In the first few chapters it was normal and mostly fascinating. Then I got to the to the engrossing part, from there I couldn't put it down. This is my favourite book from about 10 or more books I read this year. I think that it it should be a little more detailed in the settings where the characters were. In all I like this book and I will read the second one.
October 20, 2015
The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop is a really good book because it is about chocolate and mystery. If you like chocolate, talking cats, and mystery books, then this book is good for you. I loved this book because of it's twist in the story and my love for chocolate and cats. Also because at the begining of the book the author really grabs your atencion to make you want to read all of the time. The mystery keeps moving on throught the book but do they solve the case and save the boy who go kidnaped, the world may never know (unless you read the book).
July 15, 2016
Three stars may be a bit generous. This was a quick, easy read. I think it is marketed for middle grades, but I think it would appeal more to a younger reader (although there are a few themes that may be tough for younger kids). I liked the story, but it seemed to lose focus and go in many different directions. But I think kids would enjoy the magical story and I do like the message at the end- unconditional love and sacrifice.
July 23, 2015
This was a really fun audio book.
Oz and Lily's family used to own a famous chocolate shop. There was a terrible accident and all three of the great-uncles died, and with it their famous chocolates. Fast-forward to the present; Oz and Lily's family have inherited the shop, and with it, all of the family secrets. The children are thrown into a world of secrets, spells, and immortal animals. It sounds a little strange, but it makes for a great listen!
Oz and Lily's family used to own a famous chocolate shop. There was a terrible accident and all three of the great-uncles died, and with it their famous chocolates. Fast-forward to the present; Oz and Lily's family have inherited the shop, and with it, all of the family secrets. The children are thrown into a world of secrets, spells, and immortal animals. It sounds a little strange, but it makes for a great listen!
January 23, 2016
What do you get when you have three kids with magic, an immortal foe, and an irresistible invisible cat? You get The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop.
Have you ever wondered why there are so many unexplained events? Then pick up this fun read and learn about the SMU, The Secret Ministry of the Unexplained, and all the mermaids, ghosts, goblins, and witches that come along for the ride!
Have you ever wondered why there are so many unexplained events? Then pick up this fun read and learn about the SMU, The Secret Ministry of the Unexplained, and all the mermaids, ghosts, goblins, and witches that come along for the ride!
August 17, 2017
This was a cute book that I read with my son. It did have some more adult themes (fratricide, kidnappings, etc) but in the end, the killer both redeems himself and pays the ultimate sacrifice. It's done in such a light-hearted manner that it's not disturbing, but is that in itself more disturbing???
June 22, 2016
I Iiked it so much but it was not the best book ever it did not have enough adventure or exciting parts. Recommend it to some one who likes chocolate,candy,and fun crazy kids. I liked it because it was fun and crazy. I also liked it because it was about chocolate and candy I love candy.
November 11, 2015
I read it a couple of years ago and I remember it was really good especially when the evil immortal brother turns good and the end and dies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2025
Okay, this was all kinds of cute and easy to listen to. I totally dove into The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop for a specific challenge. I don't really tend to dive into children's or middle grade books but maybe I should every now and then. They keep surprising me in the best way.
Anyways, back to the book. The characters were definitely likable, and I enjoyed how they explored everything. It also had some funny moments here and there. I will admit that I wasn't expecting the ending to go down that way, so I might have to find the next book in this series. Just so I can check in and see what Oz and Lily are up to.
Anyways, back to the book. The characters were definitely likable, and I enjoyed how they explored everything. It also had some funny moments here and there. I will admit that I wasn't expecting the ending to go down that way, so I might have to find the next book in this series. Just so I can check in and see what Oz and Lily are up to.
June 17, 2017
AMAZING!! 10/10 RECOMEND!!!
May 4, 2015
Meine Meinung:
"Die genial gefährliche Unsterblichkeitsschokolade" von Kate Saunders ist ein Buch, in dem es vor Phantasie nur so wimmelt. Dabei setzt die Autorin auf altbekannte Gestalten, die in einem ganz neuen Licht gerückt werden. Zum Beispiel Kobolde, die in der U-Bahn Londons für Verwirrung sorgen und Kaffee lieben. Die man am besten mit Anti-Koboldspray verjagt.
Schon auf den ersten Seiten des Buches merkt man die Spannung, obwohl es recht witzig beginnt. Die unsichtbare Katze Demerara und die sprechende Ratte Spike sind ein wirklich herrliches Gespann. Obwohl mir Spike ja manchmal sehr leid tat, denn Demerara ist ein Diva, eine Königin, bzw. sie benimmt sich so.
Die Kinder sind auch sehr schön beschrieben und haben so ihren eigenen Charakter. Besonders schön fand ich die Veränderung die Lily im Laufe der Geschichte macht, denn aus einem schüchternen Mädchen, dass sich kaum was zu traut, wird ein wirklich taffes Mädel.
Aber auch die weiteren Charaktere entwickeln sich in der Geschichte. Ich finde das immer toll, denn so bleibt die Geschichte lebendig und man kann noch die ein oder andere Überraschung erleben.
Kate Saunders hat ihre Handlungsorte sehr schön beschrieben. Man war zum Beispiel mitten drin, wenn es unter die Straßen von London ging, konnte den Schokoladengeruch wahrnehmen. Die Atmosphäre war spürbar und es passte alles schön zusammen.
Schokolade ist mit ein großes Thema in diesem Buch und ab und zu hätte ich gerne ein Stück der köstlichen Schokolade haben wollen. Aber es hätte nicht unbedingt eine verzauberte sein müssen. Denn Unsterblichkeit hat so seine Tücken und das wird im Buch auch sehr deutlich.
Die Spannung wird genial aufgebaut und ab und zu war sie richtig hoch. Dabei legte Kate Saunders auch tolle Cliffhanger an den Enden der Kapitel. Man musste einfach weiterlesen, ein aufhören war fast nicht möglich. Bis zum Ende, wo der Leser dann noch einmal eine Überraschung erlebt.
Das Buch wird ab 10 Jahren empfohlen. Mein Sohn ist jetzt 9 Jahre und hat es geliebt. Es war für ihn genau die richtige Spannung gewesen, auch wenn es manchmal schon eher düster war. Man sollte halt schauen, wie das eigene Kind ist und ob es so richtig spannende Geschichten mag.
Kindermeinung:
Ich fand das Buch sehr spannend und manchmal ein wenig gruselig. Aber das mag ich an Büchern. Sonst wird mir so schnell langweilig. Besonders gut hat mir Spike gefallen. Das war eine tolle Ratte gewesen, die hatte auch viel von einem Spion.
Die Geschichte hat mir sehr gut gefallen und ich finde sie für Jungs auch toll zu lesen. Denn sie ist echt spannend.
Fazit:
Ein phantasievolles, spannendes und witziges Abenteuerbuch, in dem es nur so wimmelt von Phantasiegestalten. Aber auch ein Buch, dass ans Herz geht.
"Die genial gefährliche Unsterblichkeitsschokolade" von Kate Saunders ist ein Buch, in dem es vor Phantasie nur so wimmelt. Dabei setzt die Autorin auf altbekannte Gestalten, die in einem ganz neuen Licht gerückt werden. Zum Beispiel Kobolde, die in der U-Bahn Londons für Verwirrung sorgen und Kaffee lieben. Die man am besten mit Anti-Koboldspray verjagt.
Schon auf den ersten Seiten des Buches merkt man die Spannung, obwohl es recht witzig beginnt. Die unsichtbare Katze Demerara und die sprechende Ratte Spike sind ein wirklich herrliches Gespann. Obwohl mir Spike ja manchmal sehr leid tat, denn Demerara ist ein Diva, eine Königin, bzw. sie benimmt sich so.
Die Kinder sind auch sehr schön beschrieben und haben so ihren eigenen Charakter. Besonders schön fand ich die Veränderung die Lily im Laufe der Geschichte macht, denn aus einem schüchternen Mädchen, dass sich kaum was zu traut, wird ein wirklich taffes Mädel.
Aber auch die weiteren Charaktere entwickeln sich in der Geschichte. Ich finde das immer toll, denn so bleibt die Geschichte lebendig und man kann noch die ein oder andere Überraschung erleben.
Kate Saunders hat ihre Handlungsorte sehr schön beschrieben. Man war zum Beispiel mitten drin, wenn es unter die Straßen von London ging, konnte den Schokoladengeruch wahrnehmen. Die Atmosphäre war spürbar und es passte alles schön zusammen.
Schokolade ist mit ein großes Thema in diesem Buch und ab und zu hätte ich gerne ein Stück der köstlichen Schokolade haben wollen. Aber es hätte nicht unbedingt eine verzauberte sein müssen. Denn Unsterblichkeit hat so seine Tücken und das wird im Buch auch sehr deutlich.
Die Spannung wird genial aufgebaut und ab und zu war sie richtig hoch. Dabei legte Kate Saunders auch tolle Cliffhanger an den Enden der Kapitel. Man musste einfach weiterlesen, ein aufhören war fast nicht möglich. Bis zum Ende, wo der Leser dann noch einmal eine Überraschung erlebt.
Das Buch wird ab 10 Jahren empfohlen. Mein Sohn ist jetzt 9 Jahre und hat es geliebt. Es war für ihn genau die richtige Spannung gewesen, auch wenn es manchmal schon eher düster war. Man sollte halt schauen, wie das eigene Kind ist und ob es so richtig spannende Geschichten mag.
Kindermeinung:
Ich fand das Buch sehr spannend und manchmal ein wenig gruselig. Aber das mag ich an Büchern. Sonst wird mir so schnell langweilig. Besonders gut hat mir Spike gefallen. Das war eine tolle Ratte gewesen, die hatte auch viel von einem Spion.
Die Geschichte hat mir sehr gut gefallen und ich finde sie für Jungs auch toll zu lesen. Denn sie ist echt spannend.
Fazit:
Ein phantasievolles, spannendes und witziges Abenteuerbuch, in dem es nur so wimmelt von Phantasiegestalten. Aber auch ein Buch, dass ans Herz geht.
Read
June 19, 2016Partly written by another reader: Set in London. [11-yr old] Twins Oz and Lily Spoffard are thrilled when their parents, Bruce and Emily, inherit a house and long-closed chocolate shop on Skittle Street.
It originally belonged to their great great uncles, Marcel, Pierre, and the evil brother, Isadore. The uncles' father was a chocolate maker and their mother was a witch. The brothers made incredible chocolates, and it was Pierre who first figured out how to infuse magic into the chocolate. There are still some bits of magic floating around the old house, which the adults never realize, but which Oz and particularly Lily notice immediately. Before long, they meet two immortal animals in the house, Demerara the cat and Spike the rat.
It's Demerara and Spike that explain how Isadore wanted to sell an "immortality" chocolate so he could become rich, but to make it he had to use three special gold chocolate molds, one made for each brother. Pierre's-sun, Marcel's-star, and Isadore's-moon. But Pierre caught onto to Isadore's plan and hid the sun and star molds. And then Marcel's star mold was lost. Demerara introduces Oz and Lily to another 11-yr old boy, Cayden, who she gets to help the kids find the molds to keep them away from Great Uncle Isadore. And so the adventures begin!
Also, enter the SMU (Secret Ministry of the Unexplained) - who are just like the Men in Black except for magical things instead of aliens - who Demerara works for and gets the kids working for them too.
1) The kids have to scuba dive to the underwater wreck in the Thames river to find the lost star mold.
2) Uncle Isadore kidnaps Oz when he fails to snatch the mold from the kids while underwater and takes him to his underground hideout
3)Isadore explained that he had failed in his quest to win his beloved Daisy's love (she loved his brother Marcel). Isadore was sure that Daisy would have loved HIM if she had only met him first. SO NOW HE PLANS to create a time travel chocolate, go back to before Daisy met Marcel, kill his brother Marcel so she CAN'T meet him, then feed her immortality chocolate so they can be together forever.
4) Demerara accidentally swallows a magic seed that makes her grow huge. The SMU have to fix her.
///////////// 1/18/16 Am losing interest in finishing. Why? Maybe it's reading a bit too much like a movie. Not sure.
It originally belonged to their great great uncles, Marcel, Pierre, and the evil brother, Isadore. The uncles' father was a chocolate maker and their mother was a witch. The brothers made incredible chocolates, and it was Pierre who first figured out how to infuse magic into the chocolate. There are still some bits of magic floating around the old house, which the adults never realize, but which Oz and particularly Lily notice immediately. Before long, they meet two immortal animals in the house, Demerara the cat and Spike the rat.
It's Demerara and Spike that explain how Isadore wanted to sell an "immortality" chocolate so he could become rich, but to make it he had to use three special gold chocolate molds, one made for each brother. Pierre's-sun, Marcel's-star, and Isadore's-moon. But Pierre caught onto to Isadore's plan and hid the sun and star molds. And then Marcel's star mold was lost. Demerara introduces Oz and Lily to another 11-yr old boy, Cayden, who she gets to help the kids find the molds to keep them away from Great Uncle Isadore. And so the adventures begin!
Also, enter the SMU (Secret Ministry of the Unexplained) - who are just like the Men in Black except for magical things instead of aliens - who Demerara works for and gets the kids working for them too.
1) The kids have to scuba dive to the underwater wreck in the Thames river to find the lost star mold.
2) Uncle Isadore kidnaps Oz when he fails to snatch the mold from the kids while underwater and takes him to his underground hideout
3)Isadore explained that he had failed in his quest to win his beloved Daisy's love (she loved his brother Marcel). Isadore was sure that Daisy would have loved HIM if she had only met him first. SO NOW HE PLANS to create a time travel chocolate, go back to before Daisy met Marcel, kill his brother Marcel so she CAN'T meet him, then feed her immortality chocolate so they can be together forever.
4) Demerara accidentally swallows a magic seed that makes her grow huge. The SMU have to fix her.
///////////// 1/18/16 Am losing interest in finishing. Why? Maybe it's reading a bit too much like a movie. Not sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2013
The Spoffard family inherits an old chocolate shop from their late great-uncle. But it isn't just any chocolate shop and twins Lily and Oz soon find out. They have been summoned to the house by a magical, immortal talking cat and rat who work for a secret agency called SMU, the Secret Ministry of the Unexplained. They recruit Oz and Lily, because of their magical family background, and their neighbor Caydon, because he is a witch, to help stop an evil, immortal genius Isadore Spoffard. Isadore was one of the triplet Spoffard brothers. He turned evil and killed his other two brothers in 1938. Now he has an evil plot to sell his immortality chocolate to terrorists. But first he needs the chocolate molds belonging to his brothers. What follows is pure craziness. There are ghosts and goblins, an elephant ghost, secret agents everywhere, and madcap adventures. Through it all the Spoffard parents are completely clueless and unaware of what their children are doing.
I like books with magic, but I am not sure what to think about this one. On one hand I found the idea of a secret agency working to solve paranormal mysteries fun. They were very James Bond/MI6 in their set up and their adventures. On the other hand I wish this book was a little more thought out. It seemed slapped together at times; like maybe Saunders thought hey wouldn't it be cool if the cat lost all its hair here or why not have a chocolate barrier that makes rats mutate and die. Interesting ideas that didn't always fit smoothly into the story. I also found it completely unbelievable how obtuse the parents where. Their kids are basically taken away for days at a time and their are told they are at camps and such. Camps the parents had no prior knowledge of and gave no permission for their children to attend??? I think kids might like this one more than I did, but to me it was just an ok read.
I like books with magic, but I am not sure what to think about this one. On one hand I found the idea of a secret agency working to solve paranormal mysteries fun. They were very James Bond/MI6 in their set up and their adventures. On the other hand I wish this book was a little more thought out. It seemed slapped together at times; like maybe Saunders thought hey wouldn't it be cool if the cat lost all its hair here or why not have a chocolate barrier that makes rats mutate and die. Interesting ideas that didn't always fit smoothly into the story. I also found it completely unbelievable how obtuse the parents where. Their kids are basically taken away for days at a time and their are told they are at camps and such. Camps the parents had no prior knowledge of and gave no permission for their children to attend??? I think kids might like this one more than I did, but to me it was just an ok read.
July 6, 2013
You may not know it, but magic is everywhere. You go through your day never noticing it, but it’s there. Well, at least it is in The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop.
Oz and Lily didn’t know about magic either until their family arrived at 18 Skittle Street. Their dad had just inherited the property from his Uncle Pierre. A bit strange because he had never met his uncle and the house had been empty for nearly seventy years. The twins hadn’t been expecting much, but everything seemed perfectly intriguing once they got there. The house was large and homey, with a terrific backyard, and the workshop where the, once famous, Spoffard confections had been made still smelled of chocolate. There seemed to be a cat (something Lily had always wanted); maybe the same one in the photograph of Great Uncle Pierre if that could be possible. The electricity was still on. Incredibly, the house was everything they could possibly want or need and so the family moved in.
In their first night at the house Oz and Lily learn they have been brought there for a reason. They are the only ones able to keep Isadore Spoffard from selling Immortality Chocolate to the terrorist group known as the Schmertz Gang eager to take over the world. Recruited by Demerara – indeed the exact same cat in the seventy year old photograph, the twins join the Secret Ministry of the Unexplained, a division of M16 (of 007 fame.) The SMU polices the misuse of magic to help maintain the world’s equilibrium. Right now that balance in teetering on the edge. You’ll have to read The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop to discover how it the plots and plans “unmold.” You’ll be smiling through every page.
Oz and Lily didn’t know about magic either until their family arrived at 18 Skittle Street. Their dad had just inherited the property from his Uncle Pierre. A bit strange because he had never met his uncle and the house had been empty for nearly seventy years. The twins hadn’t been expecting much, but everything seemed perfectly intriguing once they got there. The house was large and homey, with a terrific backyard, and the workshop where the, once famous, Spoffard confections had been made still smelled of chocolate. There seemed to be a cat (something Lily had always wanted); maybe the same one in the photograph of Great Uncle Pierre if that could be possible. The electricity was still on. Incredibly, the house was everything they could possibly want or need and so the family moved in.
In their first night at the house Oz and Lily learn they have been brought there for a reason. They are the only ones able to keep Isadore Spoffard from selling Immortality Chocolate to the terrorist group known as the Schmertz Gang eager to take over the world. Recruited by Demerara – indeed the exact same cat in the seventy year old photograph, the twins join the Secret Ministry of the Unexplained, a division of M16 (of 007 fame.) The SMU polices the misuse of magic to help maintain the world’s equilibrium. Right now that balance in teetering on the edge. You’ll have to read The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop to discover how it the plots and plans “unmold.” You’ll be smiling through every page.
January 21, 2017
I read this book with my young daughter and we enjoyed it. Our biggest complaint is that the book is sexist to girls. There are three children leads. The two boy leads are confident and competent; the girl, however, has a learning disability, is always fearful, and cries a lot. Ultimately, she does begin to overcome these issues - but her limitations are constant focus in the book, whereas the boys are presented as pretty much infallible. The constantly singling out the girl as being bad in school, scared, and crying really annoyed my daughter. I had to skip passages of this when reading it to her as this was such a big part of the book. It's okay to have female characters have obstacles to overcome, but it is not okay to only present the female characters as having these issues. For instance, it would be better if the girl lead could have the learning disability and one of the male leads have the fear and confidence issues (or vice versa).
There are whimsical supporting characters and scenarios that make the book a fun read. The adventures the kids have are rather flat and are entirely directed by adults. So one doesn't get the sense that kids were active participants in their stories and their characters don't develop as a result. I think it was unnecessary and inappropriate for the age group [SPOILER FOLLOWS] for the villain to be a genocidal murderer as he kills his family members by arranging a train accident killing many other innocents. Committing such horrible crimes makes his supposed redemption at the end seem hollow.
This book did have a lot of fun elements, but it's flaws make it hard to recommend.
There are whimsical supporting characters and scenarios that make the book a fun read. The adventures the kids have are rather flat and are entirely directed by adults. So one doesn't get the sense that kids were active participants in their stories and their characters don't develop as a result. I think it was unnecessary and inappropriate for the age group [SPOILER FOLLOWS] for the villain to be a genocidal murderer as he kills his family members by arranging a train accident killing many other innocents. Committing such horrible crimes makes his supposed redemption at the end seem hollow.
This book did have a lot of fun elements, but it's flaws make it hard to recommend.
June 22, 2013
I had such high hopes for this story. Great cover picturing a curiously grinning cat; most interesting premise with an inherited, but long empty and mysterious chocolate shop; chocolates that do strange things; plus magic just oozing from every corner and each strange animal inhabitant that appears- and disappears. And it all happens in London where many magical stories take place. The first part introduced me to the major characters and I thought it would take off from there – I was hoping...and hoping...but for me, it just didn’t seem to do that.
Yes, I did read the whole story, but the more I read, the less and less I enjoyed it. In hindsight, it seemed to me that an English prof. gave a creative fantasy story assignment with some parameters: make chocolate the main subject, along with some magic. It also must include this hodge-podge of random stuff: parents acting oddly; Nazis; immortality; atonement; Jamaica, Tower of London; violins; pregnancy, mauve….and more random stuff. And oh yes, it must be 300 pages.
My first clue should have been the only five reviews (4-5stars) on both amazon, and only one on goodreads. I hoped for so much more, a really engrossing fantasy fun read that I could recommend to the elementary age students I read to, and share books with.
I think some might really like this book, and I would certainly encourage it if a kid thought it looked fun. I know that some books hit the mark for some and not others. The Whizz Pop just Fizzled Flat for me, but
I am happy to donate it to my grandkids' school library.
Yes, I did read the whole story, but the more I read, the less and less I enjoyed it. In hindsight, it seemed to me that an English prof. gave a creative fantasy story assignment with some parameters: make chocolate the main subject, along with some magic. It also must include this hodge-podge of random stuff: parents acting oddly; Nazis; immortality; atonement; Jamaica, Tower of London; violins; pregnancy, mauve….and more random stuff. And oh yes, it must be 300 pages.
My first clue should have been the only five reviews (4-5stars) on both amazon, and only one on goodreads. I hoped for so much more, a really engrossing fantasy fun read that I could recommend to the elementary age students I read to, and share books with.
I think some might really like this book, and I would certainly encourage it if a kid thought it looked fun. I know that some books hit the mark for some and not others. The Whizz Pop just Fizzled Flat for me, but
I am happy to donate it to my grandkids' school library.
April 10, 2013
Background: Lily and Oz's family has just inherited an old house on Skittle Street out of the blue. It is a strange matter, because the house used to be owned by a long dead uncle who what a famous chocolate maker. Lily and Oz realize that the house is more than it seems, it is magic, and they must help an immortal rat and cat keep their evil immortal uncle away from them and the family.
Review: There was a lot going on in the book, so many magical people, places and things, and it was a little hard to keep track of at first, but this audiobook was adorable. I was laughing out loud in my car through the whole thing and the end even brought a tear to my eye. Lily and Oz play off one another well and their magical pets are hilarious, especially the cat, she is a trip!
The plot had great flow and I wanted to keep listening to it to find out who was behind some of the drama. I think that for young readers and listeners this would be a wonderful book. I really enjoyed myself while listening to it.
Review: There was a lot going on in the book, so many magical people, places and things, and it was a little hard to keep track of at first, but this audiobook was adorable. I was laughing out loud in my car through the whole thing and the end even brought a tear to my eye. Lily and Oz play off one another well and their magical pets are hilarious, especially the cat, she is a trip!
The plot had great flow and I wanted to keep listening to it to find out who was behind some of the drama. I think that for young readers and listeners this would be a wonderful book. I really enjoyed myself while listening to it.
August 20, 2013
I really liked this one! Magic, adventure, kidnapping, talking animals and chocolate too! Twins Oz and Lily are thrilled when their parents inherit a house and long-closed chocolate shop on Skittle Street. It originally belonged to their great great uncles, who made incredible chocolates, which, it turns out, were infused with magic. There are still some bits of magic floating around the old house, which the adults never realize, but which Oz and particularly Lily notice immediately. The twins soon find themselves in the midst of a quest to find a missing artifact that is of great importance to not only their family but to the safety of the world as we know it. Both the bad and the good guys need their help to find it, and Oz and Lily are thrown into a series of adventures. I listened to this one, and the narrator (Jayne Entwistle) is amazing. I highly recommend the audio version.
August 29, 2013
The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop proved to be a fun and engaging read. It had all the elements of a great story with likable characters, even the villian evoked emotion.
There is a lot to like about this book.
1. The setting - who doesn't love a book set in London?
2. The magic. This story is about magic, but it is woven into a realistic world. Some people have magic, but most don't.
3. The villian. Isadore is a bad guy - he's done terrible things, but...(I don't want this to be a spoiler so I plead the fifth.)
4. The characters. Lily and Oz, Cayden and Alan, even Isadore. They are all likable and well developed.
Overall, this is a clever and fun book. A must read for fans of magic and adventure.
There is a lot to like about this book.
1. The setting - who doesn't love a book set in London?
2. The magic. This story is about magic, but it is woven into a realistic world. Some people have magic, but most don't.
3. The villian. Isadore is a bad guy - he's done terrible things, but...(I don't want this to be a spoiler so I plead the fifth.)
4. The characters. Lily and Oz, Cayden and Alan, even Isadore. They are all likable and well developed.
Overall, this is a clever and fun book. A must read for fans of magic and adventure.
September 22, 2013
Maybe this is because of when I am reading this book, but I was going along enjoying a great fantasy when I was brought up short. The bad guys in this book are a group of terrorists planning an attack in London. Does this go along with talking cats and magical chocolate recipes? The sad thing is that I think the answer is yes. That is how much the world has changed, and not in a good way.
Ultimately I did enjoy this book. And I think that many children who enjoy fantasy will like the references to magic. I know that London has been the site of too many terrorist attacks and that the author lives in London. I do wonder if London children these days fantasize about a magical police force that works to keep them safe. How horribly sad if they do.
Ultimately I did enjoy this book. And I think that many children who enjoy fantasy will like the references to magic. I know that London has been the site of too many terrorist attacks and that the author lives in London. I do wonder if London children these days fantasize about a magical police force that works to keep them safe. How horribly sad if they do.
March 17, 2015
We listened to this as a family and it was wonderful. The reader was super and I would absolutely listen to another book read by her. The story was terrific, too. I thought it was just going to be some light magic and humor, but it ended up being such a bigger story with a beautiful ending that, as usual, left me teary. My hard hearted children, for once, also agreed that it was sad but happy and just right. I especially enjoyed every scene with the evil uncle, who turned out to be a not very adept kidnapper and delighted by getting to know his nephew and peek into the modern world. An all around charmer-definitely recommend-especially if your family is driving anywhere for vacation this summer!
April 8, 2013
I wanted there to be more whimsy! More chocolate! More magic! Lily and Oz move to this cool old house that their ancestors used to live in and make and sell chocolate out of.
Lily and Oz quickly find out that they can use and make magic from an old immortal cat and rat and that they have a very magical heritage. Chaos ensues and it's up to Lily, Oz and their new friend Camden to save the day...
I really was looking for more in this book... for ones like this, I ask myself "is my imagination working overtime to create images? How wonderful would this be as a movie?" and in this case, I kept trying to picture it as a movie and it was ho hum... at best.
Lily and Oz quickly find out that they can use and make magic from an old immortal cat and rat and that they have a very magical heritage. Chaos ensues and it's up to Lily, Oz and their new friend Camden to save the day...
I really was looking for more in this book... for ones like this, I ask myself "is my imagination working overtime to create images? How wonderful would this be as a movie?" and in this case, I kept trying to picture it as a movie and it was ho hum... at best.
February 5, 2014
I just really, really didn't like it. I was expecting way too much from it... I had the story all played out in my head. The kids would move into a new place which used to be a chocolate shop and the whole place turns out to be magical. So sweet and fun, with maybe a mystery thrown in.
But... no. I got less and less interested in the story as it went on, and MY GOODNESS! Could they have mentioned alcohol and being drunk or sober more?!?! I think not. Why does that belong in a book for elementary readers?!? And it was too violent for me. A story can be exciting without guns and killing.
I needed more innocence, happiness, and Willy Wonka in this story! Bummer. :(
But... no. I got less and less interested in the story as it went on, and MY GOODNESS! Could they have mentioned alcohol and being drunk or sober more?!?! I think not. Why does that belong in a book for elementary readers?!? And it was too violent for me. A story can be exciting without guns and killing.
I needed more innocence, happiness, and Willy Wonka in this story! Bummer. :(
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