Tutu and Zau Make Chocolate

Title: Tutu and Zazu Make Chocolate Author: Tamar Laderman Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction Target Audience: Ages 2-12 (and chocolate lovers of all ages) Keywords: Chocolate making, cacao, Hawaiʻi, family farm, Kulike Farm, nature, food education, sustainabilitySummary / Description: Full of warmth, joy, and humor, Tutu and Zazu Make Chocolate follows two lovable cacao pod characters-Tutu and Zazu-on a delightful journey through the chocolate-making process. With expressive eyes, colorful hats, and cheerful boots, they guide readers step by step: from planting cacao seeds and nurturing the trees, to harvesting, fermenting, drying, winnowing, grinding, and finally sweetening the chocolate with honey.Set on the real-life Kulike Farm in Hakalau, Hawaiʻi, the book brings the chocolate-making process to life using imaginative photo manipulation that blends real photographs with whimsical character design and the island's vibrant flora and landscape. Tutu and Zazu live on Hawaiʻi's Big Island, where they love the earth, their family, and sharing the magic of growing food.More than just a how-to, this story celebrates themes of sustainability, nature, family, and curiosity. It invites children to feel the earth, see the plants, smell the chocolate-and discover where food really comes from. Perfect for ages 2-12, this engaging nonfiction picture book combines fun, education, and cultural appreciation in a way that will captivate readers of all ages.