In the cold season, the sweetness is not only the reason why you really want to eat chocolate.
The sound of opening a package, the time it takes to melt slowly, the memories of sharing with someone.
There is more to it than taste.
The same goes for picture books.
The colors and words that spread out the moment you open the page gently awaken not only the child's heart, but also the emotions that remain in the depths of the adult.
That's why picture books depicting chocolate are special.
I can't stand it. I want to give it to someone.
The thoughts of the person who makes it. Time for those who work in distant countries.
This is because chocolate is a "story" in the form of food.
This page is the place for those looking for such chocolate picture books.
It's not just cute or learnable.
A map of how to choose a book that suits "this child now" and "who you are now".
I read and compared 42 chocolate picture books and organized them by genre.
Here, rather than evaluating each book one by one, we value "how to choose to reach the heart".
There is no right answer.
However, there is a definite difference in the aftertaste that remains after reading.
Information you need to know before choosing a chocolate-themed picture book
When you hear chocolate picture books, you tend to think that they are only for the Valentine's season. But in reality, books of completely different ages and purposes are gathered under the theme of "chocolate".
Broadly speaking, there are five genres.
Tickle the imagination Story and fantasy 。 Chasing the journey of cacao Learning and Knowledge 。 I want to move my hands after reading Recipes and practical 。 Searching, flipping, and finding Participation and experience 。 And indulge in reading alone Children's books and reading materials 。
Even in the same "chocolate picture book", a book given to a 3-year-old child and a book read by elementary school students are completely different. If the purpose is off, the book will not resonate. That's why just being aware of "what you are choosing for" at the beginning will greatly improve the accuracy of your book selection.
Introducing recommended chocolate picture books by genre|5 ways to enjoy them
(1) Chocolate story picture book|Children's imagination expands through reading
Chocolate becomes a pond, a city, or a fairy. The charm of this genre is that it is free.
For example, the nonsense of "chocolate bread". Children laugh because they don't have to think about meaning. In "Kneko no Chocolate", the feeling of succumbing to the temptation of "only one" is carefully depicted, and a small silence is created after the reading. That silence is good.
Po Chip
Po Chip
Story-based chocolate picture books are especially powerful for reading to children aged 3 to 6 years old. For children who are at a time when the words of emotion begin to increase, stories can tell them the "name of their feelings".
▶ If you want to know more about this genre, [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories] To
(2) Learn why chocolate is delicious|Picture books for children that expand the world
Chocolate is actually the entrance to social studies.
Where does cacao grow and how does it become chocolate? Who is making it? "Why chocolate is delicious" does not talk about difficult things. But it connects with the world properly. "To a Grain of Chocolate" is a book that goes beyond the framework of being for children. It's the type that adults read silently.
This genre shows its strength from the age of 5 to elementary school. The strength is that it can be handed over to children at a time when the number of "why" has increased as an entry point for food education and SDGs.
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Po Chip
▶ If you want to know more about this genre, go to [Chocolate Picture Book to Learn]
(3) Chocolate sweets recipe picture book to make together with parents and children
Picture books that change from stories to actions are memorable.
The good thing about the "Lulu and Lara's Chocolate" series is that the fact that it can be made raises children's confidence. "Guruguru Gateau Chocolat" transforms the process of making sweets into a fun movement, making it easy for adults who are not good at cooking to enter.
When you want to increase parent-child time, when you want to have a "I did it!" experience as a preparation before Valentine's Day. Recipe-based chocolate picture books are a genre that is very satisfying because there is action before reading.
Po Chip
Po Chip
▶ If you want to know more about this genre, go to [Chocolate Picture Book to Make and Enjoy]
(4) Sagashi-e-Shikake picture book series|On days when children want to concentrate or have fun quietly
Search, flip, find. Even if there are few words, this genre is highly satisfying.
"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Search Picture Book" can be established even if you don't know the original work. On the other hand, if you know, you won't stop discovering. Shikake picture books are also gorgeous in appearance, so they are easy to appreciate as gifts.
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The fun of search drawings lies in the moment when you "find it!" The experience of discovering with your own eyes has a different sense of accomplishment than the picture book you read. That's why you won't get tired of opening it no matter how many times you open it.
There is another picture book that I want children who like such "fun of searching" to know.
MY STELLA "Find it! Mysterious Sekai Ryoko" is a personalized picture book with names that appear in the story, including children's names, hairstyles, family members, and pets is. Picture books that feature not only the main character, but also dad, mom, sister, and cat are original picture books that are sure to be enjoyed by the whole family.
While adventuring through a total of 12 mysterious countries, such as the land of wizards and fairies, there is a page called "Strange Land". In a city made of chocolate and candy, he and his family are hidden. "Where's Dad?" "Oh, there was a cat!" And every time I read it, I make new discoveries.
When a child who learns the "joy of searching" from a ready-made search picture book encounters a search picture book with his name on it, the surprise and joy is a little special.
(5) Children's books and readings|A chocolate story that is worth reading in one book
"Chocolate War" is a masterpiece that surprises you, saying, "It's chocolate, but this is the story?" Justice, friendship, unreasonableness - chocolate is just an entrance, the essence is more bitter. So I can't forget it.
If your child is looking for a book that will keep them hooked on the power of stories, this genre has something to offer.
Po Chip
At what age can you read it? |How to choose a chocolate picture book for children by age
It is basic to choose by genre, but the "resonant points" change depending on age. Please use this as a guideline when in doubt.
0-2 years old A book with clear colors, few words, and a rhythm that can be enjoyed. Even if you don't know the "meaning" of chocolate yet, there are works that attract you only by the power of painting.
3-5 years old A book with a narrative. The repetitive composition, the development that can be sympathized with, "I understand!", captures the hearts of children at this time. It is also the age group that responds the most when reading aloud.
6 years old to elementary school students A book that overlaps knowledge and stories. You can create, you can think about it, and you can connect with the world——。 Children of this age can discover for themselves that chocolate picture books are not "just sweet books".
▶ If you want to see more recommendations for each age, go to [Chocolate Picture Book Recommendation Guide by Age]
The choice of giving a chocolate picture book for Valentine's Day|A gift for someone you love
The chocolate melts. But the picture book remains.
Time to read together. Memories made. Laughing page. People who choose picture books for Valentine's Day may be in the minority. But it will be the "unforgettable side".
A book that is suitable for reading, a book that is easy to wrap as a gift, and a book that goes well with Valentine's Day even if the chocolate does not come out——。 There are a few tips on how to choose according to the season.
▶ How to choose for Valentine's Day [Valentine× Chocolate Picture Book Guide]
For those of you who can't decide on a recommended chocolate picture book|How to find your favorite one book
I'll be honest. Even if you read this far, I think it will be difficult to narrow it down to one book.
That's fine.
Chocolate picture books are not "books that guess the correct answer", but "books that reflect the present". Your current age, your current mood, and who you read with now - that alone will change the book you choose.
If you want to think a little more deeply about "how to choose itself", there is also a page that summarizes the reasons why you don't choose based on age alone and whether adults can endure reading it.
▶ If you want to dig deeper into how to choose, go to [How to choose a chocolate picture book]
What lies beyond the fun of choosing an ehon|Only one story in a world where both adults and children can meet
There are many wonderful chocolate picture books in the world.
After reading and comparing the 42 works, I still think that there is no "perfect book". However, there is always a book that suits this child.
Time to choose is fun. I would like to tell you a little that there is another option.
An experience called "personalized picture books" in which names, birthdays, and family names enter the story. The imagination nurtured by ready-made picture books will naturally lead to the new experience of "a story in which you become the main character".
After reading many stories, there is only one story in the world. There is such an option somewhere in my heart.
