#2 in The Candymakers Series
The Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase
2017 by
What’s inside...
It has been a few months since the nationwide New Candy Contest, and Logan, Miles, Philip, and Daisy have returned to their regular lives. But when the winning candy bar comes down the conveyor belt at the Life is Sweet candy factory, Logan realizes something's very wrong....When the Candymaker announces that they will be going on tour to introduce the new candy bar, the four friends see this as an opportunity to make things right. But with a fifty-year-old secret revealed and stakes higher for each of them than they ever imagined, they will have to trust one another - and themselves - in order to face what lies ahead.
Why read this book
- Adventure-filled storyline keeps young readers engaged.
- Teaches teamwork and friendship values.
- Encourages creativity through intriguing chocolate-making details.
- Enhances reading skills and comprehension.
The Big Picture
- Teamwork turns impossible into possible
- Perseverance: Key to overcoming obstacles
- Honesty shapes character and outcomes
- Collaboration: Essential for success
Diversity & Representation
- Characters from diverse backgrounds shape a rich narrative.
- Promotes inclusivity through varied cultural perspectives.
- Strengthens empathy by exploring different characters' lives.
Book in series
#2
Age
8-12
Length
560 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make a person a good friend, based on the characters in the story?
How do Logan, Miles, Daisy, and Philip each handle challenges differently? Which approach do you relate to the most?
What would you have done if you were on a chase for a secret ingredient like the characters in the book?
How do the characters grow from the beginning to the end of the story? Can you think of ways you have grown recently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use examples from the book and relate them to real-life situations your child might face to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to think about the different emotions the characters experience and relate those feelings to their own experiences.
Ask your child to compare the teamwork in the book with instances where they had to work together with others, discussing the outcomes and lessons learned.
Highlight the creative problem-solving in the story, prompting your child to think of times they had to come up with unique solutions.
What parents love
Engaging adventure, stimulates curiosity and problem-solving skills.
Perfect blend of fun character dynamics and educational content.
Themes of friendship and ethics resonate well with children.
Manages to make learning about candy-making fascinating and fun.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout 'The Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase', the characters must work together to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles during their adventurous journey. Their success often hinges on their ability to collaborate and combine their strengths.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities or team sports, learning the importance of cooperation and valuing each team member's contribution to achieve a common goal.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Resilience
Explanation: The young protagonists face numerous challenges but remain determined to follow the chocolate trail. Their resilience in the face of setbacks serves as a central theme in the narrative.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance in overcoming difficulties, whether in their academic efforts, learning new skills, or dealing with personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: As the characters in the story create unique candy concoctions, they underscore the importance of creativity and thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace their imagination and innovate, whether in their play, problem-solving, or expressing themselves through art and other creative pursuits.
Example Lesson: Honesty and Integrity
Explanation: The book highlights instances where characters must choose truthfulness and moral correctness, even when it's difficult. Their decisions often lead to positive outcomes and strengthen their relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson reinforces to children the importance of being truthful and ethical in their interactions and decisions, helping to build trust and respect with others in their lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Characters in the story often step into each other's shoes, understanding different perspectives, which is crucial in resolving conflicts and strengthening friendships.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of considering others' feelings and viewpoints, fostering a more empathetic and inclusive attitude towards peers and family members.