Southern California author Irma L. Hersel has released a new bilingual children’s book, “Where Chocolate Grows.”

It is a story that introduces young readers to the origins of chocolate through culture, curiosity and STEM-inspired learning.

Written for children ages 4-10, the book blends English and Spanish while following Roberto, a boy who discovers that chocolate begins inside colorful cacao pods growing in tropical climates around the world.

The book includes several interactive features designed for classrooms, families and bilingual story times: a simple kid-friendly hot chocolate recipe, “Fun Facts With Midgey” (a friendly insect guide who teaches nature and cacao science), a Build-Your-Own Chocolate Bar activity page and a world map of cacao-growing regions.

Themes of family traditions, cultural heritage and natural science make the book suitable for early education, multicultural lessons and STEM integration.

“Where Chocolate Grows” follows Hersel’s first bilingual picture book, “Where Nopalitos Grow,” which continues to circulate in schools and libraries across Southern California.

Hersel’s work focuses on representing multicultural families and inspiring curiosity through science and storytelling.

More information is available at irmawrites.com and on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G1GS7MW9.