The magic of chocolate is undeniable. It has the power to captivate our senses and bring immense joy to our lives. From the moment we unwrap a chocolate bar, the sweet aroma tantalizes our noses, preparing us for the delightful experience to come. As we take our first bite, the velvety smoothness envelopes our taste buds, instantly transporting us to a state of bliss. The rich and indulgent flavors dance on our tongues, leaving behind a lingering sweetness that we crave for more. But chocolate is more than just a delicious treat.
Next, meet the picture book crone named Old Black Witch who resides in a creaky New England house that has been purchased by Nicky and his mom with the idea of upgrading it into a tea room. Small problem here, as there is already someone in residence…Old Black Witch. She is not exactly a welcoming sort of witch as she screeches:
Your kids may hum along, after hearing it as well as reciting the incantations that Hazel uses to bedevil Donald Duck, when she enchants them with this line, This is the REAL thing, kids right out of Shakespeare. Your kids may hum along, after hearing it as well as reciting the incantations that Hazel uses to bedevil Donald Duck, when she enchants them with this line, This is the REAL thing, kids right out of Shakespeare.
But chocolate is more than just a delicious treat. It holds a special place in our hearts and has the ability to make us feel better, both physically and emotionally. It is often associated with feelings of comfort, love, and happiness.
Old black qitch book
Talk to any used book shop owner who deals in children's books, and they will tell you, this is one of the most requested titles. When I first started collecting vintage kids books, I searched endlessly for it using the words. "I'm not sure what the title is but it was about this witch, and on the cover she was flying out of a plate glass window on her broomstick." Quintessential 70s for sure. Some people have blasted Old Black Witch! and its authors for the use of the word "black" in the title, but all controversies aside, you gotta love those blueberry pancakes.
Soooo, when a boy and his momma buy an old house to open a tearoom, they are shocked by what they find hiding in the chimney.
Suddenly, SQUAWK! THUMP! And down from the chimney fell a big, black mess. It was covered with cobwebs and made terrible sounds. It stumbled out of the fireplace into the room. From its long, pointed hat to its long, pointed shoes, it was covered with ashes. It was a fright. It was furious. And it was an old black witch.
You see, the two had moved into her house, and she was having none of it. That is, till they make a deal, and before you know it, the old black witch is in the kitchen cooking up a blueberry storm and foiling two would-be robbers. My son particularly goes wild when the witch turns the bad guys into toads. It's nice when man and spooky spirit can live together in harmony.
5 comments:
Hovey Vintage said.Love finding such amazing treasures! Only $2.98 -- wowzers!
Melly said.I can't imagine a better combination than a great children's book at an awesome price! I am so glad to have found both of your blogs through Design Mom. I can't wait to have a chunk of uninterrupted time to read through all your posts. What a treat that will be!
Burgin Streetman said.And I'm such a cheap skate. I consider $2.98 a lot for a book.
Thanks for reading Maddie too!
Desdemona said.Great blog, what a wonderful idea! This was actually my favorite book as a child, and I still have it, along with many others from the same series. My wonderful, doting uncle subscribed to the Parents Magazine Press for me, and all through my childhood, these fantastic books would arrive in the mail; all 3 of my own boys have grown up with them, and I plan to pass them on to my (eventual) grandchildren!
Anonymous said.This book was a gift to my sister and I from my neighbor. I believe my neighbor, Marge used to proof read for the Devlin's. She was offered the opportunity to dedicate the book, so she did, and in the original copies it is dedicated to "Susan and Chris on Halloween" I think the Devlins signed the book too, on the same page.
A great book, exceptional paintings by Wendy Devlin and a fun story. Like coming across a particular smell from your childhood that takes you back, this book does that for me. Great memories.
Another book that is really good, especially for young male readers, is "Andrew Henry's Meadow" by Doris Burn. THAT was an all time favorite. I would especially recommend it for kids that like to tinker and figure out how things work. I followed that interest and now teach others how to work with tools and their hands. Both books are great ones. Highly recommended.
Dr. Chris Erickson - Millersville University
Great blog, what a wonderful idea! This was actually my favorite book as a child, and I still have it, along with many others from the same series. My wonderful, doting uncle subscribed to the Parents Magazine Press for me, and all through my childhood, these fantastic books would arrive in the mail; all 3 of my own boys have grown up with them, and I plan to pass them on to my (eventual) grandchildren!
In fact, studies have shown that chocolate stimulates the release of endorphins, our body's natural "feel-good" chemicals. These endorphins can help to reduce stress and improve our mood, making chocolate a perfect remedy for a bad day. Furthermore, chocolate contains a compound called phenylethylamine, which is known to promote feelings of love and attraction. This may explain why chocolate is often given as a gift on special occasions or used as a romantic gesture. But the magic of chocolate extends beyond its taste and mood-enhancing properties. It has also been linked to numerous health benefits. Dark chocolate, in particular, is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect our bodies from the damaging effects of free radicals. Additionally, chocolate has been shown to have positive effects on our cardiovascular health. It can lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce the risk of heart disease. The magic of chocolate is truly remarkable. It has the power to bring joy, comfort, and even improve our health. So, the next time you indulge in a piece of chocolate, savor the moment and let its magic wash over you..
Reviews for "The Magical Chemistry of Chocolate: Exploring Flavor Profiles and Texture Sensations"
1. John - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "The Magic of Chocolate". The story line was predictable and lacked originality. The characters were one-dimensional, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The writing style was also subpar, with awkward sentence structures and excessive use of cliches. Overall, I found the book to be a tedious read that didn't live up to the hype.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I couldn't finish "The Magic of Chocolate" as it felt like a complete waste of my time. The plot was overly simplistic and lacked depth. The characters were poorly developed, and their actions were unrealistic. The writing itself was mediocre at best, with dull descriptions and repetitive phrases. I was expecting a captivating and magical tale, but instead, I found myself incredibly bored and disinterested.
3. Mark - 2 stars
"The Magic of Chocolate" didn't live up to my expectations. The story was too formulaic and predictable, following the usual tropes found in similar books. The characters felt flat and lacked any significant growth throughout the story. Additionally, the pacing was off, with unnecessary filler scenes that didn't contribute to the overall plot. Overall, I was left unsatisfied and unimpressed with this supposed magical adventure.
4. Emily - 1 star
I couldn't believe how unoriginal and cliché "The Magic of Chocolate" turned out to be. It felt like I was reading a cookie-cutter romance novel with no substance or unique elements. The dialogue was cheesy and cringe-worthy, making it difficult to take the characters seriously. The plot progression was slow, and I found myself losing interest rapidly. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating or original story.