The Story of Cacao

Written & Illustrated by Gizela S. Thomas

How a bitter seed from the rainforest became one of the world's most beloved treats.

The Story of Cacao follows the cacao seed from the rainforests of Central America, where the Maya first harvested its pods and brewed it into a sacred drink, to the chocolate we enjoy today. Written and illustrated by hand, the book is made for curious young readers and the grown-ups who read with them. It closes with "Behind the Story" pages featuring photographs from my travels in Belize, including the caves and pottery that inspired the illustrations.

Coming November 10, 2026