  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 07/01/2017 Gr 3–5—Jelly and her entire family are obsessed with chocolate. After all, they live in the town of Chompton-on-de-Lyte, known as the world's biggest chocolate hub. It is no surprise then that Jelly starts to worry as local television hosts predict a Chocopocalypse during their interview with Professor Fizziwicks. Fizziwicks, currently stationed on Easter Egg Island to study an egg created by the ancient Chocolati tribe, shares news of the "cataclysmic cacao catastrophe," or the day when all chocolate will cease to exist. This event, which is forecasted to occur in six days, sends Jelly's town into a frenzy. Chocolate bars fly off store shelves, school is closed, and pandemonium ensues as the townspeople fight for the last of their beloved chocolate. As the Chocopocalypse draws near, Jelly grows increasingly suspicious of chocolate store owner Garibaldi Chocolati and her own neighbor Mrs. Bunstable. A bit of sleuthing and a late-night venture with Gran move the story along as Jelly uncovers the truth behind this mysterious end to chocolate. While most of the characters are adults, they are humorous and childish at times and will appeal to a middle grade audience. The title and subject will grab the attention of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fans, and mystery enthusiasts will also enjoy this chocolatey adventure. VERDICT A funny mystery recommended for larger collections.—Beth Parmer, New Albany Elementary Library, OH - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 09/15/2017 Callaghan constructs his chilling debut around the revelation of an ancient inscription: the disappeared Chocolati tribe predicted that all the chocolate in the world will vanish on a certain upcoming day. The prospect of such a “cataclysmic cacao catastrophe” understandably touches off widespread panic, binge eating, and riots—particularly in the town of Chompton-on-de-Lyte, a sort of British Hershey, Pennsylvania, where young Jelly Wellington anxiously watches the once ubiquitous treat vanish from every store and warehouse and wonders if the chocopocalypse will really happen. And (brace yourself), it does, as part of a scheme by Garibaldi Chocolati, owner of a local shop selling overpriced “pure” (i.e., unpalatable) artisanal chocolate, to corner the market. But Jelly turns out to be just the sort of curious, quick-thinking sleuth needed to expose the villain. Callaghan doesn’t try very hard to make his titular premise credible, but it’s definitely scary, and along with unwrapping a doughty protagonist, he offers mouthwatering evocations of chocolate’s “meltilicious chocodreaminess.” - Copyright 2017 Booklist. Loading...
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