Smart About Chocolate: A Sweet History (Smart About History)
Smart about history Series
on Goodreads (78)
What’s inside...
Our unique, kid-friendly Smart About series continues with something for your sweet tooth! Smart About Chocolate is 'chock-full' of fun facts about the history of chocolate, from the Mayans to Milton Hershey! Kids will learn how chocolate comes from beans of the rain forest's cacao trees and how candymakers in England and Switzerland first produced the chocolate we know and love today. Includes recipes and recommendations of classic books about chocolate.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you learn about the history of chocolate from this book?
Why do you think chocolate was so important to the cultures mentioned in the book?
How has the way we make and enjoy chocolate changed over time?
What are some ways that chocolate affects our world today, besides being a tasty treat?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading the book, ask your child what they already know about chocolate to spark their interest.
Pause at interesting sections to discuss how chocolate played a role in history and how it connects to the present.
Link discussions to personal experiences, such as a family recipe involving chocolate or a visit to a chocolate store.
Encourage your child to think about how learning the history of everyday items like chocolate can offer insights into different cultures and economies.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: The book documents the journey of chocolate from its origins to modern times, showing how different cultures worked persistently to refine the process.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence in achieving goals, whether it’s perfecting a skill or completing a difficult school project.
Example Lesson: Understanding cultural significance
Explanation: Exploring how different societies, like the Mayans and Aztecs, cherished chocolate, the book illustrates the deep cultural connections and traditions around food.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be curious about and appreciate diverse cultures and their traditions, fostering a sense of global awareness.
Example Lesson: Innovative thinking
Explanation: The book highlights various innovations in the production and distribution of chocolate, showcasing human ingenuity.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to be creative and think outside the box, whether in their approach to problem-solving or in their creative endeavors.
Example Lesson: Economic Understanding
Explanation: The book touches on how chocolate became a global commodity and its impact on trade and economy, offering a simple introduction to economic concepts.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the basics of how economies function and the importance of goods and trade in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Health Awareness
Explanation: The narrative includes discussions on the health benefits and concerns regarding chocolate, promoting a balanced view on diet.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think about nutrition and making healthy food choices, balancing treats like chocolate with nourishing foods.