The Parable of the Chocolate Chips

by Sharon G. Larsen

A parable can be a memorable way to teach a spiritual truth, as demonstrated by author Sharon Larsen, former couselor in the Young Women general presidency for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this fictitous be true-to-life story, a young princess discovers that the little choices we make every day are often more important than we think. Any decision can weaken our resolve to follow the straight and narrow path. Illustrated by Howard Fullmer, this timely message is a model for overcoming our own challenges and temptations.

Genres: Religion, Church

40 pages, Hardcover

First published July 30, 2008

Reviews

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this message was presented!
Without lecturing the author shows just how cunning the devil is.
Her story explains how little by little we can be led to do his will.
We must be ever so careful!
Everyone needs to read this book-

[Nicole Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story about how easily Satan gets us to stray from the straight & narrow path. Great for kids. Easy read.

[Ellen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short and well-intentioned, yet I did not care for this story. It was preachy and guilt-inducing. I’m sorry.

[Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book clearly explains the competition between right and wrong and between their eternal leaders on the earth in a very delightful and straightforward way. It is intended for teenagers but could be read and enjoyed by elementary students (23 very small pages) and even shared with pre-schoolers. It is an outgrowth of fireside presentations for Young Women, most of whom most likely already understand the lesson taught, but the approach is so appealing that it can be an excellent reinforcing reminder. Emphasis on the chocolate is one way to attract the interest of Young Men.

[Anita · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting analogy, but what bothered me was that she seemed to be equating the chocolate cake with sex (or that was a logical conclusion that could be made from the book), and so the analogy didn't work for me throughout since the chocolate cake was a lifelong horrible forbidden thing. At first I was excited to share this with my kids but I'm going to return it to the library instead.

[Breena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick read and perfect for a family home evening lesson. I sat down to read it and ended up reading the whole thing out loud to my children. It is a beautiful parable about chocolate chips (lol), or more accurately, about chocolate cake. This provides a wonderful segue into many teaching topics.

[Megan B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really impressed with this. Kinley kept saying. "wow, this is really interesting." Excellent message about avoiding the gray areas in life, particularly regarding the Word of Wisdom. Good illustrations, and we always love a good, heroic princess story. I own it if you'd like to borrow it.

[Brittany Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story. Good for teenage girls. I would love to read this story to my sisters and make some chocolate chip cookies & chocolate cake. There are many analogies that would work with this book. You could have a great discussion after and a good teaching moment.

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great parrable that teaches how small choices affect larger choices. Kind of like the whole "frog in the boiling water..."it's usually not a large choice that gets you in trouble but rather series of small choices leading up to trouble. Great lesson :).

[Mashell · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this for FHE. The kids LOVED it and I am amazed at how many times they have drawn parallels to the many different choices that are made in the book. This has been a memorable story for our whole family.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good book to discuss as a family! So many lessons can be learned and discussed together. She does a great job of showing kids how their actions can effect who they are.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book... Such a fabulous way to illustrate how we are slowy lulled into choosing the wrong. Perfect for Young Women! Thanks to Megan for suggesting it!

[Katherine Woodin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short cute book with a moral object lesson

[Swhe641200 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kathy Aherns book. I thought it was a comparasion to Satan tempting us in this lfe.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great object lesson in how it's the small things leading you astray. I'm using this story in my next YW lesson about entertainment and the media.

[Tenille · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book. My kids liked it, and it taught them a very great lesson! Even the first taste is dangerous!

[Robynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little parable to show how things can seem really good, and how Satan gets you to try them just a bit at a time. Great for youth!!

[KaDee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Analogy for the Youth!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great parable--every parent will want their child to read this.

[Susan Brandley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It takes only a few minutes to read, but it's a great book.