Cocoa Magic

by Sandra Bradley, Gabrielle Grimard (Illustrations)

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. “It’s 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 wonderful…but 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 it’s him.

But then, when Daniel is the one feeling sad and alone, who will know to comfort him?

In Cocoa Magic, Gabrielle Grimard’s 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 author’s note, clinical social worker Sandra Bradley celebrates the wonders that happen when someone meets another person’s need to be seen and understood—even through the smallest act of kindness.

Genres: Picture Books, Food, School, Childrens, Friendship, Canada, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published November 29, 2022

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Children's book that I read to my twin boys. This is a super cute and sweet book, and this book really shows the meaning behind giving it forward. I really loved the writing in this book, but I do feel some of this book was a little wordy for small children. My boys enjoyed this book, but they did not understand when the book said the school looked "cold". They kept thinking that the use of the word "cold" meant the inside temperature of the school was cold. I had to explain what the author meant when using the word cold, but I enjoyed teaching them that words can mean different things depending on how they are used. The pictures in this book were good, and they helped to bring the story to life. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Pajama Press) or author (Sandra Bradley) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the 1920's. When Daniel is eight years old he becomes an apprentice to his uncle at his chocolate shop. He loves learning from his uncle and who doesn't love the taste of chocolate?
Mixing up the many varieties of chocolate he learns there is more than cocoa beans in chocolate. There are special ingredients in these perfect treats and they are empathy, generosity, and thoughtful acts of kindness.
When a new lonely girl joins his classroom he brings her a golden boxed delicately wrapped chocolate hidden in her desk. This not only brightens her up but brings her out of her shell ready to help others. He does this for other children day after day. His doing this shows how the magical ingredients, empathy, generosity, and thoughtful acts of kindness spreads among the whole school and teaches this to all the children.
This is a positive book for young children. The vintage illustrations are charming and visually appealing for children. Children will enjoy how happy the children are in the book which in turn will make them feel good. This would make a very nice gift for children.


Pub Date 8 Nov 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with our three year old and she asked for it a second time!

I loved how Daniel used his passion as a chocolatier to spread happiness among his friends. This story shows that with a little love, showing someone you care, makes a huge difference. He expected nothing in return, but when his friends noticed when he needed a gift.

Also, who doesn't love chocolate?

Thank you Sandra Bradley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Cocoa Magic!

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

Daniel is so thoughtful and caring and I love how children get to watch as one small act of kindness turns into everyone completing acts of kindness.

A fantastic addition to any library.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Canadian book, set in 1920s Charlottetown tells the story of a little boy who loves his great uncle's chocolate shop and begins to give small gifts of chocolate to his classmates and friends as a surprise. As the story continues he begins to see the positive impact of his gifts and one day receives gifts in return. I love that this book includes Canadian historical content, and that it shares a timeless message of the importance of giving to others and offering kindness and generosity, even to strangers. I would recommend this book to parents and teachers (Canadian and also from around the world) of children in the age 4-10 range. As a grade 3 teacher I could definitely see this book in my classroom library. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this sweet book!

[SpinsNReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nicely illustrated story with a message everyone needs to hear. How one small act of kindness can inspire the whole school to think of those around them.

We enjoyed reading the story, and my children also enjoyed pouring over the illustrations.

Thank you to Netgalley, and Publisher Spotlight for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel learns to make chocolate treats at his uncle's chocolate shop. When he notices a new girl at school is sad and lonely, he sneaks a little chocolate in a golden box into her desk. He is delighted to see that she smiles for the first time since arriving. More and more, Daniel notices that his classmates need a little special compassion, and he sneaks a chocolate of some kind into their desk before school. He thinks no one sees him. He thinks his secret is safe, until one day Daniel himself is sad and he learns that empathy and kindness are everywhere!

What an adorable book! I love how compassionate and generous Daniel is, and how he inspires others to be kind as well. He really takes the time to notice other people's feelings and does what he can to help.

The illustrations are mouth-wateringly beautiful! I want to eat up all those delicious chocolates right off the page!! I love the pretty art style and all the bright colors.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Kelly Green's Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE chocolate! But I didn’t think it was possible to love it even more. This is a magical story. set in the 19020’s, about a chocolatier and his 8-year-old apprentice Daniel. Each day, Daniel learns to make chocolate from his uncle. Together they learn that making chocolates is much more than just mixing, pouring, and following a recipe. Daniel learns that the most important special ingredient is learning about others and their feelings. Daniel builds his skills in empathy through very small acts of kindness, and soon learns the return on his efforts are priceless.

The illustrations are charming and heartfelt. The sepia toned color palette and character details bring the reader back to a simpler time. Though the tale takes place in times long past, the message is timeless.

“Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?” Henry David Thoreau

Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Pajama Press.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 1 out of 5]

Before reading this book, I read the intro to it here at Goodreads, and I will come clean with my reaction to this introduction:

First, I applaud Sandra Bradley's message about the importance of being "seen and understood." Like her, I'm a fan of acts of kindness.

However, we're not living in the 1920's. And, especially, we're not living in a world where sugar is a rare treat. Kids who encounter this book are already very likely to be eating unhealthy amounts of sugar, every meal of the day, plus snacks, plus juice boxes. Think I'm kidding?

ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(Search on "How Much Sugar Is Too Much + American Heart Association")

American kids consume 81 grams per day, equaling over 65 pounds of added sugar per year.

Surely there are better story lines to teach about kindness, story lines that don't imperil children's health.

ALSO, GOODREADERS, YOU MIGHT WISH TO READ THIS ARTICLE

"Future Surge in Diabetes Could Dramatically Impact People Under 20 in U.S."

OKAY, BACK TO THE BOOK

Right from the start I admire the skill of illustrator Gabrielle Grimard. However, many of the illustrations of the main character, Daniel, show him in a spaced-out kind of high. Sugar today, who knows which substances tomorrow? Look at his little face, from the cover all the way through to the end of this picture book.

If you've seen kids devouring their Halloween candy, and such, you can recognize that sugar high expression. Would you conflate that with happiness in life? I wouldn't.

This sure is a candy-based story. For instance, the book's hero Daniel decides to make friends with a new girl at school by... what else?... giving her candy, day after day.

The rest of the story reads (to me) like a TV commercial for "Chocolate is Magic."

ACTUALLY, CHOCOLATE CANDY IS NOT MAGIC

Most kids love candy. But eating sugary treats does not solve their problems long-term. Junk food causes problems.

I'll add this too, as someone who cares passionately about social justice: You Goodreaders might want to check out another article worth reading. From the FDA, "Fighting Diabetes' Deadly Impact on Minorities."

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this picture book is set in the 1920s, the sentiments it describes are perfect for the modern world. Great-Uncle Lewis, a chocolatier, is happy to have young Daniel help out in his shop. The eight-year-old boy has been learning about chocolate ever since he was only four, and his favorite part of the day is the morning hour he spends working with his relative while concocting sweet treats before heading off to school. After seeing how nervous and lonely Sarah, a new classmate, is, Daniel decides to bring her a chocolate wrapped in a gold box. He hides it in her desk, and then watches in delight as she finds the present. As he continues to leave chocolates in Sarah's desk, others notice, and Daniel and his uncle eventually hide chocolates in everyone's desk. Strangely, Daniel realizes that his classmates seem to be kinder to one another after these sweets. When his uncle leaves town for a conference and Daniel feels lost and lonely, his kindness is repaid by his classmates who hide a treasure trove of candy in his desk to make him feel appreciated. These sweets might not be chocolate, but they are filled with love, and they are the start of even more gift-giving across the school. With its nostalgic illustrations, created with watercolor, gouache, oil, colored pencil, and digital media, this picture book is certainly a chocolate-lover's delight and a great example of how kindness begets kindness and how one person's empathy toward another may inspire that other person to behave more empathetically toward another. A little act of kindness, whether through a smile, a word of encouragement or even a piece of chocolate, goes a long way toward making the world a better place. Readers will love seeing the 48 panels of various kinds of chocolates nestled in their paper holders on the endpapers, 24 on the front endpaper and 24 on the back one. This picture book only affirms what many of us already knew: Chocolate is magic.

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In a cozy 1920s chocolate shop, the special ingredients
in each perfect treat are empathy, generosity, and thoughtful acts of kindness."

Daniel, an eight-year-old little boy, loves helping his beloved Great-Uncle Lewis in his chocolate shop every morning. Together they make amazing chocolate creations and his uncle dubs the process magical.

A new girl named Sarah arrives at his school and she feels shy and lonely. Daniel takes note of her plight and surreptitiously begins to bring her chocolates which he embeds in tiny golden boxes. He secretly hides the boxes inside of her desk day after day. When she discovers his gifts of kindness she progressively gets happier and happier.

Daniel looks around and discovers his other classmates have difficulties too so he expands his kindness campaign to all the others in his class and even includes his teacher. How thoughtful and inclusive is that gesture from this special little boy with such a generous heart. Throughout his mission of love Daniel remains anonymous but I'm sure everyone knows who the Super Chocolatier is don't you?

Then one day Daniel feels sad and alone. To his great delight he receives a HUGE payback for all his labour of love from those around him. His spirit is immediately lifted and the wonderful gift giving spirit continues on and on because of Daniel's first small act of kindness.

The illustrations are nostalgic and perfect for that time period. It is a positive inspiring story about how one simple act can influence others to carry out thoughtful acts also. I love the story, I love the illustrations and I love chocolate. I highly, highly recommend this book.

[The Silvan Reverie | Sarah Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming story about empathy and kindness. I appreciate the simplicity of the narrative set against a charming backdrop (who doesn't love a chocolate shop?!). This is really about a young boy in class learning that small acts of kindness go a long way towards making someone's day. We all just want to be seen and Daniel learns that all it takes is one small chocolate treat tucked away in a classmate's desk to make a difference. The unlooked-for payoff at the end is that the classmates all band together later to gift Daniel a special treat in his desk when he is feeling down and needs it most. It's not really about the sugar treats but about the noticing and the gift. This narrative is lovely to read aloud, memorable, and one to revisit.

***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Publisher's Spotlight. Opinions are my own.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture book. In the 1920s, eight year old Daniel spends an hour before school each day working in his uncle's chocolate shop. When a new girl arrives, she looks nervous. The next day Daniel leaves a chocolate wrapped in her desk and continues to do so, watching as she starts to open up. Soon he notices other kids that are having bad days and leaves chocolates for them too. When his beloved uncle has to go out-of-town for a week, Daniel worries about his classmates being sad. But on the second day, he is surprised to open his desk to find sweets. A gentle story about the power of kindness and taking a moment to see how others are feeling. Wonderfully diverse group of classmates in period dress. The illustrations are calm and cozy. The endpapers feature various confections and are delectable.

[cloudy prose · Rating 4 out of 5]

soo heartwarming. a story about empathy and one child's ability to turn his understanding of another's feelings into a small act of kindness. empathy can be taught, learned, and developed. when a child imagines what it might feel like to walk in another person's shoes, they are developing empathy. they can take this one step further by thinking of a single act of kindness they can extend to the person with whom they are empathizing. empathy is just like a plant or tree, it can grow. when we extend empathy to another person, they will, in turn, find it a little bit easier to show empathy to somebody else. it's exciting to realize that one small act of kindness can start an entire movement....

[Hina Garg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Cocoa Magic with my 4-year-old daughter, and she absolutely loved it! Chocolate is always a favorite topic for kids, and this book captures its magic beautifully. The story is heartwarming and engaging, introducing delightful new words in a way that’s easy for young readers to grasp. Most importantly, it left my daughter feeling happy and cheerful, a wonderful reading experience that we both enjoyed!

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story about a boy who secretly brings chocolates to help the new girl at school feel more comfortable there. Eventually he brings secret treats for everyone in the class. When his uncle goes away and has to close the chocolate Shop for a week, the class surprises the boy with treats just for him!

[Marion Cleborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable little book about a boy and his uncle's chocolate shop. The art and setting are adorable, and the message is as sweet as the chocolate in the book. This is a great book to share with elementary school students—and chocolate lovers everywhere!

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is fine, but it's a little preachy, and I find it odd that the premise mentions that this story is set in the 1920s, since there is nothing historically specific about the book. The characters' clothing is vaguely old-timey, but that's it.

[FM Family · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about a kid working with his chocolatier uncle to make chocolates to cheer up classmates and help others to feel special. A bit on the nose with the story, but written by a social worker trying to teach kids about empathy so I’ll allow it. :) effective and yummy.

[Sandra Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written, relatable story about showing empathy using the things within our means. Also - how can you resist a story that depicts chocolate so well that you consider eating the end papers?!

[Angie Quantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story! Both sweet (as in tasty) and sweet (as in inspiring readers to do sweet things for others). Perfect for showing ways to really see how others are feeling and trying to find ways to address those feelings (empathy).

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice story about empathy and generosity. Dreamy illustrations that harken back to the time when a sweet treat was more of a rarity and would mean so much to the receiver of such a gift. It's surprising this is a recent publication, but I enjoyed the nostalgia of it.

[Cris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet book. (No pun intended.) I think the author's note summarizes the book well, "A story about chocolate and chocolate lovers. . .but it is also a story about empathy and one child's ability to turn his understanding of another's feelings into a small act of kindness."

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://www.yabookscentral.com/cocoa-...

[Lisa Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book about chocolate and being kind. Great illustrations.

[Happy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and wonderful story about the importance of empathy and the power of chocolate.🤎 A must read if you've got little kids.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book about spreading cheer.

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s magic ✨ This is a kind and beautiful story of friendship and sharing kindness. It is wonderful. May we all share more chocolate, I mean kindness.

[skcocnaH · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s so much to love about this. Just a couple include: that the boy lives with his uncle, and that small acts matter 😍