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 Panda Problem (Deborah Underwood)

Title:  The Panda Problem

Author:  Deborah Underwood

Illustrator:  Hannah Marks

Target Ages:  5 and up

Genre:  Post Modern Picture Book (Metafiction)

Publisher Summary: 

Every story needs a problem.  But Panda doesn’t have a problem.  Unless Panda IS the problem.

First Lines:

Once upon a time, there was a panda who lived in a beautiful bamboo grove.

But the panda had a BIG problem.

Nope.

Excuse me?

Memorable Moment:

BECAUSE THINGS CAN’T GET ANY WORSE!

Oh, can’t they?

What if suddenly there were…

Evaluation:

Author Deborah Underwood knows how to create a witty picture book. I became a fan after reading the Here Comes the … Cat series.  Her creative twists and turns as well as her memorable characters make for an entertaining reading experience.  The Panda Problem is no different.

Along with many readers—young and old—I love pandas. Underwood’s panda character is full of cheeky fun.  Though he is the main character (at least in theory), he does everything he can to undermine the story.  At the same time, he is creating the very story he attempts to usurp (more about that later). 

On a simple level, this picture book introduces children to the parts of a story—setting, character, plot, conflict, and resolution—in an engaging manner.  Characterization can be explored through the witty dialogue between the narrator and the panda. Suspense is craftily used to keep listeners predicting what will happen next. Underwood often subverts expectations with inventive surprises and humorous irony.  

The difference between realism and fantasy is another layer.  It is real that pandas live in a bamboo grove.  They eat lots of bamboo.  Pandas cannot live in Antartica.  However, elements like jellybean rain and a banjo-playing bear are fantasy.  The seamless blend of the two elements—fantasy and reality—is an ideal teaching opportunity for educators and parents. 

The story can be read as just a fun picture book.  However, older students can look at it more closely because it is deceptively complex. 

The Panda Problem subtly pokes fun at the cliché picture book—a story with a character that has a problem and then the problem worsens, but in the end everything resolves itself.  Like many post-modern books, it questions this plot development assumption while also sticking with it (somewhat) often including absurd elements, such as aliens and jellybean rain. 

Educators and parents can use it as an example of metafiction, fiction about fiction in which the author knowingly draws attention to the fact that it is fiction.  Older students (through college age) can dig into not only what metafiction is but what purpose it has and how it reflects post-modern attitudes about literature and life. For instance, The Panda Problem uses metafiction to epitomize the post-modern idea: Life is uncertain and truth is relative, but we might as well have some fun with them. 

Witty.  Subversive. Thought-provoking.  The Panda Problem is a must read for all ages! 

Lesson Plan Activities and Extension Ideas Recap:

• Parts of a Story: Use to introduce or reinforce the key parts of a story.  Then, identify the parts of this story.  Debate--Who is the real protagonist?
• Predicting Skills: Periodically stop to allow children to guess what is going to happen next and why they think so.
• Irony:  What are some examples of irony?  What type of irony is it?  What is the significance of each example?
• Suspense:  How does the author incorporate suspense?
• Fantasy vs. Reality:  Discuss which story elements are based on fantasy and which are on reality.
• Post-Modernism:  Demonstrates post-modern elements on a simple but complex level. For more post-modern picture books, click HERE.  (More post-modern picture book posts coming soon.)
• Metafiction:  Can be used up to college age along with novels (like Don Quixote) or short stories ("The Kugelmass Episode") that incorporate metafiction.  For more metafiction examples, click HERE.

Max Explains Everything (Stacy McAnulty)

Max Explains Everything is a budding series by author Stacy McAnulty and illustrator Deborah Hocking. Two books have been published so far:  Max Explains Everything: Grocery Story Expert and Max Explains Everything: Soccer Expert.  There is a lot to love about this character and series.

Max is confident.  From the grocery story to the soccer field,  he considers himself an expert.  He illustrates that confidence can come from participation and enthusiasm in everyday experiences. 

Connect his experiences to similar ones children in your home or classroom have had.  Then, allow kids to create their own “expert” stories based on their similar or different events. 

Max is funny.  His boisterous personality is sure to make kids laugh—whether he is hiding to avoid going to the store, faking an injury, or trying to convince his mother to buy something.  Most of the laughs come from hyperbole and irony.  For example, the grocery store has 8000 aisles, and his shin guards are “battle armor on [his] legs”  (hyperbole).   Max “helps out” the soccer team by getting rid of distractions like dandelions.  In reality, he is laying in the middle of the field blowing on one as the ball wizzes past.  In Grocery Store Expert, he informs his audience that “everything tastes better when served on a toothpick.”  However, his face and body language tell a different tale as he is being offered a sushi sample! 

Define (or review) and discuss examples of hyperbole and irony in the stories.   Talk about why the author used these literary tools. 

Max is optimistic.  Even when he does not get his way, he stays positive.  For instance, him mom decides to buy two boxes of Whole Wheat Healthy Oats—instead of one of his preferred cereals.  No worries.  He remains hopeful he will get his favorite treat (cookies).   She denies that request too, but eventually he sneaks in a candy bar.  In Soccer Expert, Max is more interested in interacting with people and nature than playing the game.  As a result, he misses multiple chances to kick the ball.  As he says goodbye to his coach and team mates, he says, “Can’t wait to kick the ball again next week.” 

Point out how being optimistic—even when things didn’t go as he planned—gave him confidence and created a positive atmosphere.  Discuss ways to stay positive in disappointing or difficult circumstances.

Max is creative and imaginative.  In Soccer Expert, his mom wants to take his picture—kicking the ball.  Max has a different idea.  He poses smiling (as someone kicks the ball behind him). He gives a “serious” look (as a teammate heads the ball).  His “team” picture is of him showing jazz hands as the rest of the team is in the distance playing.  In Grocery Store Expert, he uses his imagination to attempt to convince his mom to buy something from the bakery.  He tells her it is Llama Appreciate Day, so they need a cake, and Boys Named Max Day, so they need donuts.  Then, he tries to trick her by saying it is Opposite Day, so they must get cupcakes. 

Encourage children to imaginatively respond to a situation—from the book or their own experience.  They can act it out, draw it, or describe it. 

Hocking’s gouache and colored pencil drawings are a delight!  Max’s exuberant personality spills off the pages.  Shifting perspectives add to the text and characterization.  For instance, an exaggerated wall of cereal illustrates the daunting tasking of picking the “right one” because the “fate of breakfast” is at stake.  In a later scene, only the top of his head is shown as he peeks at the various delicious baked goods.  This sheepish appearance is an attempt to convince his mom to buy one of the treats.  Parallel experiences are also shown.  As the rest of the team runs in a single file line warming up, Max stretches, twirls, and somersaults his way into preparation for the big game. 

McAnulty and Hocking have created an endearing and hilarious character that youngsters are sure to connect with.  Check this books out!

Max, kid-expert extraordinaire, will be back in 2020 with Max Explains Everything: Puppy Expert.

For more Perfect Picture Books, visit Susanne Leonard Hill. 

There Are No Bears in This Bakery (Julia Sarcone-Roach)

Title:  There Are No Bears in This Bakery

Author:  Julia Sarcone-Roach

Illustrator:  Julia Sarcone-Roach

Target Ages:  3-9

Genre:  Picture Book

Publisher Summary: 

There was a low rumbling noise in the night.

Muffin is the whiskers of this neighborhood, so she steps out to investigate.

She tracks down the usual suspects—the mice, the raccoons, the bats.

But no, this sound is new.

And the window to the bakery is open.

It’s called the Little Bear Bakery.

But there are no bears there.

Not real bears.

Not ever.

Not usually.

But maybe…?

First Lines:

Each night, the moon rises,

the bread rises, and I rise.

The air cools, and the sounds get interesting.

That’s when the night shift begins.

Memorable Moment:

Suddenly it was

LIGHTS-OUT!

Everything went dark, and I couldn’t move.

I was smooshed, like a muffin between the couch cushions.

Evaluation:

The rich language and endearing illustrations are a delicious combination.  The characters are sweet.  The setting and plot combine a sprinkle of mystery, a dash of suspense, and a pinch of humor. This light-hearted and entertaining book is delight! 

Add There Are No Bears in This Bakery to your must read list!

Also from Julia Sarcone-Roach, The Bear Ate Your Sandwich.

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Similes:  Tie this book in with an simile activity or use it as a spring board to discuss them.
• Onomatopoeia:  Students can identify the sound words.  Discuss other night sounds.  As an independent practice activity, fold a sheet of paper in half.  On the front, the student can write a night sound.  Inside, draw a picture of what is making the sound.  Students can share their sounds.  Others can guess who or what is making it!
• Science:  Read about other nocturnal animals or pick one to learn about further. 
• Cooking:  At home, bake an item commonly found in a bakery.  For the classroom, bring in an baked good item to share.  For instance, bring in cupcakes.  Give the student sprinkles and small candies to decorate theirs.
• Art:  Complete an art project where the students create a bear.  Here is an adorable and easy one.  Provide paper plates in big and small to make one or both bears from the story.
• Dramatic Play:  Create or provide puppets of a cat and two bears.  Students can act out the story or new adventures with the characters.
• Irony:  Discuss examples of irony, and explain how they make the story humorous.

Visit the Perfect Picture Book Round Up HERE.