{"product_id":"2940157974084","title":"The Jaguar and the Cacao Tree","description":"Max Hammond has a life other science-obsessed boys his age only dream of: he travels the world with his bee researcher dad and science writer mom.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen the Hammond family arrives in Guatemala to study the enigmatic stingless bees of the Maya, Max meets Itzel, a young Maya girl who introduces him to the magic and wonders of rainforest gardens and animal spirit guides. It's a world that transforms the meaning of all the science Max has ever learned--but its magic is not always benevolent.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne night, Itzel takes Max to an ancient cacao tree tended in secret deep in the jungle by an elite group of Elders. Neither Max nor Itzel are prepared for the forces they unleash when they open the pods of the sacred tree, forces that turn everything they know about the history of cacao upside down, threaten the past and future of the world's most desirable food, and, worse still, awaken two mythic beasts guarding the very DNA of cacao.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Jaguar and the Cacao Tree is Book One of the \"Max and the Code of Harvests\" series.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeatures: Includes 32 chapter illustrations and an appreciation by Dr. Allen Young, curator emeritus at the Milwaukee Public Museum and author of \"The Chocolate Tree.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eADVANCE PRAISE FOR \"THE JAGUAR AND THE CACAO TREE\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA mesmerizing, imaginative smorgasbord of facts and fantasy blended into a charming tale.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e-- Allen Young, PhD\u003cbr\u003eCurator Emeritus, Milwaukee Public Museum\u003cbr\u003eAuthor of The Chocolate Tree\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e* * *\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter reading almost every book or blog on the subject, The Jaguar and the Cacao Tree is a strong contender for the best title in the last 5 years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e-- The C-Spot.com\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e* * *\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Jaguar and the Cacao Tree takes us on a vivid trip back through time and place to re-live the ancient rituals and tales of the Maya--and the central role of cacao in their society and their lives.  It brings to life in a sensitive way all of the stories I have heard. I could not put the book down!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e-- Ed Seguine\u003cbr\u003eSeguine Cacao Cocoa \u0026amp; Chocolate Advisors \/ Guittard Chocolate Co.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e* * *\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWho would have thought the world of chocolate hid so many secrets and mysteries? Brought to life through the eyes of two remarkable children Max and Itzel, this beautifully illustrated book draws you into the magical realm of the chocolate-giving Cacao Tree and the exuberant biodiversity that surrounds it. ... Grab your detective hat and help Max and Itzel when they realize something goes terribly wrong... you'll be glad you did! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e-- Sharon Edgar Greenhill\u003cbr\u003eCo-author, Chocolate: Pathway to the Gods\u003cbr\u003eProducer, Blue Deer Productions\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e* * *\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA fantastical tale for young adults that explains, through chocolate and the sacred cacao from which it manifests, how we can preserve biodiversity and celebrate the cultures that sustain it. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e-- Simran Sethi\u003cbr\u003eAuthor of Bread, Wine, Chocolate; The Slow Loss of Foods We Love","brand":"LUCITA Publishing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47169450115312,"sku":"2940157974084","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/2940157974084_p0.jpg?v=1764137328","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/2940157974084","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}