Synopsis: Ingredients: a little bean that grows on a tree deep in the rainforest, a lot of history, a sprinkling of biology, a generous helping of technology, a dash of geography, a pinch of imagination, one or two recipes, some shocking facts. Add these together and what do you have? Chocolate! The amazing story of a little bean that conquered the world.

Review: As its subtitle suggests, this book tells the history of chocolate: its original discovery by the Olmec people, its development by the Aztecs, its journey to Europe thanks to Spanish explorers, its later mass production by Fry and Cadbury. Along the way, we are treated to fascinating insights into the cultures of the day, and French punctuates her account with a range of other texts: original recipes, fictionalised diary accounts, even a letter from an imaginary English pirate, who foolishly dismisses a captured cargo of beans as ‘sheep droppings’! Later chapters also provide examples of non-chronological report (Chocolate Trees) and explanation (the manufacturing process). Paul Howard’s extensive colour illustrations are excellent, adding vibrancy to each page – his reproductions of original chocolate labels and packaging were especially good to see.

Chocolate is non-fiction writing for children at its best; the author’s passion for her subject is clear on every page. The narrative voice is informative yet also extremely engaging, interacting with the reader in a tone which blends the light-hearted with the serious. The book is clearly well-researched, but what is particularly pleasing is the way French provides windows into this process of discovery. She quotes from primary sources, explains archaeological findings, and makes it clear where hard evidence gives way to speculation. All this, without sacrificing pace or clarity. The result is a text which not only informs, but also inducts young readers into the excitement of historical research itself. Nor does the author duck the ethical dilemmas surrounding chocolate manufacture. Its connection with the African slave trade, and the poor working conditions of many farmers today are both explored; the book ends with a heart-felt plea to consider buying Fairtrade and fight for global equity. Much material to prompt discussion here.

 All in all, an excellent choice of text either to add to classroom collections of quality non-fiction, or else to read aloud to the children, to get their mouths watering!

2007-09-28