Author Cas Lester
First published 2017
Publisher Piccadilly Press, UK
Jaz just knows that she and Nadima will be friends - they don't speak the same language but they do both speak chocolate.
Story
Jaz and Nadima are determined to be friends even though they don’t speak the same language. Nadima has just arrived from Syria and speaks no English. Jaz is delighted to have someone to sit next to and sure that she and Nadima will be friends – a friendship that begins with a piece of chocolate .
Why we chose it
A story about friendship, about old friendships and new friendships, about how friendships change as you get older and about one very special friendship, which begins with chocolate shared.
Where it came from
When working as a television producer Cas Lester met two girls taking part in a documentary who were determined to be friends even though neither spoke a word of the others language. The two girls inspired the story.
Where it went next
Do You Speak Chocolate was shortlisted for the Bangkok Book Award, Reading Rampage Leicester Book Award and Lambeth Phoenix Award.
Associated stories
Cas has written a number of books for children: the Harvey Drew series about an 11 year old boy who becomes captain of the Toxic Spew, an intergalactic waste disposal ship; the Nixie the Bad Bad Fairy books about an most unusual fairy and Wilfred the (un)Wise, stories about a wizard’s apprentice.
Author Cas Lester
First published 2017
Publisher Piccadilly Press, UK