Cocoa Magic

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Nov 29 2022 | Archive Date Sep 16 2022

Talking about this book? Use #CocoaMagic #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

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. 

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...



Average rating from 17 members


Featured Reviews

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!

Was this review helpful?

Coco magic- what a sweet and wonderful way to teach the littles how a small act of kindness can go a long way. I can’t wait to purchase this book for my classroom library.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

"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.

Was this review helpful?

What a beautiful book! The illustrations are stunning. The book has a great message and a unique setting. Overall, a sweet book that I think kids will really enjoy.

Was this review helpful?

I love chocolate! A book about chocolate in me up. I didn’t know what a treat I was in for though. 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.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

A chocolatey sweet, endearing and magical story of becoming aware of others’ situations, empathizing and acting with kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity. Beautiful illustrations show the coziness of a 1920s chocolate shop, the young boy’s school and how he makes friends empathetically.

Was this review helpful?

Cocoa Magic was such a heart-warming story about a young boy who works in his uncle's chocolate shop. He spreads joy to his classmates by giving them chocolate, and the joy he gives them, inspires his classmates to give back to him!

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: