Find fantastic free resources and discover new books from award-winning authors

Books

A Room Full of Chocolate

Jane Elson, Author

Imprint: Hodder Children's Books

Publication date: February 6, 2014

Category: Family & home stories (Children's / Teenage)

ISBN: 9781444916751

AS SEEN ON BBC’s THE GREAT BRITISH MENU.

***Winner of Peters Book of the Year 2015 and the Leeds Book Award.***

Grace’s fun-loving Mum has found a lump. Her north London world of sleepovers, tap dancing and playing the clarinet fall apart when she is sent to live with her grumpy old granddad on his farm in Yorkshire while her mother goes into hospital to get better.
Grace misses her mother so much it hurts, and doesn’t quite understand what is happening to her. And things go from bad to worse when she starts school and becomes the bullies’ latest target.
But Grace is no longer alone when she meets Rainbow Girl Megan and her pig, Claude – when she’s with them she feels as if she can confront anything.
At Easter time when Grace misses her mum the most, she knows she must find a way to get to London. With Megan’s help, she hatches a plan to run away that involves Claude, chocolate Easter eggs and a risky ID swap. But it’s all worth it if it means that she finally gets to see her mum …

A gorgeous story of courage and friendship that will tug at your heart strings.

‘A touching, beautifully imagined debut about a young girl coping with her mother’s cancer and her grandfather’s stubbornness. It’s atmosphere reminds me of the central relationship in Goodnight Mr Tom.’ Amanda Craig

‘At times, desperately moving, and others riotously fun, this is a special book that is destined to charm readers old and young.’ We Love This Book

‘This is a lovely tale of friendship, tenacity and family secrets.’ The Bookseller

Reviews

A real 'feel good' read... combines comedy with a cautionary note... a new author to watch.

Sonia Benster (The Children's Bookshop, Huddersfield)

A lovely story.

School Librarian

A captivating warm-hearted story

Ham & High

A truly magical story about the power of friendship in the darkest of times

@bookloverjo

I devoured the story. It's one with an important message and a book I personally think should be required at school. Delicious!

Chrissi Reads

Touching story with many light-hearted moments full of endearing, well rounded characters.

Primary Times

A lovely book about courage and friendship.

Cirencester Life

I was so excited to know what happened that I couldn't put it down.

The Guardian

I read this book in one sitting... brilliantly funny and emotional... absolutely full of adventure. * * * * *

ReadingZone

Real authenticity... beautifully written and very moving. * * * * *

Bookbag

Full of emotion and humour... I couldn't put this book down!

The Guardian

Shows just how important friendship and family are... a beautifully written book with real insight.

Parents in Touch

Jane Elson

After performing as an actress and comedy improviser, Jane fell into writing stories and plays. Her books have won many awards including Peters Book of the Year two years running. Her debut novel A Room Full of Chocolate was longlisted for the Branford Boase Award and she has twice been nominated for the Carnegie Medal.

Jane is loud and proud about her dyslexia and when not writing likes to mentor Neurodiverse young people and promote the gift of alternative thinking. She was honoured to be named as one of the top 50 Neurodivergent Women by the platform Women Beyond the Box.

Jane is an advocate for charities close to her heart such as Nacoa and All Dogs Matter – whose dog shows she has lots of fun judging!