How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest?

Thank you, Charlesbridge, for the advance reading copy.

Just one page from this book provides so much information that it will thrill the readers to read the rest!

The illustrations are amazing. The presentation is perfect. There’s so much to take from this book!

With the mention of pioneers who set out in the wilderness to explore to what they discover and suggest, the content provides on how to survive in the most extreme and challenging environments.

This book has some of the best stories and insights on the topic. It has something useful for everyone.

So well done.

One of the best reads in this section for young readers.

This was a phenomenal non-fiction picture book! Told as a story of one long journey from each location to the next, it focuses on exploring some of the most extreme places on Earth with all five senses. Each place is introduced with geographical and historical information, including famous explorers who have traveled there, followed by an explanation of what it’s like to actually be there, giving an example for each of the five senses. The use of the five senses is what really sets this book apart from others in the genre, I actually felt like I understood what it was like to travel to these places and despite being a fundamentally unadventurous person I was very excited to explore them. I also learned new things and even heard about new places I didn’t know existed! It’s clear that a lot of research and attention has gone into this book and I loved the underlying theme of taking care of our planet that offers so many unique places and experiences. I will definitely share this book with my kids and I can’t imagine a child that wouldn’t love to read it.

What a fun book! Perfect for middle elementary students. Interesting facts, neat illustrations, and just the right length. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the sneak peek in exchange for my honest opinion.

I LOVE THIS!!!!

The storytelling is amazing. I love how this book made me feel like I was there (using the 2nd POV), and combining 5 senses to describe the place is just clever 👌

This book gave just enough information about the extreme places without sugarcoating the beauty. It makes children brave, yet aware of the dangerous in that situation.

The art is jawdropping 😍😍😍😍 I love the style, color combination, layout and everything it presents.

Children will love this!!!

Synopsis (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review.)
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Don't get too comfortable. This isn't the type of book you can snuggle up with under the covers. Not even close!
You're off on the expedition of a lifetime to experience the sights, sounds, smells, feelings and tastes of the world's most extreme places.
Have you ever wondered what the buzz of the rainforest sounds like on a trek through the Amazon? Or how it would feel to experience the biting cold as you voyage across Antarctica? Or how about how chocolate would taste on Mount Everest?
From every heart-bursting sight to tummy-lurching bite, this is a truly immersive round-the-world adventure, where YOU are the explorer.

This short (64-page) book will take you around the world and explore your senses in different places on the planet. Miss Stewart-Sharpe has written many books on the planet Earth and this one did not disappoint. I will drive people (more) nuts with trivia as a result of this book: highly recommended to its target audience of kids .. and adults.
#shortbutsweetreviews

I requested this book expecting to learn how much the Everest weather would change the chocolate taste! It was an incredible experience reading the book! I showed it to my three grandsons, ages 8, 7 and 4. They love it, and the text and the drawing are just perfect. I kept thinking that it would have made me a more creative child if I had such a wonderful experience myself at their ages. I will buy the book for them and suggest it as a gift for their friends. May I suggest the book be translated into Portuguese?

What a fun and informative book. Great information. This book was fascinating to read. Unloved the ilkusteas well. They were captivating.

What a unique book. This children's book has it all. This book covers everything from tons of facts and information to a visual journey. It has everything I could think to add to a children's book.

The concept is that you are going on a journey around the world to see 12 unique spaces. I love that this book covers the globe and not just within one country or continent. The authors immerse the reader in the trek describing emotions as well as physical sensations. Each spot makes a point to call out how your senses are reacting like tasting local cuisine and talking about traditions and cultural norms during mealtime. Or how you feel in the hottest dessert climate on earth versus the deepest cave in the world.

Visually, the artwork is inviting and clever. The imagery is inviting, age-appropriate, and engaging. It adds to the story line.

I love the content. The way explorers are in bolded font to accentuate the name of important people. People of color and minorities' achievements are recognized here, as well as acknowledging when history has overlooked their accomplishments because of racism or sexism.

The end focuses on the importance of conservation and caring for our environment - a value I try to instill in my children. Further, there is a glossary of terms in the back which I always appreciate in an information-heavy book. This cultivates learning and the idea of researching past one source.

This is a book I'll definitely be purchasing in hard copy for my children and would gladly gift out to the other children in my life!

On this epic journey, young readers will learn about the explorers that came before them, survival skills, unique aspects of each destination and a wealth of exciting facts. I just loved how this book encompassed every aspect of a real-life adventure, from packing and preparations to transportation, exciting sights to see and, of course, the occasional setback.

Extreme places included in this book are wildly different from one another, reinforcing the many amazing adventures our planet has to offer. In each location, vivid descriptions help readers activate their five senses so kids can fully immerse themselves in this virtual journey. As a bonus, the author includes one extra special destination that is truly out-of-this-world wild!

Young readers and parents alike, will find this book chock full of fun and facts. You’ll definitely want to add this one to your reading list, and strap in for the trip of a lifetime!

Literally incredible! A must have! This is a one of a kind book - totally unique, and such a fun read!

This book isn’t just enjoyable for children, it is for us adults as well. The book truly takes you on a journey of a lifetime. You truly feel like you are right there at each destination! We are in awe over this book.

The story is so educational & engaging. The fact that it combines the 5 senses to describe every location is so unique, we have never seen this before!

The illustrations colorful, inviting and vivid! They really give you a sense of each location.

My family and I really enjoyed reading this book, and we can not wait to be able to get a hard copy of this book!

This was an excellent adventure story! It uses second person (you) and all five senses to really draw the reader in to the adventure and exploration of several fascinating extreme places. It's very exciting and highlights all the fascinating sights but also includes the danger one would face on such an expedition and dangers that previous explorers of that place throughout history have faced.

I found myself completely enthralled by the story. I will say it's probably not appropriate for a bedtime book for my 3rd grader which is what I had intended to read it for. My kiddo is very sensitive and hates any kind of suspense so I can imagine that this book's way of making the reader feel the danger would not result in good dreams.

The illustrations are colorful and vibrant and the text's occasionally humorous and always breathless tone balances the danger and suspense and makes for a very fun and exciting read.

I suspect that most elementary- and middle-school aged kids would love this.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for providing an early copy for review.

This book is so beautiful and so cute! The illustrations are absolutely phenomenal and the text is scattered throughout the page to make it exciting and engaging. Each page has just enough information without being overwhelming and you definitely feel smarter after reading each page! I am now planning on buying a copy for my son when he is older - and he is only five months old right now, that's how much I loved this book.

This is a really fun idea with lots of cool facts about some really intense environments and it’s interesting to imagine these environments using the different senses. It’s great for kids and adults will probably learn some things too. The illustrations are vivid and appealing and super cute. My only small issue was the constant focus on “mom and dad” and lines like “Good thing you practiced changing tires on your dad’s car”, since the book is the perspective of the reader imagining themselves going on this adventure and not everyone has the same family situation.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest? by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe - 5/5

Who wouldn't want to know how chocolate tastes on Everest? To explore different places on earth through sight, sound, smell, touch and taste this children's book is full of surprises and fun. I love the cover of this book, all the colors and the animals. It grabs your attention, and you want to take a peek. This is a fast-paced interactive read that will all any young adventure-seekers a chance to learn facts, some history and along the way.


Children's Nonfiction - Science - Travel
Available for purchase September 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Charlesbridge for the eARC.

I received a digital copy of "How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest" in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review.

"How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest" is a delightful children's book that successfully immerses young readers in a thrilling adventure. The story's clever approach of placing the child as the protagonist allows for a highly immersive and engaging reading experience. Readers will feel as though they are exploring the world's most extreme environments fostering a sense of excitement and curiosity. The topic provides a unique perspective, engaging the readers senses through imagination on every page.

As a homeschooling parent, I feel I will be reaching for this book often. The unique facts and adventure-oriented narrative helps to engage young minds in the riveting world of geography. Overall, "How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest" successfully combines immersive storytelling with educational value. It is a highly recommended book, offering both an enjoyable adventure and a chance to learn about their five senses, as well as various places on our beautiful planet.

• How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest? By Leisa Stewart Sharpe, Illustrated by Aaron Cushley
Have you ever wondered how it would be like to go on an expedition on the hottest place on earth, the Danakil depression, Ethiopia? Would you envisage yourself in the world’s deepest place, the Mariana Trench in the Western Pacific? Well, if you want to perceive, process, & imbibe the earth’s most extreme places, just dive into the pages of the book ‘How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest’ & experience the unseen world.
An unparalleled storytelling to fully captivate readers via all the senses into a riveting journey to the most thrilling places in the world. The book ‘How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest, answers questions to how chocolate tastes on a high altitude like the Everest or take a dip into the secret world of the Amazon rainforest, the longest river or the darkest , harshest place on the planet.
Readers will be surrounded by a multi-sensory experience, and all without leaving the couch. The book gives an exact account of how one would feel, hear, smell, taste & see the superlative experience of nature’s quest in the book.
The book guides its readers to pack precisely while on the adventure. It also describes the daredevil feats undertaken by Paralympians & some brave explorers. I bet the readers will be eager to go on this journey from start to finish.

The adventure guide format is so cute, and perfect for this exploration of our 5 senses! They did a great job of bringing us to different parts of the world, giving readers information on different environments, cultures and animal life. The facts are subtly threaded throughout making the reader forget their reading a non-fiction title, but the facts are interesting and could easily be used for a project or report on any of these locations. Highly recommended for any non-fiction collection.

How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest is a fantastic book full of interesting facts about some of the most extreme places on Earth (and beyond). Even as an adult I learned many new things. The illustrations are a perfect accompaniment to the text, and together they make for a very visually appealing book.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a cute book!

It highlights extreme locations around the world through the five senses. It's a colorful book for kids that helps them learn about other places as well as things like taste and smell. It's a unique and informative book that makes a nice read.

This book transports you to some of the world’s most extreme places: hottest, longest river, darkest, most magical, highest, deepest, most secret, most electric, harshest, stinkiest and coldest, as well as somewhere that’s out of this world.

It invites you to use your imagination, casting you as the explorer. You pack your bag, use different modes of transport and experience each location via your senses.

Along the way, you get to read the postcards you send your parents. Not all readers will have a mother and father they’d be sending postcards to if they were on a round the world adventure, though, so I would have preferred it if the postcards were addressed to a friend instead.

You’ll find a glossary at the end of the book for the trickier words.

The second person point of view was engaging. It brought to mind the Choose Your Own Adventures of my childhood (minus all of the choices). It’s the type of book where your learning is accidental because you’re busy enjoying the ride.

This journey through the senses hooked me by including ‘chocolate’ in the title. I was most looking forward to learning some new fun facts. Because this non fiction book reads like a story, it wasn’t as chock-a-block with facts as I had hoped but, having said that, I was more entertained than I’d expected.

Because I can’t read fun facts without sharing some, here are my top five:

A dromedary, which is a camel, can drink 50 gallons of water in three minutes. That’s 189 litres!

“When Russian priest Fedor Konyukhov flew his balloon around the world in 2016, he survived for eleven days with only half-hour naps. To keep himself awake and avoid crashing, he held a spoon between his fingers. If he dozed off, the spoon would clank onto the floor and wake him up!”

Japanese mountaineer Junko Tabei survived an avalanche before becoming the first woman to climb Everest in 1975.

Venezuela’s Catatumbo lightning “lasts around ten hours every night about 297 days a year.”

“Pablo Signoret, Rafael Bridi, and Guilherme Coury set a record when they walked a 656-foot-long slackline between two peaks of the French Alps, 10,000 feet above ground!”

The illustrations are colourful, the amount of text per page isn’t overwhelming and the layout is uncluttered.

And the answer to the question the book’s title raises? Suffice to say, the summit of Everest may be the only place on Earth you won’t see me eating chocolate.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for the opportunity to read this book.

What a great concept of a book! Educational but also so fun and colorful. I loved how it included facts, letters, speech bubbles and pages that would make you turn the book around in your hands. I would love to have this in my classroom library.

In this ode to adventurers, the author uses a journal style to provide tips surviving and exploring eleven of most extreme places on earth. Embedded in the sensorial journey via the sight, sound, smell, feel, taste and smell, are historical tidbits of each place. Some of these places are well known, but others are relatively obscure. Sure to inspire a new generation of explorers, and the illustrations will keep the pages turning. Excellent back matter.
Thank you to Charlesbridge and NetGalley for the digital arc. #HowDoesChocolateTasteonEverest

How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest is a book I need for my classroom, especially for geography. The narrator takes you on a journey to close to 30 different unusual places and explores it through the senses. I can imagine kids wanting to read this with a partner because they’ll be shouting interesting facts from across the room to each other.

I enjoyed the experience of reading this book! The artwork and sensory descriptions transport you to each of the exotic and mysterious places around the world! The information presents viewpoints for readers interested in exploring the natural world. As a biology teacher, I would love to have a copy of this in my classroom for my 9th grade students to explore! #HowDoesChocolateTasteonEverest #NetGalley

Told in a format used by alot of kids atlas books, this packs alot of infomation. The book goes through several different places and gives in depth detail in a way that feels immersive. This is done through describing how the reader's five senses would be impacted in each area. It also included several survival tips, historical facts about explorers and statistics from the trip at the end of the story. This book is bound to be a hit with younger kids who are interested in exploration.

The best thing about this book are the illustrations, but the information about the different places is also great. They illustrations are impressive, and the best part is the huge attention to detail. They're not only fantastic, but the story plot is also very nice (I wouldn't say that the vocabulary is easy for some kids) and I believe it can lead to other conversations about the world, different countries and diversity.

I want to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

This was a very fun book. I like that most of the text is in second person, speaking directly to the reader, giving an interactive feel, "your parents are expecting a post card at every stop, so you'd better pack a pen, too." It's a very good mix of learning about how to be an adventurer/ imagining you're in the extreme location and informational asides about historical explorers and geographical facts. Each location has a two page spread of introductory information and setting the scene, getting the reader to imagine being there. Then the next two page spread explores the sensory experience of being there, with five scenarios where you use your senses to hear the sled dogs, taste the raw halibut, feel the temperature plummet, smell the wet fur of the polar bear, and see the aurora. and then you're off to the next amazing location! The illustrations bring the text to life with full page, full color illustrations. This is a great book for people interested in geography or exploration, and would be a fun entry point into learning more about topics like the countries, climate and weather, or transportation.

#HowDoesChocolateTasteonEverest #NetGalley

I would have loved this as a kid! At my library there are a lot of kids that come in for new non-fiction books, and I can't wait to show them this book! It is adorable and filled with so many facts!

Cute and pretty useful. Unfortunately I don't have little kids. But I would recommend this book for educators and parents.

This is a fantastic children's book! It's like taking a thrilling global trip using just your senses. You can hear the rainforest buzz, feel the Antarctic chill, and yup, even taste chocolate on Everest – all while lounging at home. This interactive journey is packed with cool facts, history, and survival tips. If you're looking for an exciting and educational read for your young explorer, this one easily gets 4 stars!

This was a cute book for little kids. Have a lot of info in a super fun way along with pictures. Definitely something that will make kids want to explore and go on adventures!

This was such a fun, entertaining, and educational book. I loved it and learned so much. I loved the concept of going on a mission, traveling around the world, exploring all of these extreme places. It’s jam-packed with tons of facts and information, from geographical to historical. It sounds like a lot, but reading it didn’t feel overwhelming. I also loved the second-person POV because it made me feel like the main character in the story. It was extremely immersive. I felt like I was really traveling around the world (and space), experiencing all the locations. I also loved how interactive it was by using the five senses and giving descriptions of what you would see, hear, smell, taste, and touch at each location. I think kids would have a lot of fun with this book. I would’ve loved this book when I was little.

The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. I took my time reading through this story not just to soak up all the information I was receiving but to admire the gorgeous artwork. There is also a seek-and-find element with a spider, which is fun trying to find him throughout the story.

This book is more than a story; it’s an experience. It’s not only very educational but also wildly amusing and entertaining. I laughed quite a bit and enjoyed the quirky humor. Highly recommend!!!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

Wow!!! This was so good!! Read it with my 7yo and can honestly say we both learned so much. Love how not only does it talk about some really cool geographical places, gives really interesting facts, but also touches on each of the five senses so your children can get a full immersive experience. Amazing!!
Thank you to Charlesbridge publishing, Leisa Stewart-Sharpe, and to NetGalley for this advanced digital copy!

Amazing! This book takes you on an adventure around the world and more, in less than 100 pages!The perfect adventure guide for any child or adult looking for a fun way to learn about special places in the word. It engages all 5 senses and has beautiful illustrations as well. I will 100% be buying this book for the collection at my library! I can’t wait to see what this author rights next!

This book will find its reader in the nonfiction aficionado. Descriptive passages that address all the senses: smell, touch, taste, sight, and sound will help faraway places become real to the reader. Bright, beautiful images and rich, well-researched text combine to offer the informational text experience of a lifetime.

The bright, engaging middle grade nonfiction book How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest? by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe (Charlesbridge, September 2023) highlights the most extreme places around the world. With a vacation guide book feel, How Does Chocolate Taste? emphasizes what you see, smell, taste, hear, and touch when you visit the highest, best, deepest, hottest, and coldest world places, as well as how to prepare for your adventure when you’re there.

The author plays on the vacation guide book theme throughout, giving the book a fun feel. It starts with a packing list and includes cute notes home throughout. (“Dear Mom and Dad, I need a good bath!”) Each location has two spreads focused on it, including an introductory page about the place and then a second page asking the questions about the senses: “Can you feel that?”, “Can you see that?”, etc. The adventures include travels to Ethiopia (the world’s hottest place), Mount Everest (as the title suggests), Greenland, Antarctica, the Amazon, and many more. Some included places are most likely unfamiliar, such as “The World’s Most Electric Place” in Venezuela.

The colorful illustrations by Aaron Cushley add delight. The entire book becomes an adventure because of how these illustrations tie right into the narrative. I particularly like that each location has at least one beautiful spread that, for me at least, adds to the sense of amazement and the beauty of these extreme places. I also like that the author shows a group of kids having these adventures in each location. Not many kids will climb Mount Everest, but it will be fun for them to imagine themselves having these adventures or planning for future adventures.

The eager young reader could refer to How Does Chocolate Taste? for research purposes in learning about extreme places on earth (a glossary at the end will help). Or, more likely, someone will pick up the colorful book to browse it or to read it cover to cover as I did, eager to see what other extreme places on earth have been explored or are ready for someone to explore.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance review copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is book is a phenomenal journey! This nonfiction book helps us explore the world with all our senses. It worked well for both my 6 year old and 8 year old. I think it is one of those books we could go back to again and again, learning something new each time. Personally, I could just flip through this book and gain so much from the beautiful illustrations. We will definitely be putting this on our library list so we have the opportunity to read it again.

Book Review: “How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest?” by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe

Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)

In her magical book, “How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest?” author Leisa Stewart-Sharpe takes readers on an exhilarating journey to some of the world’s most extreme places. This immersive adventure invites readers to explore the sights, sounds, smells, feelings, and even tastes of these extraordinary locations. With its engaging narrative, colorful illustrations, and fascinating facts, this book is sure to captivate young readers and ignite their curiosity about the world around them.

The book promises a thrilling expedition that will transport readers to the heart of nature’s wonders, such as the rainforests of the Amazon and the icy wilderness of Antarctica. It invites readers to imagine the buzzing sounds of the rainforest, the bone-chilling cold of Antarctica, and even how chocolate would taste on Mount Everest. Each page is carefully crafted to provide a truly immersive experience, allowing readers to feel like real explorers on this round-the-world adventure.

My Thoughts

First and foremost, the cover of “How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest?” is nothing short of perfection. Its vibrant design immediately captures attention and sets the tone for the exciting journey that lies within its pages. The book’s layout is well thought out, making it easy to navigate and read. The use of colorful illustrations and playful fonts adds to the overall appeal and makes it visually engaging for young readers.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its ability to combine education with entertainment. Through its engaging narrative, young readers are introduced to a wide range of interesting facts about history, nature, and various geographical locations. This approach not only sparks curiosity but also encourages children to learn about different cultures and environments. Therefore, “How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest?” has the potential to be a favorite among aspiring young (and old) travelers.

Leisa Stewart-Sharpe has created an enchanting book that seamlessly blends imagination with knowledge. By allowing readers to step into the shoes of intrepid explorers, she ignites their sense of adventure and wonder. The book’s interactive nature makes it an ideal choice for parents, teachers, or anyone looking to engage children in an exciting learning experience.

In conclusion, “How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest?” is a captivating book that offers an immersive adventure for young readers. Its appealing design, engaging narrative, and fascinating facts make it a must-read for any child with a thirst for knowledge and a love for exploration. Leisa Stewart-Sharpe has not only created an entertaining book but also an educational tool that will inspire young minds to appreciate the beauty and diversity of our world.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

Great! Love the journal styles entries at the beginning and end, and the short letters to Mom & Dad throughout. A really creative book that's fun and informative.

"How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest?" is a perfect classroom read for upper elementary and middle school students. It's a non fiction that presents a wide range of topics with interesting facts and captivating illustrations. Perfect for early finishers, reluctant readers and kids who love reading.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. This is an excellent book of interesting facts that children and kids will like. Fun and bright pictures also help make it a fun read.

"The wild is calling. And it's getting LOUDER. There are untamed corners of our planet... corners where only the fearless tread. It's time to answer that call!"

How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest is an absolutely spectacular book! Stewart-Sharpe has created an engaging, fact-filled, and well-crafted (armchair) expedition of the world... and beyond. Written in an immersive manner that turns the reader into an explorer of incredible places, How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest is a feast for the senses.

As the reader travels from place to place, they are encouraged to experience each location with their five senses. The descriptive language used by the author pulls the reader in and makes them feel as if they are actually travelling on this fascinating journey.

The book also includes tidbits about explorers, adventurers, interesting people, travel tips, and more. It's filled with humour that will resonate with children and the pages are brimming with charming illustrations that are the perfect compliment to the storyline.

How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest is my favourite children's book from this year. Highly recommend!

Kind thanks to Charlesbridge and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy of this delightful book!

A neat book for your little adventurer. This isn’t a typical book it’s more an informational book. It’s quick and written in easily understandable language. The illustrations are nice but a little odd too.

Lots of information about various world destinations. Great for any elementary learner who is interested in travel.

What a fun adventure! This book takes readers around the world, exploring the most extreme places on Earth. Each stop shares about the history and ecology of the environment, as well as stories of explorers who ventured before you. On your immersive adventure, you’ll explore through your five senses, imagining the sounds of the Amazon, the feel of the cold in Antarctica, and the taste of chocolate on Mount Everest.

Pairing food, the senses and locations around the world is an interesting concept for a book.. Could be used just as easily in the senses section, food section or in the geography section. I can easily see libraries having different opinions on where it would suit their particular clientele best. Unique! Recommended for fourth grade and up.