The Big Cheese (Jory John)

Title: Big Cheese

Author: Jory John 

Illustrator: Pete Oswald 

Target Ages: 6 and up

Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Summary: Big Cheese is used to being the best at everything in the village of Curdly. Whether it’s chess, high dives, or endurance, he always comes out on top—and he makes sure everyone knows it. But when a quiet, humble newcomer named Wedge wins the annual Cheese-Athlon, Big Cheese's world is turned upside down. This story follows his journey from being a boastful winner to discovering that the "greatest" thing you can be is someone who knows how to have fun and be a friend.

First Lines: “I’m the big cheese. I’m the biggest. I’m the cheesiest. I’m the… well, you get the idea.”

Memorable Moment: “I’d become so focused on winning that I was missing out on the joy of participating.”

Evaluation: Jory John masterfully tackles the topic of competitive ego in a way that is both hilarious and deeply relatable for students. The story highlights a protagonist whose entire identity is wrapped up in his "presence," "vibe," and the "energy" he emanates. This provides a perfect entry point for discussing self-worth and how it is often mistakenly tied to external achievements.

The character of Wedge is a brilliant addition, serving as a perfect literary foil to Big Cheese. While Big Cheese is loud, bold, and dominates every conversation, Wedge is quiet, shy, and keeps to himself. The author uses this stark contrast to emphasize Big Cheese’s imbalance; Wedge’s calm humility acts as a mirror that reflects Big Cheese’s exhausting need for constant validation. The turning point is "absolutely baffling" to Big Cheese, not just because he loses, but because he sees that Wedge doesn't need the spotlight to be "great."

Pete Oswald’s illustrations capture this dynamic perfectly, showing Big Cheese’s "disconcerting" journey through every emotion from "ARRGH!" to "WAHHH!" until he is finally exhausted. The shift from being a "sharp" competitor to a "mild" friend is a lesson in sportsmanship that every classroom needs.

Now, Prove It! — Theme with Evidence

Students analyze key ideas, gather supporting quotes, and use structured sentence starters to explain how the evidence proves a theme. This resource helps readers practice moving from what happens in the story to what it means. Get your copy of Now, Prove It: Big Cheese.

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Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Creative Writing: Wedge’s Perspective. Since the book is narrated by Big Cheese, have students write a "lost chapter" from Wedge's point of view. How did he feel during the race? What did he think of Big Cheese’s loud personality?

• Figurative Language: Identify and discuss the puns and other figurative language in the story.  

• History & Culture: The Origins of "The Big Cheese." Have students research the origin of the idiom "The Big Cheese" (it is often attributed to the Urdu word chiz, meaning "a thing"). Use this book to discuss other idioms.

• Literary Devices: The Power of the Foil. Discuss the definition of a "foil" (a character who contrasts with another character to highlight particular qualities). Have students create a T-chart comparing Big Cheese's traits (Loud, Bold, Boastful) to Wedge's traits (Quiet, Shy, Humble) to see how the contrast makes Big Cheese's imbalance more obvious.

• Physical Education: The Curdly Cheese-Athlon. Organize a "Cheese-Athlon" with non-traditional cheesy events. Focus the scoring on "Sportsmanship Points" rather than just who finished first to reinforce the book's theme.

• Science Connection: The Science of Cheese. Move outside the "Food Group" themes by exploring how cheese is actually made. Discuss the differences between "sharp" and "mild" cheeses and how the author uses these culinary terms to describe the characters' personalities.

• Social-Emotional Learning: Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset. Big Cheese starts with a fixed mindset where his worth is tied only to winning. Discuss how his shift to enjoying the "joy of participating" represents a growth mindset. How does his attitude toward Wedge change once he stops seeing him only as a rival?

• Symbolism: This book is ideal to use when teaching symbolism for all ages.  Grab my Teaching Symbolism with Picture Book Activity.

• Theme: Teach theme with this picture book: The Big Cheese.

The Humble Pie (Jory John)

Title: The Humble Pie

Author: Jory John 

Illustrator: Pete Oswald 

Target Ages: 6 and up

Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Summary: Humble Pie is the ultimate people-pleaser. He never brags, never gloats, and gladly lifts others up so they can shine—especially his outgoing best friend, Jake. But when his refusal to take credit or speak up leads to a mountain of work and a massive amount of stress, Humble Pie reaches his breaking point. This story follows his journey from being a "doormat" to discovering that you can be modest while still having the courage to stand up for yourself.

First Lines: “I’m a humble pie. A very humble pie. I don’t brag. I won’t gloat. I never take credit.”

Memorable Moment: “I didn’t exactly love the idea of confronting my best friend, but it had to be done. And for once, I wasn’t going to sugarcoat it.”

Evaluation: While many children's books focus on the importance of being humble, Jory John takes a sophisticated look at the "dark side" of extreme modesty. The story explores the delicate boundary between being a kind friend and losing one's own voice. It addresses a specific type of social-emotional struggle: the "people-pleaser" who becomes overwhelmed because they are afraid to say "no" or "that was my idea."

The character of Jake serves as a perfect foil. He isn't a "villain," but his natural confidence and tendency to take the spotlight create a vacuum that Humble Pie's silence fills. This dynamic brilliantly illustrates how even good friendships can become unbalanced if one person stops advocating for themselves.

John uses this workload to show that "too much humility" isn't just a personality trait—it's a recipe for burnout. The resolution is satisfying because Humble Pie doesn't change who he is; he simply adds a layer of "icing" to his character in the form of healthy boundaries.

Pete Oswald’s illustrations capture the shift in the narrator’s "crust" beautifully. The visual contrast between Humble Pie’s shrinking posture and Jake’s "room-lighting" energy helps young readers identify the power imbalance before the narrator even speaks it. The puns remain a highlight, keeping the tone light even as the book tackles the heavy topic of mental and emotional load.

I highly recommend The Humble Pie for any classroom focusing on self-advocacy and boundaries. It is a must-have for teaching students that their hard work deserves to be seen and that speaking up for yourself is a form of kindness, too.

Now, Prove It! — Theme with Evidence 

Students analyze key ideas, gather supporting quotes, and use structured sentence starters to explain how the evidence proves a theme. This resource helps readers practice moving from what happens in the story to what it means. Get your copy of Now, Prove It: The Humble Pie.

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Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Character Education: The "Doormat" vs. The "Pillar." Discuss the difference between being helpful (lifting others up) and being a "doormat" (letting others walk over you). What are the signs that you might be doing too much for others and not enough for yourself?
• Comparison: The Big Cheese vs. The Humble Pie. These two books are perfect opposites. One character has too much ego, while the other has too little. How do both characters eventually find a "middle ground"?
• Creative Writing: The Balanced Recipe. Have students write a "recipe" for a healthy personality. How many cups of humility do you need? How many tablespoons of "Speaking Up" or "Confidence"?
• Figurative Language: This book is a goldmine for baking-related idioms and puns. Explore phrases like "sugarcoating it," "icing on the cake," "piece of cake," and "half-baked idea." Have students draw the literal meaning vs. the figurative meaning.
• Role-Play: "The Tough Conversation." Humble Pie mentions that he "didn't love the idea of confronting his best friend." Have students practice role-playing a "tough conversation" where they ask for help or take credit for their work in a way that is firm but kind.
• Social Skills:  Discuss what it looks like to "share the spotlight." How can we be like the reformed Jake and make sure we are giving our friends credit for their contributions?
• Symbolism: This book is ideal to use when teaching symbolism for all ages.  Grab my Teaching Symbolism with Picture Book Activity.
• Theme: Teach theme with this picture book: The Humble Pie.
• Writing: Have students write a short paragraph describing a day in the life of Humble Pie one month after the story ends. How does he handle his chores and his friendship with Jake now that he has found his voice?

The Sour Grape (by Jory John)

 

Title: The Sour Grape

Author: Jory John

Illustrator: Pete Oswald

Target Ages: 6 and up

Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Summary: The Sour Grape wasn't always sour. He used to be sweet, until a series of misunderstandings and a missed birthday party turned him into a grudge-holding, scowling grape. This story follows his journey from being a "sourpuss" to realizing that holding onto anger only ruins his own bunch.

First Lines: “I’m a sour grape.

A verrrrrry sour grape.

If you’re looking for someone sweet,

you’ve come to the wrong bunch.”

Memorable Moment: “I realized that my sourness wasn't hurting anyone but me. Life is too short to let one bad squeeze ruin the whole vine.”

Evaluation: We use the term "sour grapes" to describe someone who acts like they don't want something just because they can't have it, but Jory John pivots the meaning slightly to focus on grudges and forgiveness. The story brilliantly illustrates how a single moment of feeling "let down" can spiral into a personality trait if we aren't careful.

The Sour Grape is a character many children (and adults) will recognize. He is someone who keeps a literal "grudge list" and refuses to let things go. John uses this characterization to explore the weight of resentment. It shows the exhaustion that comes with staying angry.

The turning point occurs when the Sour Grape realizes he has made a mistake himself. This moment of self-reflection is the "sweetener" the story needs. He learns that everyone—including himself—needs a little grace sometimes. The story moves from a place of "justice" (holding others accountable) to a place of "mercy" (forgiving and moving on).

Illustrator Pete Oswald uses the color palette effectively here. The Sour Grape's purple hue feels heavy and dark when he is angry, but the brightness of the "Sweet Grapes" and the eventual shift in the narrator's expression help keep the message from feeling too heavy. The puns, as always, are "grape."

I highly recommend The Sour Grape for any social-emotional learning curriculum. It is a fantastic way to discuss how to handle disappointment and the importance of giving others a second chance.

Now, Prove It! — Theme with Evidence
Students analyze key ideas, gather supporting quotes, and use structured sentence starters to explain how the evidence proves a theme. This resource helps readers practice moving from what happens in the story to what it means.  Get your copy of Now, Prove It: The Sour Grape.

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Art: The Grudge List vs. The Gratitude List. Have students draw a "sour" grape with things that make them frustrated on one side, and a "sweet" grape with things they are thankful for on the other.

• Character Education: Discussion on Forgiveness. What does it feel like in your body when you are "sour"? How does it feel when you let a grudge go?

• Comparison: Compare The Sour Grape to The Bad Seed. Both characters started out "sweet" and became "sour/bad" due to a traumatic event. How are their paths to redemption similar?

• Creative Writing: Write a letter of apology from the Sour Grape to someone on his list, or a letter from a friend explaining why they missed the party.

• Figurative Language: Explore the idiom "Sour Grapes." Research the original Aesop’s Fable (The Fox and the Grapes) and compare it to Jory John’s version.

• Food Feelings: Explore why Jory John uses food characters to explain emotions. How does this make hard feelings easier to talk about?

• Pun Hunt: Find and list grape-related puns in the story and discuss how humor helps balance a serious message.

• Social Skills: Role-play "The Mistake." Practice how to apologize when you accidentally let a friend down and how to react when a friend apologizes to you

• Symbolism:  This book is ideal to use when teaching symbolism for all ages.  Grab my Teaching Symbolism with Picture Book Activity.

• Theme: Teach theme with this picture book: The Sour Grape.

• Writing: Have students write one short paragraph describing the Sour Grape before the party and one describing him after he learns to forgive. What changed most?

The Couch Potato (by Jory John)

Title: The Couch Potato 

Author: Jory John 

Illustrator: Pete Oswald Target Ages: 4 and up 

Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Summary: The Couch Potato has everything he needs within arm’s reach. With a myriad of screens, gadgets, and snacks, he never has to leave his seat. However, when a sudden power outage forces him outside, he discovers that life is much more vibrant when you aren't plugged in.

First Lines: “I am a potato. Not a fingerling potato. Not a Russet potato. Not a Yukon Gold potato. I am a couch potato.”

Memorable Moment: “I noticed the stillness. I noticed the birds. I noticed the clouds. I even noticed... myself.”

Evaluation: We often use the term “couch potato” to describe someone who is lazy or sedentary. In this brilliantly relatable story, Jory John takes this literal root vegetable and uses him to explore our modern obsession with technology, the loss of connection to nature, and the importance of balance.

The Couch Potato is a standout addition to the "Food Group" series. Much like The Bad Seed and The Good Egg, John takes a common idiom and gives it a soul. Initially, the Couch Potato is the king of comfort. He has a wall of screens and "plugs for my plugs." His life is defined by ease and entertainment, but he is completely disconnected from the world beyond his living room.

Little does the Couch Potato realize, but his "perfect" setup is actually limiting his growth. It takes a literal blackout to force him out of his comfort zone. When the power goes out and his screens go dark, he is forced to step outside. This transition is something many of us—children and adults alike—can relate to. We often don't realize how much the digital world consumes us until we are forced to put the devices down.

Once outside, the Couch Potato’s perspective shifts. He doesn't just see the world; he experiences it. He breathes the fresh air, notices the colors of the sunset, and plays in the grass. The text highlights this internal change: “I felt... relaxed. I felt... happy. I felt... like a new potato.” The story provides a concrete and humorous example of how unplugging can lead to a more "well-rounded" life.

When the power eventually comes back on, the Couch Potato doesn't go back to his old ways. He finds a middle ground. He still enjoys his shows, but he also makes time for his friends and the great outdoors. This story is a perfect springboard for discussing balance, the benefits of nature, and mindful living.

Illustrator Pete Oswald once again works magic with his watercolor style. From the glow of the television screens to the lush greens of the park, the art perfectly mirrors the Potato's emotional journey from high-tech isolation to natural connection.

This story is incredibly timely. While it’s marketed as a picture book, its message about the "digital trap" is something that will resonate deeply with older students and parents. I highly recommend The Couch Potato.

Now, Prove It! — Theme with Evidence
Students analyze key ideas, gather supporting quotes, and use structured sentence starters to explain how the evidence proves a theme. This resource helps readers practice moving from what happens in the story to what it means.  Get your copy of Now, Prove It: The Couch Potato.

Other Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Art: Use a potato shape template and have students draw their "Best Self" potato—what do they look like when they are outside and active?
• Character Education: Discuss the concept of "Balance." Have students create a daily schedule that balances screen time with "green time" (outdoor time).
• Comparison: Compare the Couch Potato’s living room at the beginning of the book to the park scene in the middle. How do the colors and the character’s expressions change?
• Creative Writing: Teach the plot diagram using this story. Then, have students choose a common idiom (like "Tough Cookie" or "Cool as a Cucumber") and write a story where the character learns a lesson.
• Science: Use the book to launch a lesson on what plants (and people!) need to grow—specifically sunlight and fresh air.
• Symbolism:  This book is ideal to use when teaching symbolism for all ages.  Grab my Teaching Symbolism with Picture Book Activity.
• Technology Audit: Have students track their screen time for one evening and then brainstorm five things they could do instead that don't require a plug.
• Theme:  Teach theme with this picture book: The Couch Potato.

The Cool Bean (by Jory John)

Title: The Cool Bean

Author: Jory John 

Illustrator: Pete Oswald 

Target Ages: 6 and up 

Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Summary: A bean who used to be part of a tight-knit group of friends finds himself on the outside looking in. As his old friends become the "Cool Beans," he feels uncool and forgotten. However, he soon learns that being "cool" has much less to do with sunglasses and swagger and much more to do with how you treat others.

First Lines: “Watch out! Here come the cool beans. The cool beans.”

Memorable Moment: “A poco a poco, I started to feel like one of them again. Not because I was wearing sunglasses... but because I was being kind. And they were being kind to me.”

Evaluation: In our culture, "coolness" is often equated with being aloof, stylish, or popular. Author Jory John brilliantly deconstructs this myth. He takes a character who feels "uncool"—a bean who is clumsy and self-conscious—and pits him against a trio of beans who seem to have it all.

The Cool Bean is a masterclass in empathy. The narrator isn't just "not cool"; he is lonely. He remembers when he and the cool beans were "a pod," and the pain of drifting apart is something that resonates with anyone who has ever transitioned to a new grade or school.

The turning point isn't a makeover or a change in personality. Instead, the "Cool Beans" perform small, quiet acts of kindness for the narrator when he is at his lowest. They help him when he drops his tray; they move over to give him a seat. Jory John shows that true "coolness" is actually warmth.

Little by little, the narrator realizes that he doesn't need to change who he is to belong. He just needs to be a "good bean." This story illustrates in a concrete manner how small gestures can change someone's entire world.

Illustrator Pete Oswald uses the "cool" aesthetic—sunglasses, leather jackets, and slicked-back hair—to create a visual contrast that eventually melts away as the characters connect. The watercolor textures make even the "coolest" beans feel approachable and soft, mirroring the book's heart.

I highly recommend The Cool Bean for any classroom or home. It’s a powerful tool for building a culture of kindness and shifting the social focus from "status" to "support."

Now, Prove It! — Theme with Evidence
Students analyze key ideas, gather supporting quotes, and use structured sentence starters to explain how the evidence proves a theme. This resource helps readers practice moving from what happens in the story to what it means.  Get your copy of Now, Prove It!: The Cool Bean.

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Art: Draw a "Cool Bean" and a "Kind Bean." Are they the same person? Decorate them with accessories that represent kindness (like an umbrella to keep someone dry or a hand to help someone up).
• Character Education: "Coolness" Brainstorm. List traits people think are cool (clothes, shoes) vs. traits that actually make a friend (honesty, kindness).
• Comparison: Compare how the narrator feels at the beginning (invisible) to the end (seen). What specific actions made that change happen?
• Creative Writing: Write a "Thank You" note from the narrator to one of the Cool Beans for a specific act of kindness mentioned in the book.
• Drama/Roleplay: Act out the "cafeteria scene." Practice what it looks like to "be cool" by helping someone who has made a mistake.
• Figurative Language: Discuss the pun "Cool Bean." What does it mean literally vs. figuratively?
• Symbolism:  This book is ideal to use when teaching symbolism for all ages.  Grab my Teaching Symbolism with Picture Book Activity.
• Theme:  You can teach theme with The Cool Bean.  

From Childhood Comfort to Complex Characters: Teaching The Brave Little Toaster

For many of us, The Brave Little Toaster brings back instant nostalgia. We remember a group of loyal household appliances embarking on a heartfelt journey, teaching young audiences about friendship, perseverance, and belonging. It’s a story rooted in comfort — one that feels simple, familiar, and safe.

But The Brave Little Toaster didn’t stop with childhood.

Years later, Cory Doctorow reimagined the story for a new audience, transforming it into a layered, unsettling, and deeply thought-provoking short story. Doctorow’s version keeps the recognizable premise but pushes it into darker territory, asking readers to confront ideas about disposability, consumerism, and autonomy.

This shift makes The Brave Little Toaster a powerful text for middle school classrooms — especially when the instructional focus is characterization.

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Why Doctorow’s The Brave Little Toaster Works So Well for Character Analysis

Doctorow’s adaptation is deceptively complex. At first glance, students may expect the same warmth and optimism as the children’s version. Instead, they encounter characters who are:

• deeply flawed

• shaped by fear and loyalty

• driven by rigid beliefs about purpose and worth

• resistant to change, even when it harms them

This contrast creates the perfect entry point for rich character discussions. Students must look beyond surface actions and grapple with motivation, belief systems, and internal conflict.

One standout figure is Mister Toussaint, whose presence alone sparks debate. Is he practical? quick-thinking? Controlling? The text doesn’t hand students easy answers — and that’s exactly what makes it ideal for close reading and evidence-based reasoning.

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Moving Beyond “Nice” and “Mean”: Teaching Traits with Precision

One of the biggest challenges when teaching characterization is helping students move past vague labels. Words like nice, bad, or mean don’t capture the complexity of Doctorow’s characters.

That’s where Trait Detective comes in.

My Brave Little Toaster: Trait Detective resource is designed to guide students through:

• expanding common character trait vocabulary

• identifying specific, text-supported character traits

• using direct evidence to justify trait choices

• recognizing how a character’s traits shape the story’s outcome

• writing about how quote prove the character trait

Instead of guessing or choosing traits based on feelings, students must prove it — a skill that directly supports literary analysis, constructed responses, and deeper discussions.

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How the Trait Detective Resource Fits into Your Lesson Flow

This resource works beautifully:

• after a first or second close read of the story

• as a collaborative discussion activity

• as independent practice for evidence-based reasoning

• as a scaffold before extended writing or analysis paragraphs

Students act as “trait detectives,” examining dialogue, decisions, and consequences to determine which traits truly define each character. The structure encourages careful rereading and purposeful annotation — without overwhelming students.

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Building a Larger Brave Little Toaster Text Set

This resource is also meant to be part of a larger teaching conversation. The Brave Little Toaster opens the door to meaningful discussions about:

• how stories change when audiences change

• how authors adapt familiar ideas to explore new themes

• how characters can be both sympathetic and deeply flawed

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Final Thoughts

What makes Cory Doctorow’s The Brave Little Toaster so effective in the classroom is the same thing that makes it unsettling: it refuses to simplify its characters.

By pairing this story with targeted characterization tools, students learn that characters — like people — are rarely just one thing. They are shaped by fear, loyalty, belief, and circumstance.

And that realization? That’s where real literary thinking begins.

If you’re looking for a way to move students beyond surface-level traits and into meaningful analysis, the Brave Little Toaster: Trait Detective resource is a powerful place to start.

Other Resources You Might Like

Brave Little Toaster: Trait Detective

Brave Little Toaster Trait Detective Case File + Student Kit

Brave Little Toaster Vocabulary Bundle

Brave Little Toaster Escape Room

Brave Little Toaster Now, Prove It (Main Idea)