Commentaire descriptif

Two bookworms provide lively commentary in this non-fiction story about chocolate’s main ingredient. Working backward from harvest and production, sections such as “Cocoa pods can’t form without cocoa flowers. . .” trace the stages of growth, while others show creature contributions to the cocoa plant’s success. Young readers will enjoy the expository text of the main storyline “. . . tender, new leaves on a cocoa tree, the little insects race to reach them” as much as the humorous asides of two inquisitive bookworms: “Brain-eating maggots? That’s disgusting!” Readers can speculate on the monkeys of the title, and their role in this complex system. Clear, delicate illustrations convey facts in an editorial style that suits the story structure. Peel-back corners show the cartoon worms in every spread, including the cover. While the focus is on the cocoa tree, this book can be used as an overview of plant reproduction, growth, nourishment and the interdependence of natural ecosystems. Back material includes additional information about cocoa, the rain forest and its conservation, and an author’s note.