Love like chocolate

PreS-Gr 2--End papers covered in chocolate desserts introduce a young boy about to welcome his adopted sister from Thailand. He explains that in their home, chocolate and love go together. He invites his new sister to bake with him. As the varied desserts begin to multiply, he supports her in her new family setting. He is about nine, and she is about six, so they begin to share many activities, such as soccer, blanket forts in the house, and picking berries. He tries to include her wherever he can. A year unfolds with holidays and seasons marking the passage of time. He now asks her for a favorite recipe of hers. She shares one from Thailand that they make together. The story ends with a summer party outdoors, including family and friends from many cultures. On the last page, brother and sister share s'mores around a fire pit. The little sister is wearing a traditional dress from Thailand. The strengths of the book are that the bright watercolor illustrations have a soothing quality, the interactions of the brother and sister are realistically rendered, and the desserts are inviting. While the mix of chocolate with love and adoption is a bit saccharine, it works for the intended audience. An author's note is included. VERDICT A good purchase where books on adoption, and especially international adoptions, are needed or a collection needs updating.--Elisabeth LeBris

A family welcomes a child from another culture. The older sibling describes the family's experience: "We start by helping her feel safe. We listen. We go slow. We show her how love works in our family. And in our family, love works best with chocolate." Important days (and sad ones, too) are observed with a different treat, from chocolate cake to cupcakes to hot chocolate. The younger child shares her favorite recipe, and together the family whips up "towers of Thai honey toast, mounds of chocolate mango mochi, and a castle of red velvet dreams." Inspired by the author's own family (her youngest was adopted from Thailand), the story is told from the perspective of the older sibling, leaving a missed opportunity to give voice to the adoptee's experiences; although the narrator asks the younger sister several questions (and she points out her favorite recipe in a book), she speaks only at the very end, which may suggest the time it can take for an adoptee to become comfortable in a new environment. Digitally composited watercolor artwork features an inviting mixed palette of colors that exude connection. The adoptive family presents white, while the adoptee has brown skin and curly hair; hints in text and art suggest she has a Thai background. Extended family and friends have varying skin tones and hair textures. Gentle and loving. (author's and artist's notes, recipe for Grandma Banghart's Heavenly Chocolate Sauce) (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.