A Chocolate Bar (How It's Made (2006-2007))

An ordinary object can have an extraordinary story when you find out how it's made. This unique series, designed to support the early science curriculum, presents everyday objects as the remarkable accomplishments of nature, science, and manufacturing they truly are. Clear, accurate facts and loads of full-color photos guide young readers through the step-by-step development of each object. Then the entire process, from raw materials through production, is summarized in a fun "Follow It Through" feature near the end of each book.

Gr. 3-5. Attractive, uncluttered layouts and smoothly flowing text present the origins of a chocolate bar, from a Ghana cocoa farm to a factory. The facts are clear and well organized; each spread shows a logical progression in the process, and sharp color photos and maps will help cement the concepts in readers' minds. A few facts about chocolate's cultural history in Central America and Europe are also included. Ridley spotlights the practice of "fair trade," but children may still need more context to understand exactly how this differs from less-enlightened business approaches. A fine resource for reports, this book may also interest browsers, who will be lured by its colorful, approachable pages. A summary of the chocolate-making process, a page of history about chocolate makers, and a glossary close this sturdy, useful title in the How It's Made series. Also suggest Robert Burleigh's Chocolate (2001). Gillian Engberg
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