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Parents' Guide to

The Big Cheese: The Food Group, Book 7

By Carrie Kingsley, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Funny, warm picture book embraces humor and humility.

Book Jory John Picture Book 2023
The Big Cheese book cover: A smiling block of cheese stands on a first place podium

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

THE BIG CHEESE is used to winning, and he makes sure everyone knows it. He crushes all the competition and brags about how he's going to win the Cheese-cathalon again, ready to add another trophy to his collection. But quiet, unassuming Wedge Wedgeman starts winning races, and The Big Cheese starts losing his cool. When it's all over and they see each other at the river, can The Big Cheese get over his ego and really get to know Wedge?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This wonderful book is full of small moments of change, and encourages readers to think about their own "aha!" moments where they can make better decisions for long-term happiness. The Big Cheese is a fun read-aloud that can prompt some great discussions about the difference between being confident and being obnoxious, and the power and reward in knowing when to listen and appreciate others. The idea that being loud doesn't mean you're the best (and might make you miss out on genuine friendships) is a good prompt for talking about introverts and extroverts, and the abundant silliness in the story is just plain fun.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about when they have changed their approach to something like The Big Cheese did to competing. What has made you stop and think about how you're treating others?

  • What can you do to help others make changes to their behavior? What would help you to be more humble? Why is humility an important character strength?

  • When has someone surprised you and not behaved the way you expected? What did you think?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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