Synopsis "Cocoa Magic (in English)"
In a cozy 1920s chocolate shop, the special ingredientsin each perfect treat are empathy, generosity, and thoughtful acts of kindness. Eight-year-old Daniel cherishes the hour he spends everymorning helping his Great-Uncle Lewis in his chocolate shop. They mix, temper, pour, and mold. "It's magic, my boy," Uncle Lewis says. And Danielagrees. When a new girl named Sarah joins his class, Daniel sees how lonely sheis and begins sneaking chocolates into her desk. Seeing Sarah light up aftereach treat is wonderful...but then Daniel starts noticing other classmates withtroubles. Soon he is hiding more and more chocolates until the exciting daywhen everyone in class receives one, even the teacher! The best part is, no oneknows it's him. But then, when Daniel is the one feeling sad and alone, whowill know to comfort him? In Cocoa Magic, Gabrielle Grimard's rich andnostalgic illustrations transport readers to a cozy 1920s chocolate shop and astiff brick schoolhouse that somehow learns to be warm as well. In her text and her closing author's note, clinicalsocial worker Sandra Bradley celebrates the wonders that happen when someonemeets another person's need to be seen and understood--even through the smallestact of kindness.
