The Horn Book Guide

TECHNOLOGY

Swain, Ruth Freeman , Swain, Ruth Freeman

How Sweet It Is (and Was): The History of Candy

32 pp. | Holiday | October, 2003 | Trade ISBN 0-8234-1712-3 $$16.95

(3) K-3 Illustrated by John O'Brien & John O'Brien. The history of candy, from the Romans' stuffed dates to Hershey bars, and the use of some of its ingredients such as cane sugar, honey, maple syrup, and chocolate are detailed in Swain's clear writing. O'Brien's tongue-in-cheek illustrations, such as a Roman gladiator not fighting to the death but sampling some dulcia skewered to his opponent's trident, are as satisfying as Snickers. Reading list, recipes, timeline.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey