Jenny, age twelve, and her brother Kevin, age eight, suddenly find themselves in a wondrous land of gigantic eagles, giants, and dragons. They have arrived at a time of unrest. After village youths pilfer some jewels from the Black Elves, they are found out and directed by the elders to return them. However, the jewels are no longer where they were hidden. The elves send wolves to harass the village sheepherders and threaten full-scale war unless they regain their rightful property.

Jenny and Kevin find themselves in the middle of the troubles. As unknown newcomers to the land, they’ve been sent to observe the Black Elves and find out how they are controlling the animals. During the children’s adventure, they meet a leprechaun, who proves to be part of the solution which involves Kevin’s appetite for chocolate chip cookies as the key.

Ages: 9-12, Grades: 4-6

Pages: 128

Available on Amazon and barnesandnoble.com

Reviews

“A tumble into an attic trunk transports a brother and sister into a mystical land where adventures await. On their journey the children learn that friendship and trust are important experiences and that treats in pockets can calm hunger pangs and do so much more. This engaging tale appeals to youth and adults alike and can be a wonderful read-aloud story to share.”

– Ila Sellingham, Retired Fourth-Grade Teacher

“K.E. Swope pours out her imagination like melted chocolate onto every sweet page. This is a captivating journey about two children lost in a strange land of mystical creatures at war. Determined to find their way back home, the siblings must conquer fears, face dangers and discover hidden strengths they never realized they possessed.”

– Melissa Ellen Norris, Poet/Author 

“What youngster would not enjoy such an adventure as Jenny and Kevin take us on? Leprechauns, secret silent communications, a magic silver wand, and missing treasure and so much more make for a delicious read. Oh, and did I mention beautiful flying dragons? Will the treasure be returned to the rightful owners? We learn about fairness and the magic of chocolate chip cookies.”

– Claire Murphy, Writer

“With Chocolate Magic, K.E. Swope delivers an enchanting tale full of magic, elves, leprechauns, and dragons, sure to delight readers!”

– Lauren O’Neill, Librarian

“This fast-paced children’s adventure story sends a charming sibling duo into a fantasy world populated by creatures worthy of Lewis Carroll and C.S. Lewis. Also, this is the best answer I’ve ever had to the question of why it’s important to put a lot of extra chips in chocolate chip cookies.”

– Pamela Bedore, Associate Professor of English, Chair, Common Curriculum Committee, University of Connecticut

About the Author

K.E. Swope was born in south central Pennsylvania in 1943. She became a teacher, but inside she remembered the road past her parent’s home and how she wished she could see what was at the other end. After teaching, she took time off for two growing boys and later became a technical writer. With her husband’s encouragement, she did follow some new roads—among others, she became a licensed soccer referee, drove a race car, and climbed the Great Wall of China. Now retired, she lives in southeastern Connecticut.

About the Illustrator

Katie Lydecker grew up in Southeastern Connecticut and was adamant that she would never settle outside a 2-hour radius from home. Life happened and now she resides in the delightfully artsy Austin, TX after a brief stint in the stunning Bay Area. She has spent the last 17 years teaching her husband that time is an unnecessary constraint and in turn, she has absorbed his unfortunate sense of humor. Their home contains big (and loud) personalities: a 6 year old who leaves both figurative and literal sparkles wherever she goes; a 3 year old who is a sponge for knowledge and snuggles; a “chatty” double-doodle who self-employs as an extremely judgey backseat driver, and an exasperated cat who really just wants everyone to know that 5 PM is and always has been dinner time.