Children will love learning how the ancient Aztecs created a special drink from the bitter beans of the cacao tree and how those beans later became the delectable treat known as chocolate. Mouth watering pictures illustrate this examination of one of the world's favorite commodities. Other topics include
• What is a commodity?
• how and where cacao beans grow
• the history of cacao cultivation and use
• Hernan Cortez and the introduction of chocolate to Europe
• Hershey, Cadbury, Lindt and other chocolatiers
• Who made the first chocolate bar and chocolate-chip cookie?
• the different ways to use cacao beans today, from food and drink to soap, suntan lotion, and moisturizers
• slavery and chocolate
Teacher's guide available.