From Cocoa Bean To Chocolate

Start to Finish, Second Series

by Robin Nelson

How does a cocoa bean turn into tasty chocolate? Follow each step in the food production cycle―from planting cocoa trees to eating a sweet treat―in this fascinating book!

Genres: Nonfiction, Food, Childrens

24 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

My four-year-old son liked this simple book about how chocolate is made. It makes a great companion to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

[CFAITC]

Using colorful photographs, the book shows how cocoa beans are grown, harvested, dried, and then processed into the products we all enjoy.

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simplistic looks at where chocolate comes from. Incorrect details make me fidget. Mashing cocoa beans does not turn them into cocoa butter. Cocoa butter is part of the bean, mashing heats up the cocoa butter in the bean and makes a paste of cocoa solids and cocoa butter called cocoa liqour. Real life pictures are nice. Although they could have picked a more vibrant picture of a cacao tree. They often have beautiful coloured pods.

[Emily Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Start to Finish series is great for kids to see where things they have everyday comes from. Cocoa Bean to Chocolate has simple text and pictures on every page describing each stage. Great for wide age group.
Informational

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great topic, well-chosen information, good photos. Each page of text is set out with one simple sentence in bold followed by 2-4 further sentences.

[Nolan Brendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it because I learned how to make chocolate.

[Carol Edholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great kids book to learn how chocolate is made.

[Pamela Hatch · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was looking for titles to include in LEARNING WITH CHOCOLATE (A Homeschool Curriculum for the Whole Family) and came across this book. For simple facts for young readers it is OK but didn't make the list. The first three pictures are stunning but the rest are only so-so. The information was presented in a dull voice. Each page of text started with a simple sentence in bold text like a chapter heading or photo subtext. The other text repeated and expanded the concept without adding much to the content.

Facts: It is easier to take shells off beans that have been roasted. Chocolate heated and mixed for several days -- mixing makes the chocolate smooth and creamy.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book series is great for kids interested in how things are made. From Cocoa Bean to Chocolate is an informational read for children that shows and explains the process of how chocolate is made. I enjoyed the book but I feel a child might enjoy it much more as the book covers the very basics of how it is made.

[Escher]

Level J - words: months, knife, paste, heated, containers

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

For young fans of "How it's Made."

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It's simply written, has great pictures, and was loved by my daughter's 1st grade class.