Cocoa Ice facts for kids
Cocoa Ice is a special children's book written by Diana Appelbaum and beautifully illustrated by Holly Meade. It was first published in 1997 by Orchard Books.
This book tells two exciting stories at the same time, showing how different lives can be connected. It's about two young girls who live in very different parts of the world but share a common link through a trading ship from the 1870s. Both girls enjoy their own unique versions of "cocoa ice," even though they live far apart.
Contents
Two Worlds, One Story
Cocoa Ice takes readers on a journey between two very different places: the chilly state of Maine in the United States and the warm, tropical island of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. The story shows how people and goods were connected across long distances more than a hundred years ago.
Life in Maine: Harvesting Ice
In Maine, one of the main characters is a young girl who lives in a place where winters are very cold. During these cold months, people used to harvest ice from frozen rivers and lakes. This was a big job! Workers would cut large blocks of ice and store them in special ice houses. This ice was then used throughout the year to keep food cool, make cold drinks, or even create frozen treats. For the girl in Maine, "cocoa ice" might mean a refreshing drink made with cocoa powder and the ice harvested from her local river.
Life in Santo Domingo: Growing Cocoa
Meanwhile, in Santo Domingo, another young girl lives in a much warmer climate. Her home is surrounded by cocoa trees, where cocoa beans are grown. Cocoa beans are the main ingredient for making chocolate and cocoa powder. Growing cocoa is a careful process that involves harvesting the pods, fermenting the beans, and then drying them in the sun. For the girl in Santo Domingo, "cocoa ice" might be a delicious, cool treat made directly from the fresh cocoa beans, or perhaps a sweet, icy drink.
The Trading Schooner: A Special Connection
The two girls' lives are connected by an 1870s Yankee trading schooner. A schooner is a type of sailing ship with two or more masts. In the 1870s, these ships were very important for moving goods around the world. A "Yankee trading schooner" means it was likely from New England in the United States, carrying goods for trade.
This particular schooner would travel from Maine, possibly carrying blocks of ice, to places like Santo Domingo. On its return journey, it would bring back tropical goods, including cocoa beans. The captain of the ship acts as a link, bringing the worlds of the two girls together. This shows how trade helped people in different parts of the world get things they couldn't produce themselves.
Awards and Recognition
Cocoa Ice has been recognized for its wonderful storytelling and illustrations. It received an honor from the Lupine Award in 1997, given by the Maine Library Association. This award celebrates books that highlight the spirit and culture of Maine.
